On a Rule Bender

Philadelphia Fashion Week strives to be nothing like its predecessors.

by Julia West

[ style ]

Neal Santos NO CONTEST: "We're not trying to compete with New York," says Michael Anderer, creative director of Philadelphia Fashion Week (pictured, left).

It's not the brightest time for Philly business owners: Jobs have evaporated, local stores have closed and residents are stripping their budgets of all luxuries.

In other words, it might be the perfect time for the city to host its first-ever Philadelphia Fashion Week.

"If the economy was booming, sales were great and I didn't have any free time, I wouldn't do this," says Michael Anderer, creative director of Philadelphia Fashion Week. "I'm co-owner of Matthew Izzo on 13th. Being the co-owner of a fashion-driven store in an economy that's suffering, I wanted a group marketing scheme for all the companies to represent themselves. People in these times need to get extra-creative with how they survive as business owners."

With an eye to frugality, Philadelphia Fashion Week won't look much like its paparazzi- and celebrity-splattered New York or Paris step-sisters. In fact, Anderer is welcoming Philly's least-experienced designers to the show: Students from Moore College of Art & Design, Philadelphia University and the Art Institute will compete in front of a Project Runway-inspired panel. "We want to show the future of Philadelphia designers," says Anderer.

Anderer is also making it a point to involve mostly local pro stylists. Classy men's shop Commonwealth Proper, street chic outfitter Palmieri Jeans and SA VA, which created gowns specifically for the event, are just a few of the Philly designers on the bill. Out-of-towners joining them will include the famously urban Triple 5 Soul, glamorously hipster Love Brigade, sharp dressers Parke & Ronen, and S.Love, a brand known for its hand-painted dresses.

Like pairing a perfectly tailored frock with leggings, Anderer has tried to match each night's musical selection with the clothing on display. "I wanted to give each day a theme," he says, "since Philly is so diverse and I want everyone to come."

On Thursday, he's appealing to the indie set with funk band Black Landlord, MC David Evangelist and upscale hipster designers Brooklyn Royalty; Friday to street-fashion lovers with music by rapper Tu Phace, a graffiti installation, and apparel by Street Star Custom Clothing; and Saturday to fans of finer wear with couture and experimental hip-hoppers The Hustle. There will also be drinks and food each evening, as well as boutiques for shopping.

The best proof that Philadelphia Fashion Week isn't aspiring to anything going down in Bryant Park, though, may be the involvement of Delicious Boutique, a local, circus freak-themed shop that churns out lascivious leather corsets and accessories. "I only hope we don't scare people off," says Psydde Delicious, the store's co-founder. "Some of our designs can be a bit out there!"

Which is just what Anderer was going for. "There are fashion weeks in other cities. We're not trying to compete with New York."

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Thu.-Sat., Oct. 8-10, 5-10 p.m., $75-$150, 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St., 215-783-3434, philadelphiafashionweek.org.