Shopping Spree

Fashion > Forward

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Philadelphia Fashion Week

In New York, Paris, London and Milan, spring and fall are the two most important Fashion Weeks of the year. The timelines are on an extreme fast-forward (fall collections are shown in the spring, and vice-versa) in order for store buyers and magazine editors to identify the pieces they want. In Philadelphia, our scattershot Fashion Week programming is a delightful diversion, not a business opportunity, for most spectators. Modeling and entertainment company FBH Agency will stage their third annual "Fashion Week"(end) with two shows at the Crane Arts Building, just on the edge of Kensington. Friday night's show will feature ready-to-wear collections — look for offerings from Philly native Kirk Johnson's b.-VAIN as well as MonAri 1962's collection of funky, body-conscious mini dresses and separates in vibrant ikat prints. Couture visions walk on Saturday, including one-of-a-kind pieces from 19-year-old Baltimore designer Ying Edge and San Jose's Cory Dung of Cory Couture. Local designer Melanie Brandon, a three-time FBH Fashion Week presenter, will show artfully draped, ethereal evening and cocktail frocks from her Melani Von Alexander spring/summer 2010 collection. Your ticket also buys refreshments, as well as all the red carpet and flashbulbs your sassy Philly bum can handle.

Fri.-Sat., Feb. 26-27, 8 p.m., $35 (one night)-$60 (both), Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St., 215-626-7116, fbhphiladelphiafashionweek.com.