BRAVO FOR PHILADELPHIA-AREA DESIGNERS
“Project Runway” Winner Is But One of Many Talented Philly Designers

Philadelphia, May 27, 2005 — It’s no coincidence that this year’s winner of Bravo’s hit reality series Project Runway is a Philly boy. The outrageous Jay McCarroll represents just one of many homegrown — or, at least, patriated — Philadelphia-area clothing designers who are making major names for themselves in the world of fashion. 

For years, McCarroll, a Luzerne County native and Philadelphia University graduate, was a fixture in area boutiques, where he sold his edgy designs under the maitattoo label. Now that he’s gone mainstream — or as mainstream as a guy who wears oversized pink sunglasses indoors can get — he’s made the rest of the country aware of the untapped wealth of design talent in and around Philadelphia. Although there are undeniably major labels based in the area — Urban Outfitters, Lilly Pulitzer, Paula Hian, Lagos Jewelers and Anthropologie — there are also plenty of new designers poised to hit the big time soon. Here’s a look:

• “Traffic” by Matthew Izzo and Mark Ax – What happens when a modern-minded interior decorator and a lighting designer-to-the-stars collaborate on men’s and women’s clothing? Pure genius in the form of tee-shirts, hoodies, tank tops and jackets silk-screened with 18^th-century engravings replicated from rare books of myths and fables. “I’ve been collecting these engravings for years,” says Izzo, who co-owns his eponymous boutiques on Pine and 13^th Streets. “The images are very mythological and spiritual.” Available at Matthew Izzo, 117 S. 13^th Street, (215) 629-1240, www.matthewizzo.com
   

• “Gregory Thomas” by Gregory T. Dickson – Dickson is a Philadelphia University alum and former Urban Outfitters employee who recently launched a line of handbags that’s been an instant success. “I make two shapes,” says the Manayunk-based designer. “One is about 12 to 13 inches wide and five inches tall, curved to fit under the arm — a going-out bag that’s very sculptural.” His latest designs include both city-tough — gold cotton with silver metallic paint and silver hardware — and girly — seersucker and gingham with ribbon accents — models. Available at Skirt, 907 Lancaster Avenue, (610) 520-0222; Vagabond, 37 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0737; and on Dickson’s Web site, www.gregorythomashandbags.com
   

• “City of Brotherly Love” by Megan Murphy – Co-owner of Old City’s Vagabond, Murphy has perfected the art of imperfection in her asymmetric little jackets, which she pairs with flawlessly high-waisted slim trousers or deep v-neck dresses of her own design. Each style is classic, but contemporary. Her jackets, for example, have one side that’s rounded and ruffled and another that has capped sleeves. Available at Vagabond, 37 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0737
   

• “Stella Pop” By Mary Clark – Vagabond’s other half has become so well known for her shrugs and mini boleros, she can’t knit them fast enough. Although available at Urban Outfitters nationwide, Stella Pop — named after her daughter Stella — remains a purely local creation. “I knit about 50 pieces a month,” says Mary. Next up on her to-knit list: little bed jackets and vests. Available at Vagabond, 37 N. 3^rd Street, (267) 671-0737
   

• bias Collection “Black Label” by Andre Mitchell – Local boy and Philadelphia University graduate with a penchant for taking emerging designers under his wing, Manayunk’s Andre Mitchell has turned bias boutique into one of the city’s edgiest venues for up-to-date fashions. “Most designers design for two times a year. I do four,” says Mitchell. Each season ushers in a new theme: Fairy tales for spring, jungle prints for summer — always with clean lines, fine fabrics and mix-and-match versatility. Available at bias, 4442 Main Street, (215) 483-8340, www.biasfashion.com
   

• “Mianj” by Nadja Kabic – This Jenkintown-based women’s designer seems poised for the big-time. Her talent for flaring a pant leg is impeccable; her embellishments to her feminine halter dresses and skirts, divine. “Nadja has such an eye,” says Molletta co-owner Janine Dilauro, “She really knows how to design.” Available at Molletta, 55 N. 3^rd Street, (215) 925-7733, www.molletta.net
   

• “Carmish” by Bela Shehu – Yet another talented shop owner, this Philadelphia poster-girl for style works with notable graphic designer Michael Miller to create amazing silkscreens for enzyme and silicon hand-washed tee-shirts to coordinate with her shop’s selection of Rock ‘n’ Republic jeans and Anna Sui separates. “In the first month of opening, we ran out of half of my merchandise,” says Shehu. “It has been better than I’ve ever imagined.” Available at bShehu, 113 S. 13^th Street, (215) 574-1300

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The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region’s economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676

2005

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