We love Philly, and one of the best parts of the city is the fashion! Our region is graced by numerous trendsetting designers who are always innovating and taking their apparel to the next level. With so many hot designs to choose from, we picked out our top 10 favorite designers who we feel you MUST become familiar with!
We L-O-V-E NAVEDA Couture. Owner Amy Devan has taken her brand of bohemian glamour and marketed so successfully that her work has been seen in New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and was most recently featured in The Philadelphia Collection. Also, she is a fashionista with a cause. As a female entrepreneur, she feels it is her duty and privilege to raise #aWEARness. In partnership with sticks + stones, her brand helps promote social change through fashion. Their collaboration is named #tribeSHEro, which supports initiatives that move women forward!
Liz and Laura Rymer of ellelauri Boutique
They are so many reasons why we love ellelauri! Co-founded by Liz Rymer and her sister Laura, the pair aspire to make chic clothing that is affordable for the everyday women. Thier clothing line has been featured in Philadelphia Style, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Life and Style Magazine. Celebs such as Kendall Jenner and Jessica Alba were spotted wearing ellelauri! The sisters have three locations in Avalon, NJ, Rittenhouse in Center City, and their newest store, Suburban Square on the Main Line.
In one of our earlier First Friday Interviews we had the chance to get to know Philly born and raised Dom Streater, winner of the 12th season of Project Runway. We love this amazing lady because she is on the move with her industry-changing graphic modern textures that helped her win the competition. Dom has received an official proclamation from the Mayor of Philadelphia, was named one of Nicole Miller’s “Most Fashionable Women of Philadelphia,” has been featured in Marie Claire, Essence and Jet. Dom has designed pieces for clients such as Belk stores, the nation’s largest family owned and operated department store, and a collection of headphones for Velodyne.
Here is one of our favorite shoe shops in the city. It’s geared toward women AND men, so here you go fellas! Elena is London born and bred, but she brought her English style to Philadelphia and we could not be happier. Her shop, located on 4th Street in Old City, is one of a kind. Elena brings us an eclectic mix of funky and chic, highlighting the best of European fashion. She just recently launched her own shoe line, called Bus Stop X, that is sure to give any passerby serious shoe envy. Elena’s shop has been voted “Best Shoes” by Philadelphia Magazine, was featured in The New York Times “36 Hours in Philadelphia,” and was voted “Best Shoe Boutique in the Country” by Footwear Plus Magazine.
Bianca De Pietro of Toile Atelier
This woman is one of our top designers because of her elegant wear line. Toile Atelier is the go-to place if you need a dress to impress! De Pietro is a graduate of the Philadelphia University fashion program and has studied fashion in Italy and London. This universal fashionista launched her store Toile Atelier in 2013 in the upcoming neighborhood of Fishtown. Her designs offer a unique variety of seasonal ready-to-wear, bridal, evening wear, accessories, and custom garments. Other local designers, such as Agashi, Autumnlin Atelier, BlckBts, Cozen NYC, Debil Leather Goods, Sophi Reaptress, and Vannucci Ltd. Jewelry also have pieces that can be found in her store.
Diana Bader and Lindsay Leichner of Black Wednesday
Look out! This deadly duo are edgy and chic. Black Wednesday specializes in all things leather, metal, dark, and glamorous. These two graduated in 2010 from Drexel University and decided Philly needed a store that brought more of a bite. They are one of our favorites because they allow wearers to step out of their comfort zone into something more dramatic and eye-catching. As they say, they want to welcome you to their world of sin.
Nicole Haddad is a Brazilian-American designer living in Philadelphia who endeavors to make comfortable wear fashionable and exciting. She uses innovative textile prints for all of her pieces, ranging from day to evening wear and everything in between. Nicole sees her brand as the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her clothes are sophisticated, yet wild; practical, yet chic. She makes looking good easy and is definitely a designer to keep an eye on.
Melissa Choi and Pia Panaligan of Senpai + Kohai
This is such a unique line that we have to mention them as our top 10! This Philly-based brand started as an idea shared by two friends from college who had a passion for fashion. Earning their degrees from Philadelphia University, this creative duo has put in their time in the fashion industry, and doing so helped inspire the clothing line that finally launched on their own. Pia Panaligan spent much of her earlier career as a freelance stylist for Anthropologie, Free People, Autumn Cashmere, and Leifsdottir. Melissa Choi had the opportunity to work in India designing for Urban Outfitters Inc. Choi’s time in India gave her the inspiration to focus on textiles to complement any modern woman.
This lady is in our top 10 because she can fix any tailored problem you may have, but also can design with the best. Winner of Philly Mag’s 1st Annual Fashion Project, she views alterations as an artwork and can custom design anything you want, or make your garmet as good as new! Not to mention – ladies, if your big day is coming up, she specializes in custom design and high quality bridal alterations. Needless to say, this designer deserves a spot in the top 10!
This designer can do it all! She designs for both men and women, and all of her designs are fabulous. Her contemporary style highlights the biggest and best fashion trends of 2015. Her apparel offers the finest quality, with exquisite attention to detail and bold prints. Terese’s designs can be found exclusively at the best retails store in Philly. She has a strong and impressive background in business and fashion, having attended Lafayette College and earned a degree in Economics & Business and Studio Art. She went onto obtain a Fashion Design degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), and also went through the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s program. Terese gained a strong business background from Lehman Brothers and Goldman, Sachs & Co., Brown, and then chased her fashion dream. She has brains, beauty, and a great fashion sense. What’s not to love?
Who are your favorite designers in the Philadelphia area? Share them in the comments!
*NAVEDA Couture is a client of Philly PR Girl.
