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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2011 ManStyle Show Review

This was the first ManStyle Men's Fashion Show for Pittsburgh Fashion Week which is in it's second year. So needless to say I was excited to see some men on the runway for a change!!!



The Show featured JoS A. Banks Menswear at the John H. Heinz History Center started out with Pittsburgh's A List Celebrity Television Personalities!



Local Celebrity WTAE Sports Broadcaster Andrew Stockey having fun on the Runway! And City Council Constituent Services Coordinator Matt Hogue shows us the fashionable side of politics!



Handsome as can be models representing JoS A. Banks & PFW and well! Rising model Marcus Powers is sure to make it in New York Fashion Week!!!



The Casual Male looking dapper in seperates from JoS A. Banks including Tommy Hilfiger apparel.




The Plus male sporting Fall's Favorite colors browns and tans.



The well suited male in tux, bow tie and scarf and model Tim O'Reilly.



The evening benefited a worthy organization called Capacity Developers Inc. which provides suits and work wear for men re-entering the workforce from unemployment, prison, renewal and recovery like the gentleman below. Irene Anderson Sparks, Community Resource Manager seen with Kevin Schnieders who is on the Advisory Board and is the CEO and President of Educational Data Systems which is a contributing partner of the program was the Commentator for the organization's part of the show where they showcased donated suits, scrubbs and labor work wear that they supply for the men in need!



Capacity Developers is a non-profit that also provides systems of support to ensure that men of Greater Pittsburgh have the ability to seek gainful employment through education & training programs and supportive services. Please support this great organization by donating suits and mens work wear and/or monetary donations at http://www.capacitydevelopers.org/

The Runway was also adorned with custom designed studded and painted sneakers by Ben Smith of BRUSH FOOTWEAR. You can place your custom order with Ben at ben@brushfootwear.com or his website at www.brushfootwear.com .



I must say I was a little dissappointed that there weren't more men's fashions presented in the show that lasted all of 20 minutes with JoS A. Banks presenting 15 looks! At $40 a ticket, I'm sure fashion goers were looking for a little more. With Men's Clothing Stores in Downtown Pittsburgh alone Brooks Brothers, Larrimor's, Lydell's, Macy's, Sak's Fifth Avenue and even a little street wear...it could have been a great show!

Pittsburgh STEP UP! We have great talent and exceptional potential...we'll see what the rest of the week has to hold. But I'm sure the Fashion Students will BRING IT in the back to back Student Runway Shows. Get your tickets now (because these shows fill up fast) at http://www.pittsburghfashionweek.com/

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

PFW Opening Night w/ DONCASTER

PITTSBURGH FASHION WEEK 2011 OPENING NIGHT was a HUGE success with the "From BRYANT PARK To MARKET SQUARE" Under the Tent In Market Square Event!

Fashion and Excitement was in the air as the night started out with a VIP reception of Sushi & Martinis at McCormick & Schmidts and Wine & Hors d'Oeuvres at The Capital Grille. There was barely walking room only!

The Opening Night Event was to benefit the Ladies Hospital Aid Society and did they show out in numbers!!! LHAS helps "To provide support to the sick and the poor living in our diverse neighborhoods." Tiffany & Co. took donations of $200 each for LHAS as they presented donors with a "Mystery Blue Box" of which they could keep. Jackie Dixon is the Vice President of Community Relations for LHAS.


The Show Under The Tent At Market Square was hosted by KDKA-TV's Kristine Sorenson who graciously introduced the Founder of PITTSBURGH FASHION WEEK Miyoshi Anderson. Miyoshi is an Actress and Model and she always reminds me of a Barbie Doll I swear she must have been the model for the original Black Barbie!!!



The evenings Fashions were provided by DONCASTER On Fifth"Extraordinary Apparel for Extraordinary Women" in the PIATT Building at 301 Fifth Avenue. Miyoshi started the Fall Fashion Show off modeling a Cashmere with Printed Skirt and Ruffled Blouse.



My Favorites of the Evening! I love the Fall for wraps and coats that give you a more stylish and sophisticated look! The fringed plaid Scarf Wrap with a leather belt around it is a new trend that I love! And Leather is BACK! (Thank God #tiredofthepleatherandpplcallingitleather) but in a different way...leather trim and accenting is the new trend!



More Capes, Wraps and Coats!



Suited up for Fall and some Seperates.



Animal Print Jackets and Printed Coat Dress.



The Career Woman will look stunning this Fall.



Now for play and fun Night's Out on the Town and these models LOOK like they're having fun!!!




Give it up for the Golden Girls!!!

DONCASTER Designer Patricia Clyne was ever so modest when asked to the runway. She's seen here with the Chairwoman of the event Teresa Cavoti and Miyoshi Anderson. Miyoshi with her loving mother and sister!



Also in attendance was Miyoshi's mother & sister, Nicole Berry and Liza Simmons and one of my Favorite Fashion Designers Malcolm Williams with one of his Plus Size models Danielle Jackson wearing one of his peices. Danielle will also be modeling in the PFW Back to Back Runway Shows on Friday and Saturday.



The lovely and stylishly creative Denise Edwards was also in attendance while fellow Fashion Consultant & Stylist Lakisha Pattin volunteered for the event looking lovely in her staple Blazer that "goes with everything" and sharp bright blue strappy sandals! I've learned my lesson...volunteer and heels don't go together! But if you can do it...work it out!!!




Denise and Lakisha will are the featured make-up artists for the PFW Back to Back Runway Shows for Friday and Saturday!



Did I ever tell you I love Fashion?

After the show there was a VIP Champagne & Desert Reception at Izzazu Salon and Doncaster at Piatt Place. Guests were greeted by Piatt Place volunteers donning gift bags and wearing blinged out PFW Tee's designed by LHAS and the sounds of No Bad JuJu Unplugged band.



The Doncaster boutique pre PFW was "Pittsburgh's Best Kept Secret" but not anymore!!!



I caught up with some of the models at the reception and they were still all a glow about PFW!



The atmosphere was filled with sweet puffs of smiles and beauty hence the hanging edible creme puffs created just for this event!



The "Designer Deserts" were created by Executive Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego and champagne compliments of The Fairmont Pittsburgh. Aren't they so pretty??? I could hardly eat mine for staring at them!!! Leopard Print Pastries...WHAT?




Stay tuned for more sweet treats during Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2011. Next Up for PFW...TONIGHT "THE MEN'S SHOW" with JOS. A. BANKS. Get your tickets for this and other events during the week at www.pittsburghfashionweek.com