Pittsburgh will show off its fashionable side with Style Week Pittsburgh, running Friday through Sunday.
The annual event kicks off with the style awards from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hotel Indigo in the Technology Center, South Oakland. The night will recognize the region’s leaders in fashion, business and the arts.
Saturday brings a runway show from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Union Project in East Liberty. Designers include Willie Gee’s, RubyDawn International, Jensine Noir, Lana Neumeyer, ProBantu Style, Celeta Hickman and Felt Happiness. There will also be a marketplace of vendors, music and a style contest.
On Sunday, the business of fashion brunch is from noon to 3 p.m. at Ascender in East Liberty. Local experts will lead discussions about their journey in business and discuss the future of fashion. Guests will tour Ascender, a co-working and event place that also provides services to help start and grow businesses.
Speakers are Kyshira Moffett, founder of Life of a Bombshell Cosmetics; Sophia Berman, founder of Trusst Brands; and Shaunda McDill, arts & culture program officer at The Heinz Endowments.
Get ready for Style Week Pittsburgh 2019, coming up Aug. 16-18th! Come see leaders in #fashion, marketing and business share best industry practices & showcase amazing fashion design in and around PGH. More info: https://t.co/8lQMDOWlmJ@StyleWeekPGH #LovePGH pic.twitter.com/WuAhcIwRTH
— Imagine Pittsburgh (@ImaginePgh) August 11, 2019
“This will probably be my last fashion show in Pittsburgh since I’ve built my portfolio and do most of my work in New York, so I am glad it is with Style Week Pittsburgh,” said RubyDawn Surgest of Homewood as she was fitting model Shante McDonald of Swissvale after a rehearsal at the Union Project.
Christian DiBoko of Whitehall owns ProBantu Style. He said he wanted to be part Style Week Pittsburgh to inspire youth to be interested in fashion. He was a previous winner of artist of the year at the Style Week Pittsburgh awards. Lawana Pearson of West Mifflin was sporting one of his designs and will model for him in the fashion show.
“To me, fashion is a statement,” DiBoko said. “It shows who you are, and it’s a way to express yourself.”
Designer Jensine Noir of the South Side chose to be part of Style Week Pittsburgh in order to introduce her collection inspired by the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S.
Model Nadia Bazmore of Homewood is one of the models who will showcase Noir’s collection.
“This is so comfortable,” Bazmore said of the denim jumpsuit she was wearing during the rehearsal. “I can’t wait for the fashion show. I am excited for everyone to see this outfit.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto declared Friday “Style Week Pittsburgh Day.” Event founder Wadria Taylor was presented with a proclamation highlighting the impact the event has had on the region. Over 2,000 people have attended Style Week Pittsburgh events, which have highlighted more than 100 designers, artists and businesses, according to a news release.
This incredible thing happened yesterday! Style Week Pittsburgh has it's own day!!!! Mayor @billpeduto declared that Friday, August 16th is STYLE WEEK PITTSBURGH DAY and presented our founder Wadria Taylor imdway… https://t.co/Q3RY1ulrFm
— StyleWeek Pittsburgh (@StyleWeekPGH) August 14, 2019
Taylor said she founded the event “to provide a platform for fashion-focused brands to network, exhibit their talents, and gain recognition.”
She said she chooses unique venues throughout the city to host the events while showcasing amenities Pittsburgh has to offer.
