Pittsburgh Fashion Week brought the city to life as creatives and fashion lovers alike gathered for 3 fun filled events throughout the city. This year PGHFW was put together by 4 outstanding and bold women, Suzanne Mauro, Elysia Panda, Katherine Anne, and Grace Kao. These 4 women were the pillars holding fashion week together and making our city a little extra special for a week.
Fashion week kicked off with a social at Pittsburgh's very own Sienna Mercato. The top floor was booming with excitement and style. There were attendees of all sorts rocking the latest trends. With a little help from AIP students, the event didn’t go un-photographed. The students were able to capture the energy and personality in the room. The hosts of the week were there as well, dripping in style from head to toe. It was great to see the familiar faces of the fashion elite and enjoy food, drinks, and conversation.
The second event was a panel with some prestigious members. The panel added a foundation to fashion you don’t hear or see much. The discussion was led by the topic of fashion and technology and its growing connection in the world and it's growth here in Pittsburgh. Members of the Panel included Dee Schlotter, Gemma Sole, and Amanda Coso, all very well versed and talented members of Pittsburgh society.
Last and certainly not least was the runway show. This year the runway show founded a new home inside PPG Paints Wintergarden. The space gave the show a cutting edge and an added design level. Bloggers, photographers, students, and fashion appreciators gathered in their Thursday best to admire the works of the designers. The designers this year all had different takes on style and trends but none of them held back when it came to putting on a jaw dropping show. 3 designers stood out in the show, and they were Elaine Healey, Oona Atesan, and a familiar name Lauria Pascuzzi.
Elaine Healey channeled avant garde, sex appeal, and high construction value. Her pieces were followed by well-deserved applause and admiration. Oona Atesan was also another favorite as her pieces were more ready to wear with open silhouettes, and a sense of pureness and femininity. She used earth tones, and simplistic designs but amplified them with prints and fabric choice. And of course, a show stopper was Lauria Pascuzzi whose designs were high fashion, hyper-feminine, and beyond stunning to look at. Her designs included asymmetrical elements, well placed lace, and movement that just made sense. She walked the entire stage and soaked up every bit of the thunderous applause that she worked so hard to obtain. Its no doubt that all of the designers have a bright future ahead of them.
Pittsburgh Fashion Week was one for the books and something that the city needs to continue. For a week, the entire city felt like it was in a fashion editorial spread with the escalated sense of style, fresh events, and overall spirit throughout the week. Pittsburgh is growing as a fashion city and this past fashion week was only proof of that. Let’s hope that it is only a stepping stool to growing our beloved city to the next level.
Professional Photos by Jameek Booth