As fashion capitols around the world are buzzing with the excitement of a new season, style-conscious locals are eagerly anticipating the first-ever Main Line Fashion Week. Throughout seven days of glamour, designers and retailers of Philadelphia’s western suburbs will come together to celebrate the latest looks for spring. Promising top-notch runway shows and exciting in-store promotions, Main Line Fashion Week is sure to please trendy shoppers of West Chester and surrounding areas.
Organizing the event is founder Patricia Mae Maristch, principal of Piqued Public Relations, as well as committee members Jen Wilkins, Megan Dyer, Elizabeth Jones, and Autumn Bloch. Maristch’s impeccable personal style and entrepreneurial success deem her the ideal organizer for an event that not only presents the latest in fashion, but also supports local businesses.
“The area is a shopping destination and many locals genuinely enjoy fashion. It’s time to acknowledge that,” Maristch said.
The interest is certainly present, as more than 15 of the Main Line’s finest retailers are participating in what Maristch hopes will become a biannual event.
The festivities begin with a chic kick-off party from noon to 2 p.m. on Mar. 1 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music will guarantee a fantastic afternoon of shopping and celebrating the exciting week ahead.
From Mar. 3 to Mar. 5, the “cheers to fashion” week continues with runway shows at Sweetwater Farm and Winery in Glen Mills, PA. While enjoying local wine, shoppers will preview the latest designs for spring from Main Line retailers. Featuring signed Barbizon models, these high profile fashion shows are certain to spark inspiration for a new, spring wardrobe.
On Mar. 6, shoppers can meet designers, see new merchandise, and take advantage of various promotions. Retailers include Laundra, Sorella, Posh Collections, Frey, Element 6, Entwined, and Duke & Winston, among others. The diverse mix of shops and boutiques assures an impressive assortment of styles.
To finalize the week, Sweetwater Farm will host a bustling central market place on Mar. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring merchandise from all participants, giving shoppers the opportunity purchase their favorite looks seen on the runway.
Main Line Fashion Week is also partnering with Wings for Success, a charitable organization that provides professional clothing for low income women looking to advance their careers. Donations will be collected at all Main Line Fashion Week events. For more information, visit http://www.wingsforsuccess.org.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the events. For more information about Main Line Fashion Week, including a full schedule and list of participants, visit http://www.mlfashionweek.com/.
Hilary Pyo is a third-year student majoring in English. She can be reached at HP815477@wcupa.edu.