Students of Handwork Studio Model their Designs at Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010

Philadelphia, PA—(March, 2010) In conjunction with Handwork Studio, CMK Entertainment offers some very young designers the opportunity to model their creations on the runway on October seventh to kick off the student designer day. Handworks Studio teaches youngsters arts, crafts, and sewing in classes held throughout the year. The participants in Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010 will be students from the Passion for Fashion class and the Teen Fashion Boot Camp.
These classes teach sixth through eleventh graders the fundamentals of pattern making, sewing, and design so they can develop a collection and ultimately execute a few pieces. These pieces will be modeled by the students themselves who will make their catwalk debut in style in full hair and makeup by Kevin Gatto of Verde Salon. This is their chance to take a walk in a runway model’s shoes and get a bird’s eye view of the fashion world.
“We really wanted to offer these budding fashion designers the chance to show off their hard work in a professional atmosphere,” says Kristie Bergey, Executive Director of Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010. “We hope this rare opportunity spurs them to further explore the world of fashion design at one of the many great colleges here in Philadelphia.”
Handwork Studio is excited to provide this opportunity to its students. Not only will this give them great exposure to the fashion industry, but provide a sense of accomplishment and a huge boost in self-esteem. This is their chance to get head start pursuing their dreams.
“This will be a great experience for kids interested in fashion,” Says Laura Kelly, founder of Handwork Studio. “Allowing them to model their clothes in this major format will greatly increase their confidence and also serve as a resume builder for those hoping to go into this field.”

Fashion Week Sets Dates for Fall 2010

Philadelphia, PA—(March, 2010) CMK Entertainment announced dates for the 2010 Philadelphia Fashion Week, running October 6th through 9th at the 23rd Street Armory (23rd Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets). The second annual event has been lengthened by one day and will showcase the collections of area students and emerging, local, national, and international designers. Retailers will set up pop-up shops again this year to offer attendees the opportunity to take some runway-ready looks home.
Charlie Smith (Lucca Photography), Michael Anderer (DERELICTE inc), and Kristie Bergey (The KB Experience) make up CMK Entertainment, the group responsible for the production of Philadelphia Fashion Week. They expect approximately 30 designers to show this year, an increase over their inaugural ’09 show. Pulling from a broader spectrum of designers, CMK hopes to have a global reach, while keeping Philadelphia talent on the forefront. Designers hailing from Brazil, Amsterdam, and London are already committing to the fall ’10 show.
“This year, Philadelphia Fashion Week is all about showcasing a new level of local talent as well as broadening the reach to have an international scope,” says Kristie Bergey, a partner with CMK Entertainment. “We want this show to prove that Philadelphia is an up-and-coming fashion destination deserving of recognition.”
Philadelphia Fashion Week is open to the public and will sell tickets online and by phone starting in June, 2010. Tickets will be available through advance purchase only.
With this event, CMK offers the opportunity to see fashions from around the globe as well as gain exposure to the wealth of cultural experiences that makes Philadelphia a hub for the arts. There will be a roster of DJs, musical entertainment, dance performances, and celebrity emcees performing between shows to offer an experience that spans the art, fashion, and music worlds.
“Rather than exclusively offering fashion, we’re seeking to make Philadelphia Fashion Week a cultural experience,” says Michael Anderer. “Between fashion shows, guests will enjoy video and art installations, musical and dance performances, and gourmet cuisine. They will also be able to buy similar looks shown on the runway from local retailers available on site."