Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
Featured Design
Philly 360° Round Up: Men's Shops Made Easy
Philly 360° Creative Ambassador: Kristin Haskins Simms
Philly 360° Fashion Rewind: The Release of Shaq at Grilled Cheesesteak Party
Philly 360° Style: Drexel University Fashion Preview
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Just In: The Roots' Fourth Of July Jam Expands Into A Two-Day Festival This Year
I know you thought that the Philly Fourth of July Jam festivities couldn’t get much better than Ne-Yo, Demi Lovato, John Mayer, Kevin Hart, The Roots and a live broadcast on VH1, but it just did!
The Roots’ camp is bringing you not one, but two days packed with events to celebrate Independence Day in Philly. To kick off the celebration, the Philly Fourth of July Jam two-day festival will feature a full day and night of music, fashion and good times on Wednesday, July 3, followed by The Roots' annual concert on Thursday, July 4.
"The City"
Wednesday, July 3
2-9 p.m.
The Piazza, Northern Liberties
1050 N. Hancock Street
Open to the public
First up on July 3 will be “The City”, which will take place from 2-9 p.m at The Piazza in Northern Liberties. This event is free and open to the public. The Piazza will be transformed into a mini version of Philly, with multiple neighborhoods set up and represented throughout the space.
Hosted by Hot 107.9 radio personality and Fox 29 Entertainment correspondent Q-Deezy, "The City" will bring you a free concert with a diverse lineup of musical performances happening throughout the day and night, including Interscope Records’ Cody Wise, Modern Inventors and headliner GoGo Morrow. (Full lineup below.) “The City” will also include a runway showcase in between sets, curated by Philly Fashion Week highlighting designers of apparel and accessories from all over the country.
“The City” Lineup
GoGo Morrow
Modern Inventors
Fleeting Ends
Applejuce
The Lawsuits
Leaf Walker (aka Khadafi Dub)
Cold Fronts
Cody Wise
Bok Nero
Speaker of the House
KontraBand 215
Brothers in Arms Featuring Questlove & D'Angelo
Wednesday, July 3
10:30 p.m.
The TLA
334 South Street
Tickets: tlaphilly.com
Following "The CIty", you can head over to the TLA to catch a special “Brothers in Arms” performance with GRAMMY-winning artists Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots and D’Angelo. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. and attendees will definitely be in for a treat!
“Featuring the incredible vocal and piano abilities of D’Angelo and the backing of the one of the best musicians in the world today, Questlove, “Brothers in Arms” will take listeners on a sonic experience unlike anything they have ever seen or heard in the past.”
Philly Sound Konnoisseurs (PSK)
Wednesday, July 3
Thru 3:30 a.m.
Voyeur
1221 Saint James Street
The July 3 Philly Fourth of July Jam events will commence with Philly Sound Konnoisseurs (PSK), a hot international DJ event that no doubt turns up into the wee hours of the morning. Sponsored by Heineken, this year’s lineup of DJs will be announced soon so stay tuned. However, past DJs have included Diplo, J Rocc, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Drama, Rich Medina and DJ PHSH. PSK is taking place at Voyeur. You won’t want to miss it!
Looks like Philadelphia is the only place to be for Fourth of July week. We’ll see you there! To see the full lineup for The Roots' Fourth of July Jam on the Parkway, click here.
Philly Film Premiere: An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty
Philly, an almost magical piece of black cinema has landed in our backyard, and trust us—it's a must see film! Boasting an impressive list of executive producers, including Jay-Z, Dream Hampton, and Wyatt Cenac, director Terence Nance’s mesmerizingly gorgeous debut feature An Oversimplification of Her Beauty opens in Philly this weekend at the Ritz at The Bourse.
Exploding with moving and stunning imagery, Nance's film explores the grey areas between lover and friend, through the eyes of Terence (played by Nance) and his female bestfriend (played by Namik Minter), as their relationship teeters between platonic and romantic. Add in the other external relationships both characters bring to the table, and you're left with a complicated, but beautiful and totally relatable story that will leave moviegoers testifying to its undeniable truth.
Throughout the film, Nance incorporates an unbelieveable kaleidoscope of imagery, including dazzling (and sometime dizzying) segments of hand-drawn and stop-motion animation, which heighten the sense of magic and surrealism that Oversimplification captures so effortlessly.
The film opens here this Friday, and Philly is definitely rolling out the red carpet for this one. There are special screenings on Saturday and Sunday of the opening weekend that will feature post screening Q&A's with the film's director Terrence Nance and a few notable Philly film buffs. So, definitely get out to see this fantastic work of black cinema! And, make sure you bring a friend, and tell three more.
Also, keep your eye on director Terrence Nance—we're pretty sure we'll be seeing a lot more from this rising cinematic visionary real soon!
Event Details:
An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty
Friday, June 7 - Thursday, June 20
Click here for showtimes
Ritz at the Bourse
4th and Walnut
Special Events:
Saturday, June 8 - 4:10 p.m. screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Terence Nance, moderated by Yaba Blay
Saturday, June 8 - 7:20 p.m. screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Terence Nance, moderated by Shantrelle P. Lewis
Sunday, June 9 - 4:10 p.m. screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Terence Nance
Checkout the below video to watch the trailer for An Oversimplification of Her Beauty!
Philly 360° Style: Drexel University Fashion Preview
The "Future of Fashion" was on display last month at an exclusive press event at the newly renovated Drexel University URBN Center. The event was hosted as a joint collaboration between GPTMC and Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The preview featured the 2013 Senior Fashion Design student collections and marked the first time that the students' work has been display prior to Drexel's annual fashion show.
Guest fashion bloggers and writers from publications such as Glamour, Ebony, BUST Magazine, Fashion Bomb Daily, Philadelphia Style and Zink, amongst other influential fashionistas, industry professionals and media outlets filled the URBN Center lobby admiring the students' sketches and sample pieces.
Guests were also treated to a private tour of Drexel's Historic Costume Collection which includes over 7,000 garments dated from the 18th century to present time. Inside Tip: Want to view the historic costume collection? Contact to schedule an appointment.
Check out the senior's collection in full affect in June. Details below:
Saturday, June 8
6:30 p.m.
Urban Outfitters Headquarters
Philadelphia Navy Yard - Building 543
5000 S. Broad Street
To purchase tickets to the Drexel University's Senior Fashion Show, click here.
Philly 360° Fashion Rewind: The Release of Shaq at Grilled Cheesesteak Party
What an amazing event! I could end the story right there, but I won't. Let me explain further. CYL Creative Group in association with A Good Story, Cool Mentality and The McKenzie Estate celebrated the re-release of Reebook's Shaq Attaq sneakers back in April at the Grilled Cheese Steak Party sponsored by Reebok, Famjuice, Hot 107.9, UBIQ and Slingshox.
UBIQ was filled to the max with nothingbut dope people for a dope event. The first 50 attendees received swag bags that included limited edition SlingShox and DNTN, a Philadelphia-based apparel company, Branded band which allow recipients to customize their G-Shock watches. A live art painting by Don Scott, creative director of DNTN Brand Apparel, of Swizz Beats and The Reebok Shaq Attacks was done on site.
Hip-hop music blasting in one room, a competitive NBA 2k13 tounanament sponsored by Mitchell & Ness, in another. Both floors were fun and full of festivities and did I mention the food? Good eats were provided by Lord of the Kitchen Cupboard. Amongst other items attendees snacked on Grilled Cheese Steak bites keeping with the theme of the event. Complimentary beverages were flowing courtesy of the good folks over at Famjuice. Philly definitely showed up and showed out.
Philly 360° Creative Ambassador: Kristin Haskins Simms
Meet fashion designer, owner of the clothing line Strangefruit and Project Runway alum Kristin Haskins Simms.
Kristin has made a name for herself in the Philly creative scene since she first entered it as a graphic designer. She transitioned into fashion when she turned her passion for graphic design into a socially conscious graphic T-shirt line. Since then, Kristin launched her contemporary, ready-to-wear line Strangefruit in 2006. You may have also seen Kristin making it work as a designer on Project Runway.
Her newest venture is a production space she's opened in the Germantown area.
Get to know this fashionista and see Philly through her eyes. To check out her full Philly 360° profile, go here.
Visually Fly: Jeanine Hays Of Aphrochic
I recently caught up with designer, blogger and entrepreneur, Jeanine Hays of AphroChic. It’s always inspiring to see another woman living up to all of her creative potential and living the life she wants to live. As I found out more about her, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. I asked her a few questions to introduce you all to this creative super woman–Jeanine Hays.
Flygirrl: Who is Jeanine Hays, and what do you do?
Jeanine Hays: I am the creative director and co-founder of AphroChic. I work with my husband, Bryan Mason, who is the other half of our husband-and-wife team. Together we write the blog, design products, and create a lifestyle brand dedicated to proving that the cultural and the contemporary can and do work together in modern design. We want to provide women of color with quality options when looking for décor that speaks to their cultural heritage and inspire everyone to create spaces that tell their story.
Flygirrl: What is AphroChic?
JH: AphroChic is a lifestyle brand, and there are several different pieces that go into creating the overall aesthetic that the brand follows. We started in 2007 as a blog. I was working as a policy attorney in San Francisco and Bryan was pursuing a PhD at UC Berkeley. At the time we were simply aware of a gap in the conversation on modern design with regard to women of color and wanted to do something to fill it. We quickly realized that that gap in the conversation was also a gap in the market, and we decided to do something about that. AphroChic became a home decor company in 2009 when we launched our first collection of pillows. Since then we've expanded into table linens, shower curtains, and wallpaper.
We also do a lot of writing and expert work online. I am contributor to HGTV.com, and the DIYNetwork.com among others. This Fall, the AphroChic brand will take on a new incarnation with the release of our first design book, Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul, that will be published by Clarkson Potter. The book takes everything that we've been saying with blog posts, articles, and products and brings it together in an introduction to AphroChic style that combines history and global textile traditions with the best of contemporary design.
Flygirrl: Where did you find the courage to step out on your own?
JH: AphroChic has grown very organically, and so when the time came to step away from the law and focus on the business full-time, it was less of a leap and more just the next logical step. Bryan and I were living in California when we launched our first collection. Before we moved back to Philadelphia, we had reached the point where it felt as though we both had two full time jobs. We would work 9-5 at being a lawyer and a student, then come home and work until two in the morning on AphroChic. We were really encouraged by the reaction that our designs received from the design and blog community in the early years. It helped us to gain our confidence as designers and realize that we had a unique voice to share in the world of design. Upon our return to Philly in 2010, we committed ourselves to working on AphroChic full time, and it has been one incredible journey.
Flygirrl: Where are your secret gem locations to get inspired in Philly?
JH: I love the Philadelphia art and design scene. One of my favorite things about this city are all of the independently owned boutiques and galleries that can be easily explored. As an Old City resident, I love to pop into my favorite design stores on 3rd Street. Millesime is my favorite place for exploring the latest in European design. ReMod Gallery has an extensive collection of Mid-Century Modern pieces that are a must-see. I love to visit the Jonathan Adler store for design inspiration. We are lucky to have one of the largest showrooms here in Philly! On 2nd Street, Gallery51 is a favorite of mine for their unique cultural exhibits and collection of global rugs. HOME on East Passyunk is also a favorite shop. They offer cool furniture and accessories from DwellStudio and Ferm Living - two of my favorite design shops.
Flygirrl: What advice would you give to other creative people looking to step out on their own?
JH: Don't be afraid to start small. It doesn't have to come all at once. Design became my creative outlet when I was in law school and my days were filled with contracts and torts, but it never would have become anything more than that if I didn't make the small decision to start a blog. My second piece of advice would be to plan. Plan everything as much as you can, but do it knowing that putting things into action will require you to be flexible. Finally, and most importantly, do what you love. Owning a small business is full of ups and downs and there will be days when your love of what you do will keep you afloat. Being an entrepreneur is truly a labor of love. And when you love what you do, it shines through in your work as a designer.
Flygirrl: Where can people find out more about you and to stay connected?
JH: People can go to our shop at aphrochicshop.com to sign up for our newsletter which comes out with the latest AphroChic news. We're also on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest @aphrochic.
Insider Tip: And this month Philadelphia design enthusiasts can follow my pins on the Visit Philly's Guest Pinner Board
Vivant Art Collection Presents Art Enology - April 26 - May 6, 2013
Philly 360 Creative Ambassador Florcy Morisset has done it again. This time, Florcy has partnered with well-known art curator and journalist Souleo to present Art Enology - a celebration of all things art, and all things wine.
Opening this weekend, this groundbreaking exhibition will include paintings, photography, new media, sculpture, and mixed media - all inspired by wine or created from recycled bottles. Vivant has put together a stellar line-up of events to complement this show, including wine tastings, poetry readings and plenty of opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists. You might even be inspired to buy a piece for your personal collection.
So, comeout, celebrate Philly's own and enjoy some of the best wine and art that our town has to offer!
Vivant Art Collection: Art Enology
April 26 - May 6
Vivant Art Collection
60 N. 2nd. Street
Check out the below video for a sneak peek at Art Enology.
Unveiling Of KAWS Companion At 30th Street Station
30th Street Station has a brand new visitor, and he's about 16 feet tall! Yesterday, bloggers, media and travelers gathered for the unveiling of COMPANION (Passing Through). Amtrak teamed up with The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) to bring the sculpture to 30th Street Station until May 14 as a preview to the KAWS installation at PAFA in October of this year.
The artist known as KAWS is based in Brooklyn and cited being able to hop on the train and see his artwork as one of the most rewarding parts of the day. He is most famously known for revamping characters in popular culture including Mickey Mouse, the Smurfs, and the Simpsons.
KAWS’ low key nature was apparent when he spoke at the opening ceremony. He even explained that he feels all of us can relate to the character in one way or another, the feeling of being a bit overwhelmed as COMPANION is seen shielding his eyes.
KAWS is well known for his collectors’ item toys, apparel and other products. Beginning his career as a graffiti artist, he has really played with the worlds of both fine and contemporary art. His characters represent an anti-corporate culture that has still been embraced by the major companies speaking to his ability to bridge the gap.
His work will be the start of PAFA’s Sculpture Plinth Exhibition Program. In this program attention grabbing sculptures will be placed in the facade of PAFA’s building on North Broad Street. His work will also be featured in the galleries to show the correlation between historic pieces and his contemporary work.
For more information visit: PAFA.org/KAWS
Philly 360° Round Up: Men's Shops Made Easy
From longstanding shops, to national staples to local brands, Philadelphia has it all in regard to men’s fashion. We all know that most men like a quick and easy shopping experience, so here’s a little help to get you started!
In order to take a look at some of the great men’s stores in Philadelphia, I solicited a little help from Sabir Peele the founder and creative director for mensstylepro.com. Sabir was the fan favorite in the Best Dressed Real Man Contest for Esquire Magazine and was one of the 5 finalists in the 2010 contest.
Sabir took a moment to let us in on some of the most important things he looks for in his shopping experience.
● Sales people that are experts in regard to the products in their store.
● Friendly atmosphere.
● The ability to interact with salespeople and interject my ideas in the shopping experience.
● I love a place that I can go into and not feel overwhelmed by sales people; rather they are available when needed.
● I love shops that do specialty events for the patrons.
I also had the opportunity to get a little insight on some of Sabir’s favorite places to shop in the City of Brotherly Love. Check out his list below!
Sabir Peele's Men's Shop Picks
1617 Walnut Street
1601 Walnut Street 1007
1625 Chestnut Street
Philly 360° Men's Shop Picks
Below are a few great picks from Men’s Shopping Made Easy!
62 N. 3rd Street
Like Don Draper’s closet (if Don Draper’s dapper period had lasted for a couple of centuries), this well-outfitted vintage shop sells the finest in men’s fashions, dating from the 1960s back to the 1800s. Find hand-knit varsity sweaters, classic bowler hats, mint-condition oxford shoes, impeccable bow ties and traditional suiting that guys have gone for forever.
1615 E. Passyunk Avenue
Ben Sherman, Fred Perry, Scotch & Soda and Report Collection are among the fast-moving brands at this youthful retail closet, one of the anchors of South Philly’s trendy East Passyunk neighborhood. Owner Tom Longo stocks everything from brightly striped business socks to soft-washed Phillies T-shirts, bright bathing trunks to plaid golf umbrellas.
1201 Chestnut Street
Founded more than a century ago as a sporting goods store, this indie shop turned into an international powerhouse after its former owner convinced the estates of Babe Ruth and his contemporaries to allow reproduction and sale of their uniform jerseys. Soon, MTV caught on, and the shop’s pro baseball, then basketball, football and ice hockey shirts were showing up in pop videos and hip-hop lyrics. Today, having a jersey, cap or warm-up jacket re-issued here is a sign of athletic dominance. In 2007, the company became a very cool subsidiary of Adidas—but their flagship store still calls Philly home.
1509 Walnut Street and The Gallery, 10th & Market Streets
To say that Ubiq stocks new and vintage sneaks—by Nike, Vans, Reebok, Converse, Adidas, Asics—and caps—Benny Gold, New Era, Brixton—plus endless Ts and hoodies is to vastly undersell this streetwear merchant. Ubiq’s Walnut Street location occupies a rambling old brownstone where retro Casio G-Shock and Kr3w watches, striped Stance socks and artful Original Fake T-shirts are displayed like wearable, collectable, limited-edition, often vintage-inspired works of art. Among them: the store’s own line of apparel and kicks.
We took multiplatinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated songwriters/producers Carvin & Ivan out to a few of their favorite spots in Philly, including Distante and UBIQ for some threads and sneaks.
Philly Tech Week Set To Put Philly On To The Latest In Technology And Innovation
Event Details
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