Stacey Flygirrl Wilson:

Picks for DesignPhiladelphia 

Thru October 17

Various Locations

DesignPhiladelphia is the largest design festival of it's kind which brings together over 450 creative thinkers and artists for ten days of design events.  There are so many amazing and innovative  events to choose from, but here are some of my top picks and insider tips.

The Art of the Martini in Glass

October 9 | 3pm-6pm

More Than Old | 144-146 North 3rd Street

An exhibition of martini glasses, vintage to hand blown contemporary. Additional barware will be on exhibition. Orangetinis and light refreshments will be served on Oct 9 from 3-6 pm. Free and open to the public.

Insider tip: I love glass art. If you saw my last blog on Philly 360, I featured a glass artist. This is just a fun exhibit that is just a little different compared to your typical showcase. And who can pass up free Orangetinis? I mean, really.

In Flight

October 10 | 4:00pm - 4:00pm        

803 S. 4th Street

Octo Design Group and Skai Blue Media will host an exhibit highlighting the effects of the BP oil spill. In the weeks prior to the event, Skai Blue Media will host four weekend workshops where, for $1, attendees can create an origami bird or another animal affected by the spill. All proceeds will be donated to animal rescue organizations along the Golf Coast. Free and open to the public.

Insider Tip: Make sure to stop by this impactful event brought to you by Philly 360 creative ambassador, Rakia Reynolds. Not only can you see amazing creative works, but you can also help make a difference to help Animal Rescue Operations effected by the BP Oil Spill.. And that makes this event that more special.

Judith Leiber - The Art of the Handbag

September 10 - October 17 | 11:00am - 7:00pm

The Galleries at Moore: Window on Race | 20th Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway

Judith Leiber is widely recognized as a major figure in handbag design, having created more than three thousand different motifs during a career spanning over thirty years. This exhibition features twenty-five designs that highlight the breadth and range of Judith Leiber’s work including examples of early beaded bags from the 1970s to more recent creations from the 1990s. Leiber’s designs transcend objects of utility to become objets d’art placing Leiber in an elite group of designers such as Lalique, Tiffany, and Cartier, creators of high quality products for public consumption that have come to be regarded as art. Free and open to the public.

Insider tip: If you’re a fashionista, i know i don’t have to tell you who Judith Leiber is. She creates incredible art that translates into fashionable and elaborate jeweled clutches and bags. I’m sure you’ve seen them on red carpets with the celebs. Amazing. A must see.

How to Launch Your Design Product in the Martketplace

October 10th | 3:00pm - 5:00pm        

Terra Hall 5th Floor, University of the Arts | 211 S. Broad Street

This workshop by Elissa Bloom presents an overview of the key strategies for launching your product in the marketplace. Bring your product or product ideas to the workshop. At the end of the workshop, we will create ‘mind maps’ to guide you to the next step. Free and open to the public, RSVP to ebloomin@aol.com

Insider tip: Elissa Bloom is a self taught designer who got discovered by Bloomingdale’s. Now, her line is carried in various upscale shopping institutions. Her whimsical beaded art adorns every bag, coin purse and clutch. She has an inspiring story for artists and designers trying to start their careers. It’s worth making the trip out to have a session with her.

Re-Mix : Bikes

October 11th | 1:00pm - 5:00pm        

The Design Lot | 313 South Broad Street

Calling all cyclers! Come over to The DesignPhiladelphia Design Lot and customize your ride with art materials from Blick Art Supply. Assistants will be on hand to help you personalize your bicycle. Open to all ages. Free and open to the public

Insider tip: This is a great event for the family or just for you and some friends. You can all get creative and Re-Mix your Bikes to turn them into one of a kind pieces of art. Art supplies can add up, so this is such a special treat for free! (Love that!)

SA VA : Native Gypsy

October 13th | 6:00pm - 8:00pm        

Sansom Street between 17th and 18th Streets | 1700 Sansom Street

SA VA Native Gypsy: Fall Fashion Show & Community Street Fair, a part of this year’s DesignPhiladelphia. SA VA Native Gypsy will showcase the SA VA Fall collection during an outdoor runway show on the 1700 block of Sansom Street. Surrounding neighbors will participate in outdoor vending and entertainment with DJ and special guest speakers. The event will benefit the Career Wardrobe, an amazing organization that helps women transition back in to the work force. This event is free and open to the public. The rain date is Friday, October 15th.

Insider tip: You definitely can’t go wrong with an outdoor block party with a positive purpose. Mix that with a outdoor runway fashion show by SA VA, and you have yourself a party on Sansom Street. This is an awesome way to get over the hump in the middle of your week!

FBI Studio Tours : Philly’s Phinest Phloss

October 14th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm        

Floss Barber Inc., Suite 310 (Studio Office)  | 1420 Locust Street

Floss Barber Inc. would like to open their doors to DesignPhiladelphia and the public! You are invited to take a tour of our studio complex through the glass doors of creativity, on the third floor of the Academy House Building.  Free and open to the public.

Insider tip : In addition to being an artist, I’m also a graphic designer - so an event like this is exciting to me. I love seeing what it's like behind the scenes of major projects - from seeing the materials used to the process in which is was made. This is that kind of event. Floss Barbers’ Interior Design is crisp, clean and balanced.  You may be able to get a sneak peak of one of their current projects, SugarHouse Casino while there!

Old City Windows

October 7-17

Streets throughout the Old City District of Philadelphia | 200 Arch Street

Old City Business Collective is inviting everyone to Old City for an exciting exhibit of windows and storefronts on display. “Old City Windows” is part of a contest sponsored by the OCBC as part of the DesignPhiladelphia celebration in October. Stroll the historic blocks of Old City filled with window displays designed by students, recent graduates, professionals, and artists in various fields of design.  Free and open to the public

Insider tip: For those of you on the run and can’t really commit to a scheduled event, throughout the month - you can vote for various window displays that you think are designed the best. How fun and convenient! Make sure to take a stroll or drive through Old City!