Photo by Sophie Secile Xu A glimpse into the creative process of four eclectic studios by Emily Kovach Our burgeoning fashion scene bears all the hallmarks of the Philadelphia spirit: authenticity, cooperation, grit and ingenuity. Pia Panaligan, a co-owner of the local line Senpai + Kohai, gets to the heart of it: “Philly isn’t thought
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Photo by Ross Erickson Secret Sweatshirts interview by Emily Kovach What’s your overall design style? NH: I like to work with stretchy fabrics because it fits a lot of bodies. Our last collection was about torn paper and collage: We’re always taking things to a more artistic and less predictable place. My customer base is
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Photo by Anthony Nocella Matched Set by Emily Kovach When Melissa Choi and Pia Panaligan met in a fashion illustration class in 2004 at Philadelphia University, their creative chemistry was immediate. They spent hours in the studio sewing side by side, sharing what inspired them. “I always wanted to find someone to design with,” Choi
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photo by Amanda Roberts Becoming interview by Emily Kovach When did you first become interested in clothing, fashion and design? TD: My mother is quite the fashionista. She was keen on outfitting my sister and me with new fashions each school season. She taught us a lot about style and finish… I look back now
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