Breaking Gender Stereotypes at the Philly Fashion Week Style Gala Kickoff Party
Story, photos by Jill Beckel
This year’s Philadelphia Fashion Week Style Gala refreshingly broke traditional gender norms. The event was held at the Sugarhouse Casino on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Located in the Grand Ballroom in the event center, guests started to arrive a little before 7 p.m. The event was free by invitation only.
Compared to last year’s Style Gala, this year’s event definitely wasn’t as lavish. Last year’s featured an abundance of delicious hot appetizers, a buffet and desserts with complimentary cocktails. This year’s had a few passed appetizers, but the hungry crowd had to fight for them. A cash bar kept guests refreshed but mostly sober. Explore Philly enjoyed checking out everyone’s most fashionable outfits and got a chance to meet a few of the models and one of the leather loving designers from the show beforehand, Conrad Booker.
The fashion show featured the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator Designers:
Lillie Designs was Explore Philly’s favorite designer. The gorgeous gowns were flowy, jaw-dropping and spectacular.
Each designer had their own feel and theme, but Conrad Booker’s definitely stood out at this year’s show since he chose to have male models carry his unique, handmade clutches. The crowd seemed surprised at first, but then erupted in applause as “Work It!” and “Oh Yes!” could be heard throughout the crowd. We hope to see more from this inspiring designer as he continues to crush gender stereotypes.
Milano Di Rouge swag for sale – T-shirts, bags, hats and more.
Milano Di Rouge hats.
Fashionable accessories by Conrad Booker.
Beautiful clutch purses by Conrad Booker.
Our editor, Cassie Hepler, checking out one of the beautiful red clutches.
One of the models that walked in the show with designer Conrad Booker.
Unique mini skirts by designer Charley Girl.
Everyone checking out the designer goods.
The Style Gala DJ played great upbeat music throughout the event.
A model testing the lighting for photographers.
An urban camo jacket from the designer Milano.
Milano’s designs were fierce and edgy and her models portrayed that attitude well.
Milano’s clothing line.
A male model waved an American flag as Rihanna’s “Oxygen” played.
The final walk on the runway for the Milano models.
Designer Charley Girl.
A feminine pink Charley Girl skirt.
An abstract black, white and gray Charley Girl skirt.
All of the Charley Girl skirt models.
The designer 611 was up next.
An outfit from 611.
This model’s long, curly and luscious hair was hard to miss.
Designer Conrad Booker.
Who says purses have to be just for men?
The designer Conrad Booker decided to break gender stereotypes and have his unique clutches carried ONLY by male models in the show.
Work it!
The Conrad Booker models were cool and confident.
Lillie Designs was the last line in the show.
An ornate, feathery gown by Lillie Designs.
This could easily be worn as a wedding dress.
A champagne Lillie Designs ensemble.
This ivory ball gown stunned.
A fun, flirty white dress from Lillie Designs.
This dress reminded me of fall leaves.
You can stay up to date on Philly’s Fashion Week news by following:
- Twitter: @phillyfashionwk
- Instagram: @Philly_Fashion_week & @phillyfashionweek
