Philly Fashion Week Empowers Local Designers

Annual event provides platform for homegrown talent to shine on regional and national stages.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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For two decades, Philly Fashion Week has served as a launchpad for local designers, turning a grassroots experiment into an enduring creative institution. The event offers designers like Susie Buttons, Kristina Kharlashkina, and Prajjé Oscar the opportunity to showcase their work, connect with industry influencers, and gain exposure beyond the Philadelphia market.

Why it matters

Philly Fashion Week stands out as a community-driven event that prioritizes supporting local talent and providing access to the often-shielded fashion industry. By offering designers affordable opportunities to display their collections and network with industry professionals, the event has helped turn Philadelphia into a hub for emerging designers to gain recognition and build their brands.

The details

Philly Fashion Week provides designers with more creative freedom compared to the constraints of costume design or reality TV competitions. The event also features a storefront called Maison that allows designers to sell their newest collections directly to attendees, alleviating the financial burden of securing traditional retail space. Beyond the runway, Philly Fashion Week offers internships and volunteer opportunities for aspiring stylists, producers, and other fashion creatives to gain hands-on experience.

  • Philly Fashion Week has been running for 20 years.
  • The 2026 edition of the event took place on February 26.

The players

Susie Buttons

The designer behind the retro-maximalist womenswear brand Buttons, inspired by fantasy and fairy tales.

Kristina Kharlashkina

A designer who has appeared on the reality competition show "Project Runway" and continues to return to Philly Fashion Week.

Prajjé Oscar

A designer who has also appeared on "Project Runway" and is a regular at Philly Fashion Week, contributing to the event's supportive community.

Jennifer Lynn Robinson

An influencer who has closely followed Prajjé Oscar's career.

Nina Cueva-Castillo

An influencer who attended Philly Fashion Week and considers Prajjé Oscar a personal friend.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody involved loves what they do and they are just so helpful and kind.”

— Susie Buttons (whyy.org)

“It's always nice to get out of New York and see different countries or cities or cultures. Philly Fashion Week is a very strong community, and they really support each other.”

— Kristina Kharlashkina (whyy.org)

“I see the opportunity it gives to the other designers, and I'm glad that I'm able to contribute to that.”

— Prajjé Oscar (whyy.org)

“I was a total fangirl when he was on 'Project Runway,' and now I can call him a personal friend.”

— Nina Cueva-Castillo, Influencer (whyy.org)

“They give everybody every opportunity. They tell us about every chance for grants, for fashion shows, to get us into stores, to get us on celebrity placements. It's so rich. It's so valuable to have them.”

— Steve Akins, of Paragon Charisma (whyy.org)

What’s next

Philly Fashion Week organizers are already planning for the 2027 edition of the event, which will mark its 21st anniversary.

The takeaway

Philly Fashion Week has evolved from a grassroots experiment into an enduring creative institution that empowers local designers, providing them with a supportive community, affordable opportunities to showcase their work, and a pathway to gain regional and national recognition.