Philly Designers Are Leading the Wearable Art Trend That’s All Over Fashion Right Now
Their pieces are popping up everywhere from Black Is King to Project Runway. Our spring fashion feature highlights the best of the best.
Philly designers like Jeantrix and Rashida Gurl are leading the wearable art trend. Photograph by Emily Assiran
Fashion right now is fully embracing the DIY aesthetic, and Philly just might be ground zero for the movement. With a roster of exciting design talent whose work has appeared everywhere from Project Runway to Black Is King, our city has the perfect antidote to a year spent in sweats: one-of-a-kind wearable masterpieces ready to star in your spring wardrobe. (Note: Brands in bold are local labels.)
Advanced Brushwork (above)
Jeantrix Zig Zag Peace + Love painted denim jacket, $375 at Jeantrix.com. Rashida Gurl Over the Rainbow resin-coated wood earrings, $45 at Rashidagurl.com.
Mixed Media
Photograph by Emily Assiran
Kate Oleman #39 custom tie-dye sweatshirt, $55 at Supkate.shop. Smythe cuffed trousers, $595, and Marlyn Schiff chain-link necklaces, $62 each, all at Skirt (multiple locations). Rachel Castaldo sash chain (worn as bracelet), $1,350 at Rachelcastaldo.com. Chloe Keene sterling silver rings, $85 to $300 at Chloekeene.com (worn throughout).
Figure Studies
Photograph by Emily Assiran
Nancy Volpe-Beringer Cuban Cigar Queens art coat, $2,400 at Nancyvolpeberinger.com. Riverside Tool & Dye camisole dress, $98 at Riversidetoolanddye.com. Chloe Keene Moonbeam hoops, $150 at Chloekeene.com. Prada lug-sole sandals, $920 at Neiman Marcus (King of Prussia).
Color Theory
Photograph by Emily Assiran
Farm Rio blouson-sleeve sweater, $135 at Neiman Marcus. Tibi taffeta pant, $495 at Kirna Zabête (Bryn Mawr). Rashida Gurl Grapeburst hand-poured resin earrings, $35 at Rashidagurl.com.
Visual Systems
Photograph by Emily Assiran
R13 Elvis T-70 Boy t-shirt, $275 at Joan Shepp (Rittenhouse). Akris Stroke on Paper cotton flare skirt, $1,390 at Neiman Marcus. Rashida Gurl XL Graffiti Blocks hand-painted wood earrings, $45 at Rashidagurl.com. Belt, stylist’s own. Prada point-toe canvas mule sneakers, $720 at Neiman Marcus.
Graphic Design
Photograph by Emily Assiran
Jeantrix logo tagged hoodie, $150 at Jeantrix.com. Y’s denim jeans, $930 at Joan Shepp. Rashida Gurl Glittered Fruity Pebbles resin and acrylic earrings, $40 at Rashidagurl.com. Balenciaga Triple S Clean-Sole neon sneakers, $1,090 at Neiman Marcus.
Intro to Form
Photograph by Emily Assiran
Weekend Max Mara Ombrina taffeta dress, $485 at Bloomingdale’s (King of Prussia). Off-White Trek sport sandals, $575 at Neiman Marcus.
Pop Art
Photograph by Emily Assiran
These Pink Lips That’s My BestFriend hand-painted leather jacket, $350 at Thesepinklips.com. Zero + Maria Cornejo Ulla tunic dress, $850 at Joan Shepp. Rachel Castaldo Double Hex hoops, $115 at Rachelcastaldo.com. Off-White Liquid Melt sponge mules, $930 at Neiman Marcus.
Contributors
Photography by Emily Assiran
Styling by Lauren Kozakiewicz
Hair and makeup by Bryona Smith
Shot on location at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University
Published as “Art School” in the March 2021 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
