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Style Week Comes to Pittsburgh

Think fashion — think Paris, Milan, New York … Pittsburgh?

Monday kicks off the second annual Style Week Pittsburgh, six days of events meant to support and promote Pittsburgh’s local fashion scene.

Event founder and CEO of Style & Steel Event Planning LLC Wadria Taylor says the week-long celebration is different from other fashion events.

“It’s much more than fashion shows,” Taylor said. ”We’re having events to increase networking, increase connectivity in the fashion scene here, and what’s more is that we’re creating an environment that better supports fashion-oriented businesses.”

There will be plenty of chances for those businesses to flaunt their stuff over the week, which features a public trunk show at the LUXE Indigo Square in East Liberty Tuesday, a jewelry showcase at the downtown Macy’s Wednesday, and a boutique crawl in Lawrenceville Saturday. Taylor says Pittsburgh has plenty of pockets of fashion, but they often go unappreciated.

“What I have seen over the years is that Pittsburgh is much more than what meets the eye,” Taylor said. “When you explore these different neighborhoods like Shadyside, Lawrenceville, and you’re on foot, you’re really able to discover a lot of great gems here in fashion.”

Taylor came to Pittsburgh from New York City to attend the University of Pittsburgh, and said there was a big adjustment going from a “fashion mecca” to a smaller city. According to Taylor, the problem was not a lack of fashion in Pittsburgh, just a lack of awareness, support, and even pride for the businesses and organizations that make up Pittsburgh’s style. She hopes Style Week can change that.

“The common denominator is that all these events are designed to show Pittsburghers and show the fashion world that, ‘You know what, you need to pay attention! Guys, pay attention to Pittsburgh!’” Taylor said.

A portion of the proceeds from Style Week events will go towards the non-profit Strong Women Strong Girls.

“We wanted to use fashion, use Style Week as a means to draw more awareness about the great work that they’re doing throughout the country, but especially here in Pittsburgh,” Taylor said. “Each year, we will always partner with a non-profit organization who has a mission that is empowering to women and girls.” Last year’s proceeds went to Gwen’s Girls.

More information and tickets for Style Week eventscan be found on the event website.