Kembrel Trunk Show

Recently, I attended an event at an awesome Philadelphia store called Kembrel. Kembrel is a Philadelphia based boutique that sells many of the local artisans in the neighborhood, and represents them next to classic, well established brands. It was started on the mindset of a fashion conscious college student, that wanted independent clothes and apparel, with high quality, without going broke!

"They wanted to make shopping easier for their college peers. They wanted hip, unique clothes and gadgets every day of the week. And they wanted it on a Ramen-sized budget." Kembrel Boutique

On this particular day, Kembrel hosted a trunk show event, featuring the four Philadelphia Fashion Incubator designers, Melissa D' Agostino (D’AGOSTINO Fashion Textile Design), Kaitlyn Doherty, Autumn Kietponglert (Heartless Revival) and Latifat Obajinmi and Moriamo Johnson (Aso Damisi). It was really nice to talk to the local designers and hear what they had to say about their take on fashion design and their residence as part of the Macy's Fashion Incubator program. 

Button Bib Necklace by Aso Damisi

Aso Damisi, is designed by two beautiful sisters from Nigeria that relocated to the United States at an early age. They are all about meshing together African inspired textiles with classic and timeless designs. I absolutely fell in love with these designs, the prints and the fabric just speak to me! Wearing prints has become such a big explosion in the past year, and I don't see an end to it!

Heartless Revival designs

Black and white, couture and goth... these pieces from Heartless Revival just go together so well. These designs are a very edgy take on Ready to Wear, just imagine that skeleton tunic with a pair of pleather leggings and and a short, cropped moto jacket!? One amazing look is what you end up with!

D'Agostino silk, hand dyed ties

Designer, Melissa D' Agostino talking about her special hand dying method

The one word that comes to mind when I think about D'Agostino designs is beautiful! I know, it's kind of a cliche word but when true beauty blossoms, you have to give credit where it's due! I've actually been a long time follower Melissa's designs, i've even been to a fashion show with her designs featured.   You have to really see the designs in person and feel the fabric to fully explore the beauty of her work!

Hand sewn, leather belts by Kaitlyn Elizabeth 

I can totally see this dress on a celebrity!

While I was speaking with the designer of Kaitlyn Elizabeth, I was blown away by how young her designs were and how much talent she had. She hand sews everything herself, including all of the leather pieces. Her execution and craftsmanship is magnificent! Her designs have a very young and contemporary feel to them, making them a perfect match for many retailers. Studs, colorblocking, leather, exposed zippers, cut outs, its just so now! 

All in all, I believe all of the designers featured in the trunk show deserve a second look over. I really do think you will fully appreciate their designs, I sure did! It was a great event, and if you're ever in Philly and looking for a new place to shop, check out Kembrel boutique!