Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Pittsburgh refutes ‘worst dressed’ rank

When GQ Magazine rated Pittsburgh the third worst dressed city in America,  local “fashionistas” and industry experts began making efforts to prove it wrong.   The second annual Pittsburgh Fashion Week will kick off Downtown on Sept. 26 with the opening show, “Under the Tent at Market Square,” and five more days filled with runway shows will follow.Those involved with the Steel City’s style scene are working hard to showcase the talents of Pittsburgh designers and the urban, upcoming looks of the city to the rest of the world.Gina Caruso Hussar, editor-in-chief of Front Row Monthly, feels “phenomenally lucky” to be where she is today. Front Row Monthly is a digital and print magazine that focuses not only on fashion and lifestyle, but also on art, culture, music and more.”Our original goal, which still is our goal, was to support local artists and designers but to do so on a global scale,” Hussar said. “Take these extremely talented individuals and give them a national and international platform. With correspondents all over the country and some abroad, we can do that.”Hussar said the drive to move forward in the fashion industry, connecting with other professionals and reaching out to the city has helped her magazine grow.”Perseverance is a big thing, especially in Pittsburgh,” Hussar said. “The fashion industry is extremely competitive, and success and kindness are not mutually exclusive. We don’t believe that you can get anywhere by stepping on people. Partner up. Take advantage of friendships with like-minded people and realize the power of collaboration.”For aspiring “fashionistas,” Hussar advises them to “be willing to get out there and promote.” “You can’t get to the top completely on your own. Share your vision, ask for help, job shadow,” she said. “The opportunities are there, and if you can’t find them, make them.”Nicole Couch, owner of Crazy Hot Clothes, an online vendor for vintage clothing that ships all over the world, said that starting her business has “been a process.””We started with nothing and have pretty much financed the business from just what was made in the beginning,” Couch said.Couch said that European cutting-edge, vintage-style clothing inspired her to create her Pittsburgh-based company. Her goal is to get women in Pittsburgh to open up to this style.”I would like to get women to express themselves with what they wear, as opposed to saying, ‘That dress is really pretty, but when will I ever be able to wear it,'” Couch said.Couch and the rest of the Crazy Hot Clothes team plan to hold a workshop to teach women howto style particular pieces.”Sometimes it’s intimidating for someone to pick out the right clothes,” Couch said. “We would like to show women how to wear one outfit for three different occasions by styling it differently. This saves money.”Couch said starting out in the fashion world can be difficult.”My advice for anyone new in fashion is to be patient and work hard. Nothing in this industry comes easily,” Couch said.Pittsburgh Fashion Week incorporates styles for both genders on the runway, and Jace Lumley, a junior photojournalism major and fashion blogger, is looking forward to the menswear pieces. “Personally, I would like to see Pittsburgh catch on to current trends,” Lumley said.After a successful first year, many have a positive outlook for the week, including Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fashion blogger and Point Park alumna Sarah Sudar.”I think Pittsburgh Fashion Week is a great addition to the city. It gives local artists, designers and retailers a chance to show off what they got, and hopefully drive businesses and support the local economy,” Sudar said. “Though we may not be New York or Milan, Pittsburgh is fashionable and we are showing that off during this week.”

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