Oct 7, 2009 9:50 pm US/Eastern
Designers Gear Up For Philly Fashion Week
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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phillyfashionweek.org/CBS
As Philly-based fashion designer Kristin Haskins-Simms gears up for Philadelphia's first ever fashion-week, it's hard to believe how far she's come.
Facing poor sales from her men's tee-shirt line, the graphic artist turned fashion designer could barely construct a zipper one year ago and now has her own apparel line.
"I had a pattern maker come in to help me because I didn't know anything about sleeves. I didn't know anything about structure. I had this form I had bought for like fifteen bucks and I just started draping the tee shirts," said Simms.
That led to a few prototypes and the rebirth of her line, dubbed 'Strangefruit.'
"It really is for a woman who is independent, leads a busy versatile lifestyle. It's always something that can take her from day to night," explained Simms.
Named after the anti-lynching song made famous by Billie Holiday, the apparel pays tribute to Kristin's Georgian roots, where many of her ancestors struggled for civil rights.
"I think it was just important for us not to forget our history," said Simms.
And while her great grandmother sewed out of necessity, Kristin uses her talent to blend fashion with function.
On display for fashion week ... an equestrian blouse made of cotton and flannel and a military jacket created from a pair of cargo pants. And despite the strong showing expected at fashion week, Kristin says she's just getting started.
"I think this is just the beginning for me. I don't think that's it. I have fifty more ideas in my head right now."
And we can't wait until they hit the catwalk.
For more on Philadelphia Fashion Week and to purchase tickets, click
here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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