Philly's own little Fashion Week's fab

There is nothing more Philly than booming music by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince and the city skyline as the backdrop.

That's why business partners Kerry Scott and Kevin Parker set up runways Friday, Saturday and Sunday night in City Hall Courtyard for their second annual FBH Philadelphia Fashion Week(end) festivities.

"There are so many hot designers out here in Philadelphia that don't have a venue to show their clothing," Scott, 25, said of the event showcased the week following New York Fashion Week, the top American must-go. "Philadelphia should have something that is its own. Each year we want to be bigger and better."

Friday featured sporty ready-to-wear looks, while the Saturday-afternoon spotlight was on young designers. Both Saturday and Sunday, the emphasis was couture wear. And on Sunday, the headliner was Walish Gooshe, a collection by Philadelphia's Greg Taylor.

"From a buyer's standpoint, I was very happy with what Philly had to offer," said Perchelle O'Boyle, who owns Perchelle, a men's and womens wear boutique in St. Louis. She flew out to Philadelphia for the three-day event.

"I was very surprised many of these designers hadn't expanded to other boutiques. But it gives me a chance to launch them in the Midwest."

Although each collection in Saturday's presentation was different, hosts Lori Wilson from NBC10, Kharisma McIlwaine from CW57, and Envy McKee formerly of 100.3 The Beat did a good job making sure each designer's collection flowed into the next.

Nyeta Allen's Happy Couture collection opened the show theatrically with Asian-inspired designs. Another highlight was 17-year-old Bishme Cromartie's Ying Edge grouping that featured cohesive use of fabrics and construction not much different from Francisco Costa's spring 2009 line for Calvin Klein, shown this month in New York. This young man from Baltimore is definitely someone to watch.

The fall 2008 Fetish collection by Philadelphia-born rapper Eve has evolved past Juicy Couturelike sweats. The line, introduced by her mother, Julie Wilch, is now mostly comfy ensembles of leggings and knee-length T's fashionably paired with stilettos.

Melanie Brandon, fresh from presenting her Melani von Alexandria Superwoman collection in New York, showed her chalky-colored flowing looks. And Mike Sam, who grew up on Philadelphia's Hollywood Street and now lives in Los Angeles, introduced his beautifully crafted English Clientele to Philadelphia.

Sam, the most established designer on the roster, designs for actresses Vivica Fox and Tisha Campbell-Martin. His line of lingerie-style dresses in vibrant floral prints is carried at Barneys New York and Fred Segal.

"This is coming back home for me," Sam said backstage after the show. "I love Philly, and I love representing Philly everywhere."

The most wearable looks were from lesser-known talents. James Nelson focused his collection on the trumpet silhouette in gowns and cigarette trousers that flared below the knee.

Kevin Love's Ke Collection was inspired by churchwomen of the 1930s and '40s. Each skirt suit was accessorized with a large-brimmed hat. It was all so very Diahann Carroll of Dynasty fame.

Ron Wilch did a bang-up job with menswear. He paired each suit - some chalky pinstriped, some warm corduroy - with a man purse, and he Europeanized his silhouettes with neck scarves. Nice!