Fashion!  Fashion!  Fashion!  I'm chanting it a la Pet Shop Boys!  (How queer is that?  Next, I might be conjuring up the spirit of one of my other alter-egos, Edina Monsoon, of Absolutely Fabulous!)

Yes, these days it seems like there's ever more fashion events in the city and region. I know that we'll never be like New York City where the fashion industry has anchored itself for decades and isn't moving anywhere else no matter how hard cities like Los Angeles, Chicago or Miami try to steal the crown and title of the fashion capital city of America!

For instance, Phashion Phest has definitely become one of those Philadelphia traditions, a rarity, really, in the city's fashion world.

Last year the annual event marked its 15th anniversary, so, it's impressive that it reaches its 16th year despite the dismal retail reports each month but, hey, unless, you're planning to turn nudist or naturalist, you'll be buying clothes, perhaps this year less of them than in previous years. That means that you need to be even more attentive and selective, in building a good, classic, wardrobe, of lasting quality garments, and "play" trendier with the accessories.

It's all returning at 6:15 showtime, September 23, to the spectacular Millennium Ballroom at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia, 1200 Market Street, with the this year's theme of "fashion forecast."

Presented by Wachovia, Center City District, BEAM Global Wines & Spirits, produced by creator Sharon Phillips Waxman of SPW Productions, and hosted by the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, the retail fashion runway brings together the area's upscale retailers, salons, and accessory boutiques to promote the fashion and beauty industry in the Delaware Valley.

"Each year this show gives the public a real sense of what's available in the retail stores, small and large, independent and chain, in the Philadelphia region, " said Waxman, "it's is a preview of that fall season and draws attention to what to shop for and where to find it."

The always stylish event will feature upscale retailers from Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, from Bloomingdale's, Douglas Cosmetics, Hats in the Belfry to The Shops at Liberty Place, Les Richards Menswear and Zinman Furs, to name a handful of participating retailers.

While the runway show is always entertaining, the audience of local fashionista gets, frankly, more and more interesting and, for me, eye-catching, during the top-shelf open bar cocktail reception, and the mixing and mingling of the classically dressed to the trendiest of outfits who are checking out the hottest trends in hair and make-up even more the first model struts down the runway.

We all know that when things get tough, the (fashionably) tough go shopping--and--to fashion events, so I'll see you there!  Now, what did you say that you were wearing next week?

Phashion Phest is open to the public. Tickets are $50 at the door and $25 for students with valid ID.

For more information, call 215.670.4323; or visit phashionphest.com

He's back!  Club promoter extraordinaire Dan Contarino returns to the city's nightlife scene with a vengeance with two dance parties!  Your Sundays, beginning on September 20 (that's this weekend), will truly never be the same again! 

"Ultra" will be held at "G" Lounge, 17th Street at Sansom, Philadelphia, adjacent to fashionable Rittenhouse Square, in Rittenhouse Square, with Grand Opening Celebration featuring a Complimentary "Grand Opening" admission, all night long, an Open Bar, 8-10 pm, and spinning for your dancing pleasure, New York City Celebrity DJ/Producer ESCAPE.

"Unzipped" is being produced by Contarino in association with Jason E., Robbie Tronco, Phoenixx Alexander and Justin Bruno at Denim Nightclub, 1712 Walnut Street, now owned and operated by the partners of "G" Lounge, this late night party is being promoted as a Sunday Night "Industry/In The Biz" late night dance party targeting the salon, bar, restaurant industry types mixing and mingling with the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and queer crowd. The party begins once the doors open at midnight and featured Sunday Night Resident DJs will be DJ/Producers Robbie Tronco and Jason E, Philadelphia and Atlantic City's most renowned and popular DJs.

Both parties promise a lot of action as this weekend's be-and-be seen places to be, things to do, people to meet. I'll see you there--so make sure to wear something fashionable!

For information, call 215.681.1718; or visit ckmworld.com , millenniument.com or denimlounge.com

 

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 - I am disappointed that a musician with a history of promoting homophobia and a culture of violence will be performing in Philadelphia this weekend.  As Philadelphians, we should let our voices be heard that advocating physical harm against fellow citizens because of their sexual orientation is conduct that we will not tolerate. 

Last year, the state Supreme Court struck down - on a technicality - legislation that sought to protect members of the LGBT community from hate crimes. The fact that we continue to face messages of hate only underscores that our work in Harrisburg is far from over. I will continue to lead the fight to make sure that every Pennsylvanian - regardless of their race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity - can live without fear of harm or intimidation.

From: State Rep. Babette Josephs

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 - State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., today issued the following statement regarding the planned concert of Buju Banton, an anti-gay singer, at the Trocadero Theater:

"It is unfortunate that reggae singer Mr. Buju Banton continues to sing songs that promote the brutal and violent murder of gay and lesbian people, and that the Trocadero has given him a venue in which to do so.

"The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community deserve the same rights and freedoms as the straight community, and that includes freedom from fear and violence.

"In recognizing this, I ask the owner of the Trocadero to consider giving equal time to the LGBT community for an event that promotes unity and tolerance."

From: Stephen A. Glassman, Chairperson

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

Vice Chairperson of the Governor's Cabinet on Disability  Rights

Office of Governor Edward G. Rendell, Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 - "Hate speech is deplorable whenever it occurs, regardless of the intended victim or the irresponsible source of the attacks. Those who encourage violence against minorities and women are complicit in creating a climate of fear and intimidation in which hate crimes often follow the sentiments promoted by insensitive song lyrics or prejudicial words. LGBT people and their allies are currently fighting for equality and legal protection from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, and in public accommodations here in Pennsylvania. Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression must be added to our state civil rights statutes so that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals enjoy the same protections under the law which are currently granted to everyone else.

We are frequently perceived to be easy targets by those who would abuse the public trust through their demeaning and derogatory use of the English language. These reprehensible comments are acts of cowardice and insecurity which dehumanize all those who utter them or support them, and reveal both ignorance and immaturity on the part of such misguided individuals. There is no place in our society for acts of hatred and violence which are intended to inhibit the full participation of women and minorities in our democracy. 

It is particularly egregious when these attacks are launched against those who are most vulnerable for whom legal protections are still lacking at the state and federal levels. I encourage the Pennsylvania state legislature to once again pass an inclusive Hate Crimes bill to replace the one which was overturned by the courts on a technicality in May of 2008. The law worked well for the five years it was in effect, and we are long overdue in repassing this important piece of legislation so that the Governor can sign it into law where it will protect people against crimes motivated by irrational hatred and bias."