LGBTQ: The Value of Drag
Philadelphia has a thriving drag community, with drag shows all over the city and an ever-growing population of performers. On any given night, a drag show is likely going on somewhere in town. Throughout history, drag has employed very rigid rules for its queens, often in relation to physique and size. However, with the growth […]
Rittenhouse Square: As the Decades Pass, Clothing Store Owner Keeps Pace With Changing Fashions
The visually stunning windows of Sophy Curson on the corner of 19th and Sansom streets stand out in the sea of industrial and vintage-looking storefronts. The slanted tile roof and floor to ceiling windows are inviting and intriguing – much like store itself. Sophy Curson has been in business since 1929. According to family lore, […]
Olney: Barber Enjoys Reputation For Sharp Blades And Words
On a typical day at Barbers Inc., the environment is lively. Laughs, jokes and conversations about sports and societal issues flow about the shop and continue outside the doors into the community. It’s a safe haven for some, and for others a chance to partake in good conversations. For lead groomer David Choung, the barbershop gives him the […]
South Philadelphia: T-Shirt Shop South Fellini Opens on East Passyunk Avenue
With its bright-blue exterior and mosaic sign, South Fellini makes its presence known on East Passyunk Avenue. Opened Oct. 1 at 1507 E. Passyunk Ave., South Fellini, owned by Philadelphia filmmakers and artists, Johnny Zito and Tony Trov, is the first physical location of the duo’s internet store of the same name. The store sells […]
Old City: Where You’re Never Too Spoiled
Rene Galvin opened Never Too Spoiled in 2008 as a seasonal shop in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin. Galvin opened the small storefront mostly to run Internet sales out of but after falling in love with it, she decided to make it a more permanent business. The little shop down the shore blossomed into a quirky and vibrant boutique […]
Lawncrest: Consignment Store Owner Celebrates 31 Years of Operation
With a background in performance dance, a stick-to-it mentality and a fashion sense influenced by her parents, 77-year-old Merle Weiner celebrates the fact her childhood still influences the way she runs her small consignment shop. Located at 912 Cottman Ave., Merle’s Clothes Closet is a retail store filled with high-end clothing, jewelry and other accessories. “One woman […]
Sustainable Living: Five Eco-Friendly Businesses in Philadelphia
When a business is sustainable, its practices demonstrate how to make a profit while also promoting, addressing and being conscious of environmental issues. Here are a few businesses that focus their mission not only on making money but remaining environmentally sound. Moon + Arrow 754 S. 4th St. Originating as a handmade jewelry line five years ago, Moon […]
Mayfair: Art History 101’s Jay Pross Sticks to Mayfair Roots
Jay Pross never thought he would own a clothing store with more than 100 of his designs on display. He also didn’t think that his hand-painted T-shirts would go on to become a major hit in the music industry, drawing attention of iconic artists such as Soulja Boy, The Game and even Beyoncé. It wasn’t until […]
LGBTQ: Drew By Day, Drag By Night
When the sun goes down, the transformation of Drew Gaver begins. “I started drag, in earnest, about three years ago,” said Gaver, who performs as BEV. “I dabbled around with just kind of goofing off with friends for about a year or two before that, but in terms of actually performing and being here in […]
Kensington: Five Places Helping to Create an Art Community
Slowly but surely, the art community in Old Kensington is pushing forward. It’s hidden among the abandoned factories and vacant lots of the area, but the artists aren’t complaining. “There are five studios within blocks of here, but you would never know,” said Charles Cerrone, a photographer working out of Sharktown Studios on Mascher Street, near […]