CBS Philly Celebrates

Black History Month

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By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Once a contestant on the TV show “Project Runway,” graphic designer Kristin Haskins Simms is the founder and designer of the fashion line Strangefruit.

Simms, who grew up in West Mount Airy, says she moved away to attend college, but returned back 12 years ago, wooed by Philadelphia’s eclectic evolution.

“I was, like, there are restaurants downtown, and cute restaurants!  And a combination of the food and the arts scene — that’s what really sold me on Philly,” she recalls.

Simms says one of Philadelphia’s best assets is the schools where young artists can learn and grow:

“They have great art programs. I went to Fleisher Memorial when I was a kid — I took some drawing classes there.  I also took an illustration class at Moore College of Art.”

Now, Kristin lives in Germantown.  And even though she sells her fashion all over the world, she says Philadelphia is home.

“Philly’s a great place to have your roots,” she says.

Hear Cherri Gregg’s full interview with Kristin Haskins Simms in this CBS Philly podcast…

Download the podcast (runs 5′ 22″)