Philadelphia's Top Handmade And Sustainable Fashion
Arcadia Boutique
819 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
(215) 667-8099
www.arcadiaboutique.com
Arcadia Boutique is an eco-fashion boutique and lifestyle destination in the heart of Northern Liberties. The store offers a selection of eco-friendly designers from Philadelphia and around the world. While Arcadia mostly specializes in women's apparel, it also has small men's and baby's collections, and the well-organized, professional website allows for online purchasing. Bonus: Owner Ali McCloud even organizes eco-friendly vacations for her customers at destinations around the world!
SA VA
1700 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 587-0004
www.savafashion.com
This two-part endeavor from Philly fashion designer Sarah Van Aken is comprised of an upscale retail shop and a design studio. Not only are 90% of the items in the SA VA boutique made inside the design studio, all of the fabrics used are eco-friendly and fair trade, too. And while it ain't cheap, SA VA's commitment to ethical causes and sustainability means you feel good when you're handing over the plastic for that $225 dress.
Art Star
623 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Neighborhoods: Northern Liberties, Spring Garden
(215) 238-1557
www.artstarphilly.com
Art Star is sort of like shopping Etsy, but in person. The shop is great for browsing, with lots of well-arranged arts, crafts and clothing leading up to a gallery in back. Art Star also hosts frequent artist opening events and an annual craft fair where indie artists, designers and jewelry-makers gather from across the country. Recent Philadelphia artists have included Julie West, Ed Bing Lee and Amy Rice.
Art In The Age Of Mechanical Reproduction
116 North 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Neighborhood: Olde City
(215) 922-2600
www.artintheage.com
Art in the Age Of Mechanical Reproduction offers unique clothing and housewares, as well as their own housemade liquor called Root – a libation made with some of the same ingredients as root beer. Some items for sale include a perfume based on the scent of a library, a bag with Walter Benjamin's face on it, handmade leather satchels, a pipe carrying case and Mason Pearson hair brushes. Despite a website description that sounds a bit like a Yale thesis, Art In The Age Of Mechanical Reproduction features wonderful artists and an inspiring atmosphere.