In 'The Designer Spotlight'

"Sultana Aschim"
-J. Graham

Sultana's 'Silver Lining' - From high-polished sterling silver accessories to intricate brass and copper designs, Sultana Aschim allows her clients to “rock out” to heavy metal. She gathers much of her inspiration from nature, transforming leaves, pods and dried flowers into unique focal points on her rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Blackened then polished silver, a consistent theme of Aschim's work, brings attention to the intricate textures she creates on her pieces. Perhaps the most impressive quality of Aschim’s work lies in her versatility— smooth gemstones provide several pieces with a delicacy that is contrasted with the rawness of her abstract, soldered metal pieces. There is no doubt that Sultana Aschim's fresh ideas will add a creative spin to the world of jewelry design. I imagine reminiscing some years from now, excited to have bought one of her earlier pieces at the Philadelphia Designer’s Market!

In 'The Designer Spotlight'

"Strangefruit"
-C. Laws

Descending from a lineage of seamstresses, Kristin Haskin Simms was unaware of her niche for designing apparel until she experimented with putting a postcard image she designed on a t-shirt. After falling in love with the idea, Kristin decided to take it one step further, and that is how Strangefruit evolved. Her fashion forward line allows women to experiment, break the rules, and dare to be different all while never letting go of comfort. The union of soft cotton jersey with contrasting leather details is only one example of how Kristin manges to create edgy yet wearable, feminine pieces. Strangefruit's ready-to-wear collection is everything but boring and allows formal and informal to go hand in hand. Something tells us that you are not going to want to miss Strangefruit at the Philadelphia Designer's Market.

In 'The Designer Spotlight'

"Modern Unity"
- S.Scott

Thanks to sisters Michele Gresh and Vicky Cagliola, utilitarian chic has been taken to a whole new level. With their new label, Modern Unity, they have created handbags for women who like their accessories to have a little something extra. Most of their collections come in a set that includes interchangeable straps. Your shoulder bag can be a tote, your wristlet can be a shoulder bag...its easy to carry as little or as much as you need! Modern Unity is taking functionality to a whole new level.