The Galleries at Moore launch network, a new networking series focused on design in Philadelphia

The Galleries at Moore launch network, a new networking series focused on design in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Feb 3, 2012/ — The Galleries at Moore announce a new series of networking events, network, that bring together emerging designers and business and arts professionals to meet, exchange ideas and make new connections.

Launching in February of 2012, the twice annual series, originally developed in 2009 as NET Nights at Moore, will now feature designers in the fields of fashion, graphic design, urban planning and more, highlighting Philadelphia’s growing design industries.

The series complements other city initiatives intended to establish Philadelphia as a center for design including DesignPhiladelphia, a city-wide event held each October since 2005 and the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, a new fashion design initiative launching in spring 2012 at Macy’s center city.

“The program series is meant to make networking less intimidating, and more social while still creating a place where those new to the city’s creative industries can connect one-on-one with key people in their fields,” said Elizabeth Gilly, outreach and public programs coordinator at The Galleries at Moore.

“Coinciding with events like DesignPhiladelphia provides a setting within larger, city-wide events devoted to encouraging the kinds of professional relationships that are key to the growth of the design industry in the city.”

The series kicks off on Friday, February 17, 6 – 8 pm, with network: Launch into Fashion, an event to rock your favorite style and accessories for a night of cocktails, local DJ Sammy Slice and the chance to meet some of Philadelphia’s top designers and fashion experts.

Featured speakers include Elissa Bloom, executive director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, launching this spring at Macy’s Center City, and Jay McCarroll, Philadelphia-based designer and winner of Project Runway, season one. McCarroll is chief creative officer for Jay McCarroll Online and Jay McCarroll Apparel & Accessories. The event is free and open to the public.

Fashion is the focus for spring at Moore, with seniors finishing their collections, working with professional critics and completing a fashion show production class leading up to the annual Spring Fashion Show on Saturday, May 12, 2012.