Fashion for Food Nerds

The construct of fashion sends many a myopically inclined food nerd into a quiver of confusion. What is a pashmina and why do I want one? Is that poodle part of her outfit? What do you mean those models don’t eat???

But now, with The Philadelphia Collection–the city’s two-week fashion party–upon us, it is with great relief that we present a way for you to get up-to-date on the latest couture (should you be so inclined) while still surrounding yourself in the fuzzy bathrobe comfort of something you do know: food and drink.

Wed. 9/14: Project Valanni – Valanni continues its five-year-tradition of fashion-feting with a “Project Runway” -styled runway that runs through both dining rooms into the street. There will be special cocktails and a DJ, and oh, yeah, five designers showing off their men’s and women’s looks. 10 p.m. 1229 Spruce St., valanni.com

Sun. 9/18: Trunk Show at Tattooed Mom – You know from the locale that this vintage trunk show will showcase the best of ironic and slouchy fashions rather than the burning-hot styles worn by people who spend any real money on their clothes. We’ll tell you that vendors include Philly AIDS Thrift, Medium Bob’s Curiosity Shop and Jenny from the Block, but we’re aware that what you really want to know is that there will be food for sale–and the usual 5-7 pm happy hour deal of half-off drafts. 530 South Street, 215.238.9880

Mon. 9/19: Fashion, Film & Fresh Coffee at Mugshots Coffeehouse and Café – Watch the classic “The Devil Wears Prada,” while cursing the constant demands of own boss over a well-caffeinated cup of java. 2100 Fairmount Avenue, 267.514.7145

Ongoing:

Zento’s Fashionable Sushi Rolls – Let’s hope a certain fashion-bending rock star doesn’t catch wind of the special “Gaga Roll” on the menu, lest she show up at her next gig wrapped in soy paper, stuffed with shrimp tempura and topped with a guacamole and olive-oil hat. 138 Chestnut St., 215.925.9998

SliCE’s Glen Senk’s Favorite Pizza – Who is Glen Senk and why should you care what kind of pizza he likes? He’s the CEO of Urban Outfitters and you might want to try his favorite pizza – caramelized onion, potato and thyme – too. 1740 Sansom St., 215.557.9299

Positano Coast – It’s so easy to pretend to be a diva in oh-so-fabulous Positano Coast. Why not complete the picture with a “Diva” organic cocktail (Square One vodka, Combier and frambois liqueur, fresh raspberry puree and a splash of bubbly) for a fashionista-on-a-budget price of $7. 212 Walnut St, 2nd fl, 215. 238.0499

Bistro Romano’s Stiletto-tini – There’s nothing particularly fashion-oriented about the Stilleto-tini fashioned from Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua, and Godiva Chocolate Liquor but it’s got a sort of fun name so what the heck. 120 Lombard St., 215.925.8880

Cuba Libre – A wardrobe of fashion-inspired cocktails contains the Skinny-Superfruit Mojito, Coco “Chanel” Cubano, and the “Isabel Toledo” Lemongrass Daiquiri. Don’t worry, we didn’t know who Isable Toledo was either until we asked Philly mag’s fashion editor. Hey, man, like we said at the beginning, we know food. If our socks match, we’re ahead of the game. 10 S 2nd St., 215.627.0666