Valanni BIG TIME Fashion Show

“Bigger is Better” in the Valanni Fall Fashion Show

Hosted by Brini Maxwell, event closes down Spruce Street Oct. 16 with outdoor runway and 1980s-inspired looks

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Sept. 30, 2008) – Billy Crystal’s SNL character “Fernando” used to say: “It’s better to look good than to feel good.” It’s a perfect quote from the 1980s, a decade of decadence.

Valanni – the medi-latin restaurant at1229 Spruce Street – will hold its annual fall fashion show on Thursday, Oct. 16. This year’s theme is “Big Time,” a throwback to the era of Grace Jones and “Dynasty,” of Armani shoulder pads and polka dots.

TV’s domestic goddess and style icon Brini Maxwell will host the evening. Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Her new line of accessories for the home– Felix Populi – is now available in high-end boutiques.

The outdoor runway shows begins at 10 p.m., rain-or-shine. There is no cover charge.

“Big Time” will feature more than two dozen looks from Kimberly Boutique, Club Monaco, Bus Stop, Un de Six, Crash Bang Boom and Zivile Pupinyte, with hair and make-up by Ettore Salon + Spa. D.J. Kevin Kong will be spinning.

According to Valanni’s George Anni, the show’s theme is perfect after a recent expansion doubled the size of the restaurant’s bar and dining room. Settling on the tagline of “bigger is better,” the show is to be a tribute to the extravagant, over-the-top music, art, celebrities and fashions of the 1980s.

The fashions coming down the runway are inspired by the iconic looks of the decade: Valley Girls, power dressers, day-glo dancers, Miami Vice, hair metal and preppies – not to mention Madonna and Michael Jackson. The 80s was the decade that launched MTV, after all.

Like Valanni’s previous show “Candy Land,” there will be a catwalk that extends through the restaurant, circling out a pair of French windows, where more than two dozen models will walk above the crowds on Spruce Street. There will be performing artists, Ketel One drink specials and music.

StreetTalkin.com, Philadelphia’s Internet video channel, is the media sponsor.

ABOUT VALANNI
Under Chef Evan Turney, Valanni offers distinctive Mediterranean cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails in a sensual, hip and inviting neighborhood restaurant located one block from the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia. Renowned for its medi-latin tapas, Valanni’s kitchen is open until 1 a.m. and also features daily happy hours – including $4 premium “you call its” and half-price tapas during the week. For more information, call 215-790-9494 or visit valanni.com.