The Blue Light District

With all of the other emerging artistic communities like Garfield and Lawrenceville getting in on the action, the Southside was due for its own hip, art, fashion and food event.

By Elise Yacovone
4/24/2005

The Blue Light District celebrated its inaugural event Thursday, April 21 from 5-10 pm. The District includes the fashionable enclave of galleries and original retailers on Carson between 10^th and 12^th  streets.  

At Kharisma Vintage Fashions, the “Rehashin’ Fashion” event drew a diverse crowd of friends and supporters.  Models perched atop the circular clothes racks displaying the sumptuous creations of Sunshine Rocket, aka Rachel Vallozzi, owner of Kharisma. The stark black and white artwork of Rachel Pascarella, adorned the walls of the intimate vintage store.

Vallozi, a Greensburg native, opened the store in 2002 after returning to the Pittsburgh area from LA. Her creations ranged from silky sixties flavored dresses to fabulous black lace tulle from the eighties. If you think musty and tired when you hear the word vintage, Vallozzi’s creations were anything but.

Vallozi is already thinking ahead to Kharisma’s next event. “We’re planning on doing an installation piece for Retro on Eight in Lawrenceville in July, ” Vallozzi said.

While Kharisma fashions hosted its initial contribution to the Blue Light District, Blue Ruin Gallery featured the works of visual artist Sara Liberte. Liberte’s pieces fused motorcycle parts with evocative nude photography.

Look for the Blue Light District each third Thursday of the month for a new look at the Southside. It’s not always about the bars and staggering home after a long night, the area’s artistic community is still alive and thriving.

For more on the Blue Light District participants check out:

http://www.kharismafashions.com

http://www.cloud8.info/events.html

http://www.silvereye.org

http://www.blueruingallery.com