Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, die-hard sports fans and an art museum with a set of stairs that only Sylvester Stallone can race up without losing his breath.

This month Philly has made an effort to become known for something new: Fashion Week.

The event, held Oct. 8-10, was packed with nothing but stylish activities and on Thursday Oct. 8, Philadelphia Fashion Week was already in full swing, a momentous occasion full of firsts.

Held at the Armory on 23rd Street, the city was on a full-blown style watch as student designers from local colleges and professionals from the Philadelphia area and beyond showcased colorful fabrics, high heels, makeup and tons of accessories. From the looks of the bright lights, cool runway and bar in the center of all the fabulousness, the night was off to a trendy start.

Arriving fashionably early, I was immediately immersed in the space as the band This is a Shakedown played, setting the mood. As I checked out the vendors selling merchandise, the designers were eager to speak with me.

I met Pat Marin of Delaware-based Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry . Marin was excited to be in Philadelphia for Fashion Week.

“I usually attend Fashion Week in New York, but when I was invited to come to this event I thought, why not?,” said Marin. “This is the first time it’s here and I’m glad I could be a part of this.”

Along with Marin there were other local designers looking to promote their businesses. Melissa Matarese, an emerging designer from the Philly area, displayed her eco-friendly, all-natural line Mesa Apparel & Accessories.

“I’m looking to get exposure in Philly and that’s why I’m here at Fashion Week,” said Matarese.

Psydde from Delicious Boutique & Corseterie, another local designer, explained “This is Philly’s first Fashion Week, how could I not be here?”

At 5 p.m. it was showtime! Industry pros and students alike gathered around the runway to view the latest fashions. As music played the models strutted to the beat and displayed the garments.

Student designers from Moore College of Art & Design and other area schools displayed their work and streetwear designers like Palmieri Jeans, Love Brigade, Brooklyn Royalty, Kill City and Wrath Arcane presented their lines with slogans like “Wear the Difference” and “Que Sera, Sera.”

The designs ranged from chiffon gowns to decorated skinny jeans, flannel shirts, vintage graphic t-shirts, nylon jackets and corsets. It actually amazed me how creative one can be with what may be considered a simple look. I left wanting to be craftier with my everyday appearance.

In an evening of firsts, Philadelphia Fashion Week set the standard for future shows. The next two nights’ events took on a similar format, with Philadelphia University design students participating on Friday and the Art Institute of Philadelphia’s students sharing their designs on Saturday.

There was no shortage of Philly-based designs walking the runway as Strangefruit, SA VA and Street Star Custom Clothing, among others, represented the city’s fashion community with pride.

As co-founder and Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia (who is sponsored this year by Philly U’s design department) Hilary Jay notes on the organization’s website, “DesignPhiladelphia continues to be instrumental in raising the national reputation of Philadelphia as a city of change and innovation.”

Indeed, Fashion Week may be a change for the city, but this Philly’s ever-growing cultural support of community activities remains the same.