Construction to Couture: Market Square Becomes Pittsburgh’s Runway

Green Fashion

September 22, 2025

Pittsburgh Today Live Pre-Show Coverage

On September 18, Market Square transformed into a fashion-forward gathering spot for Construction to Couture, the signature cocktail crawl of Pittsburgh Fashion Week.

Guests sipped on couture-inspired cocktails crafted by Market Square vendors while enjoying exclusive menu offerings and promotions from participating businesses across Downtown.

This event was made possible through the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Placemaking Grant program, funded by Citizens.

Why Market Square?

The setting was no accident. Market Square itself tells a story of transformation. Once the subject of a $15 million revitalization led by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the Square now stands as a vibrant hub that mirrors the event’s very theme: reinvention. Even amid phased construction, the space thrives as a destination for public art, performances, and—this week—high style.

Participating Businesses

Participating businesses include Space Bar, The Yard, Pizzaiolo Primo, City Works, Revel, Millie’s Ice Cream, Alta Via, Medi’s on Market, Aperitivo Club, Emerson’s, Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., love, and more—each offering Fashion Week–themed creations such as:

Galactic Glam (Space Bar) – a molecular cocktail that’s out of this world
Catwalk Candy (The Yard) – cotton candy–infused tequila delight
The Runway (Pizzaiolo Primo) – an elegant whiskey-forward showstopper
Blue Steel (City Works) – a blueberry margarita with serious attitude
Coco Couture (Revel) – a decadent coconut, almond, and chocolate cocktail
Little Black Dress and Tuxedo (Alta Via) - the ultimate style couple - raising a glass to fashion’s most iconic looks.
Le Smoking (Emerson’s) - smoky, bold and effortlessly chic
Dolce & Garibaldi (Aperitivo Club) - this cocktail is la dolce vita in a glass
Midnight in Paris Latte (Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co.) - a chic lavender dream, topped with sparkle and Parisian flair
Fashion Week Parfait (Millie’s) - Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream with black tea ripple, crushed waffle cones and real whipped cream

Construction to Couture Designers and Models

Ten Pittsburgh designers presented one-of-a-kind creations using construction remnants and architectural textiles, paired with models from DochertyX:

Virginia Nicoll (The Goddess Closet) / Alice Michelle Kelsey-Toomer
Suz Pisano / Allison Cronin
Brian David / Kinley Martin
Imani Batts / Tiaura Davis
Starr Thomas / Siawaa Antwi
Michael Nolan Kouri / Rachel Landry
Sidney Rice / Ella Evans
Cathy Olivar / Marisa Becerra
Laura Luzier / Erin Mykich
Nzuri Noni / Lauren Navilliat

“Events that celebrate transformation underscore the rise of a new Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Construction to Couture is a fantastic example of creative ingenuity turning something challenging into a vibrant opportunity. We encourage everyone to come see the exceptional talent on display, support our local businesses, and experience Market Square in an entirely new way.”

KDKA CBS News Pittsburgh Pre-Show Coverage

Thanks To

Hair and makeup by the Izzazu Salon & Haircare Design Team, with visuals captured by photographer Vondre Clark and videographer Nick Zaller, and creative design led by Gary Kalinosky of Acrobatique Creative.