GREEN SCENE

Construction to Couture: Market Square Becomes Pittsburgh’s Runway

September 22, 2025

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.

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 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

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

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.