The Pennsylvanian | Downtown Pittsburgh
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Presented by Huntington Bank
Pittsburgh's most anticipated fashion event returns for its 11th anniversary—an unforgettable evening where couture, sustainability, art, and culture collide.
An annual runway showcase of recycled materials, custom couture and a signature dance performance
Emerging from a city that turned industry into imagination, Pop Couture celebrates Pittsburgh’s legacy of bold art, striking image-making, and cultural influence. A place where media, fame, and experimentation reshaped how America experiences creativity.
For the Ecolution Fashion Gala runway, designers are challenged to transform discarded and recycled materials into extraordinary couture creations inspired by this year’s theme, POP COUTURE: Fashion, Fame & Obsession. Each designer is invited to interpret that legacy through their own visual language, creating looks that are as provocative, glamorous and unforgettable as the culture that inspired them. The dancers will step into that same world, embracing the energy, drama and visual language of Pop Couture through a signature performance that brings fashion and movement together.
During the exclusive VIP Guest Experience from 6–7:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to step beyond the runway and into the creative process with Pittsburgh artist Vinnie Candelore, aka VC2.
Danielle Crumrine, Executive Director at Tree Pittsburgh, will be named the recipient of the 2026 Model Citizen Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable Pittsburgh.
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS PROVIDED BY
Designers (In Order of Appearance)
Click name for designer bio
About the Production
Pop Couture is a multidisciplinary stage production that fuses dance, music, and fashion-inspired design to tell a story of art, ambition, and allure. The work celebrates creative expression while interrogating the myths—and consequences—surrounding fame, obsession, and visibility.
Two ticket tiers available:
PURCHASE TICKETS >>
Where Fashion Meets Fame
Celebrated as "The Met Gala of Pittsburgh," Ecolution Fashion Gala gathers the city's most visionary designers, eclectic tastemakers, artists, performers, and changemakers for one extraordinary night.
Experience a couture runway show unlike anything else in Pittsburgh.
Danielle Crumrine Named 2026 Model Citizen Award Recipient
Celebrating a Pittsburgher whose everyday work and actions are helping shape a greener, more sustainable city.
Danielle Crumrine, Executive Director at Tree Pittsburgh, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Model Citizen Award at the Ecolution Fashion Gala, recognizing her outstanding commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable Pittsburgh.
The Model Citizen Award celebrates an individual who embodies the spirit of Ecolution through their professional work, choices, values and actions they bring to their everyday life. Crumrine’s dedication to sustainability and her ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in Pittsburgh make her a fitting recipient of this year’s honor.
The VC2 Interactive Experience
A collaborative masterpiece.
During the exclusive VIP Guest Experience from 6–7:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to step beyond the runway and into the creative process with Pittsburgh artist Vinnie Candelore, aka VC2.
On-site for a large-scale, immersive and interactive painting experience, VC2 will invite VIP guests to help bring an original Earth Day-inspired pop art piece to life.
Inspired by the question, “What do Sustainability, Fashion, Art and Culture mean to you?”, the collaborative canvas will evolve throughout the evening as guests contribute their ideas, energy and creativity.
Founded by Pittsburgh artist Vinnie Candelore, VC2 creates interactive art experiences that invite people into the creative process. The Street Studio experience transforms event guests from spectators into collaborators through guided conversation and live painting, resulting in an original piece of artwork that captures the story, energy, and purpose of the event.
An Extraordinary Setting
For the first time, Ecolution takes over the iconic Pennsylvanian in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Parking at The Pennsylvanian
We encourage attendees to park at the Grant Street Transportation Center parking garage directly across the street from The Pennsylvanian.
The Upper U-shaped Lot at the Rotunda and the Lower Lot off Liberty Avenue are also available, but each only accommodates approximately 40-50 vehicles. Parking in those lots is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so spaces cannot be guaranteed.
We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors!
Produced by The Green Voice Collective
