CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: On the red carpet with John Colabelli and Melania Trump, just one of many photos featuring the Philadelphia Style cover star during an issue-release party at The Ritz-Carlton; With Philadelphia Style’s Christina Pellegrini at the opening gala for Van Gogh Up Close at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Owners Tabitha and Jeremy Heit with former owner Dee Levin at the Salon Norman-Dee Grand Opening party in its new location in Northeast Philadelphia

Twice a year, Philadelphia Style undertakes a somewhat Herculean effort: our spring and fall fashion features. Armed with tears, inspiration boards, runway reports, and notepads filled with illegible text, the editorial, fashion, and photo departments team up to plan a compelling visual story. Think of it as a jigsaw puzzle: There are a set number of pieces, and we are tasked with putting them together to create a beautiful picture. Except in our case, it is usually eight beautiful pictures, the sum total of hours of planning, more than a few frantic phone calls, and as much flexibility as Gumby.

	With The Preston & Steve Show’s Marisa Magnatta at the inaugural Flyers Wives Fashion Show.

This issue’s fantastic fashion moments are some of my favorites. Instead of capturing one look within a single destination as in years past, we paired four key seasonal trends with a local landmark that reflects each mood. Florals felt instantly brighter at Reading Terminal Market, and ladylike attire was sweet but modern inside the library of the Hotel Palomar. The color red took on a glamorous, patriotic vibe on the cobblestone streets around Independence Hall. And our most thrilling (and quickest!) shot of the day came courtesy of a very cooperative tiger at the Philadelphia Zoo, who seemed intent on upstaging our model and her safari prints. We were only too happy to oblige.

Besides yielding a dizzying number of shots from which to chose, this spring’s fashion shoot reminded me that Philly is a truly gorgeous canvas, one that not only looks great in photos but also sparks creativity and imagination at every turn. Living here, it is sometimes easy to forget that. As we look forward to spring, I encourage you to take a few moments to enjoy your surroundings, whether occupying a bench in Washington Square or visiting a favorite landmark. Trust me—you’ll be happy you did.

KRISTIN DETTERLINE-MUNRO

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA LAKE (TRUMP); NELL HOVING (HEIT, MAGNATTA)