Commendations for Pittsburgh Winners /  by Alex Young

Familiarize yourself with those up for Commendation here. See who won the Commendation polls for best of Pittsburgh above or below.

Familiarize yourself with those up for Commendation here. See who won the Commendation polls for best of Pittsburgh above or below.

Commendations show appreciation for the productive and progressive communities in Pittsburgh.

Specifically, these Commendations acknowledge people in the 'Burgh who produced consistent content and who was worth recognizing in particular lifestyles such as art, music, or products for the 2017 calendar year.

We received 26,922 total Commendation votes by InTheRough readers. The polls closed on January 2, 2018. However, many more votes were submitted up until the Review Party for Commendations on January 12, 2018. See where the best of the 'Burgh finished in the polls.

The nominees for Commendations were selected based upon the articles about Pittsburgh life that featured on InTheRough. Known achievements, creations, and events determined nominees too. Winners had the highest vote total shown in parentheses.

While the nominees and winners of the Commendations receive praise from intheroughstyle.com, some nominees who attended the Review Party at Senseless on January 12 also received a physical award. Geechi P attended the event to receive his Most Stylish Commendation. Art Like Us walked away with the "Teenie" Award for Best photographer, and the Lokal Foreners accepted the award for Best Music Artist on behalf of the late Yung Mulatto. Additionally, DJ Femi proudly took home Best DJ. By the time the Review Party had  ended, Senseless placed their Commendation for Best Shop on their top shelf. It was fitting to have Art Like Us photograph pieces of the night after his second ‘best photographer’ award for 2017.

Ultimately, understand that ITR still grows and works to push an honest commentary about an authentic scene. The Commendations for peoples' best work of 2017 represent research and appreciation of contemporary culture in Pittsburgh. There's always more to learn from the communities in the Steel City and elsewhere, so 2018 is about broadening our horizons and exposing a new cast of heroes. It matters to be thorough and accept all feedback to improve the 2018 Commendations.

Familiarize yourself with those up for Commendation here. See who won the Commendation polls for best of Pittsburgh above or below.

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Commendations for Lifestyles /  by Alex Young

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Mainly, these Commendations show gratitude to the productive and progressive communities worldwide. In part, the Commendations coincide with the articles that InTheRough published in 2017, which featured geographic locations Atlanta, D.C., Toronto, and Pittsburgh.

Stories about Pittsburgh communities on InTheRough detail the great life that happens in the 'Burgh. Events and creations pop up in the city and people should know about them to support them.

Much like Commendations 2016, the next edition of the review relies on ITR opinion. Although, reader polls this year will add more credibility because the peoples' taste matters.

There are 16 categories, like Best Producer, Most Stylish, Teenie Award (Pittsburgh's best photographer), Best Event, Best Live Performance, Favorite Item, and more, that are part of the Commendations list for 2017. ITR admires folks we've written about in and from the 'Burgh and those people, organizations, and events who carry a buzz so strong throughout the streets and social media. Nominees for Commendations are Pittsburgh natives or Pittsburgh based business and organizations. 

To celebrate the scene and acknowledge those commended, there's a Review Party hosted at Senseless and powered by Jenesis Magazine. The 2017 Commendations winners list will drop the day of January 12, 2018, before the Review Party that night from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m going down at Senseless. Tell the boys to clear the clothing racks for a dance floor. 

Stick with the Year In Review page for an update on more nominees for 'best of' and more types of recognition. See you in the new year.

From pop-up nightlife events to local streetwear, to good photographers, and more in between, people enjoy many aspects of Pittsburgh society. Here commend the best lifestyles of the city.

Favorite Place

Good venues for culture

1. Artists Image Resource (A.I.R.) supports ambitious local artists. Located on the North Side of the 'Burgh, A.I.R. welcomes all-skill printmakers. Learn how to screen print at A.I.R., execute a project at A.I.R. or host an art exhibit at the facility's sizable gallery spaces.

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2. Library Collaborative is a sprawling recording studio and independent record label in Pittsburgh's South Hills. Plenty of multi-media recording studios, like a full atmosphere green screen, fill Library Collaborative. The record label hosts events and parties, too. They projected the Mayweather v. McGregor boxing match in their theater room. Further, Library Collaborative sponsors a local rap scene on their label through hardworking word and beatsmiths like Juice and NVSV (NASA).

3. Spirit Lounge features great and consistent night-life programming. Spirit provides a relief to a community that craves contemporary music and room to dance. General Manager and former owner of the legendary East Liberty spot Shadow Lounge, Justin Strong and Ryan Brown, of lifestyle label farESH Brand, have done well at creating fun atmospheres for Pittsburgh twenty-somethings to have fun. The Tilt party showcases a huge light installation by visual artists Ian Brill. Bounce adds supreme excitement. Don't forget about wild Bounce 3 and 4 with hype DJ Christo.

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Favorite Event

1. Creatives Drink mixes functions of a networking event and a party. People come out in droves for Creatives Drink. C.D. runs in bars, museums, and more spaces, like the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Partygoers enjoy the event for the free beverages and free entry, as well as rubbing shoulders with likeminded Pittsburghers.

2. Hilltopolis charity event and concert supported education and community improvement. Most interestingly, the concert welcomed Chicago rap headliners The Cool Kids, who performed live in Grandview Park on the 'Burgh's Mount Washington. Local hip-hop contemporaries Pet Zebra and Pk Delay opened up for The Cool Kids. Drinking Partners Podcast featured as the master of ceremonies for Hilltopolis and Creatives Drink threw the afterparty in a warehouse.

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3. TILT celebrates contemporary music and fun. Ryan Brown and Everett Banks Jr. power the party that welcomes youth and entertainment. TILT appears in bars and clubs like Spirit Lounge and Cattivo in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh.

Teenie Award for Best Photographer

This Commendation honors Pittsburgh legend and photographer Charles "Teenie" Harris. Similar to Teenie's thorough documentation of people, local photographers Hannah Altman, Sarah Bader, Sharimar Cruz, Tyler Calpin, Michael Parente, Julian Ranallo, and Xavier Thomas (Art Like Us) capture quality images of a Pittsburgh life.

1. Hannah Altman's photographs show a natural and sensitive female form. Altman's images tell touching stories creating wonderful pieces of art. Her Construct of Viewpoint exhibit in L.A. showed her images on cloth pieces. Altman's work has received praise from popular publications like i-D.

2. Sarah Bader is the lead photographer at the Pittsburgh lifestyle publication Jenesis Magazine. She also held a photography exhibition called "The Top 5 Hottest Women in Streetwear" at Social Status.

A post shared by Sarah Bader (@sarahbader) on

3. Tyler Calpin prefers 35mm film photography. His film photos add a sense of nostalgia and texture through scenes like at the skate park. Calpin shot a Summer lookbook for Pittsburgh lifestyle label Reviving Real and the Senseless clothing shop.

A post shared by @tylercalpin on

4. Sharimar Cruz's portraiture and themes compliments fashion well. She captures time periods well with her retro looks. Color adorns her work.

5. Michael Parente's fashion photography helps local clothing companies like Daily Bread. Minimalist tones and shadows elevate Parente's photographs.

A post shared by michael parente (@mi_parente) on

6. Julian Ranallo got credit for fresh designer Aris Tatalovich's lookbook. Ranallo has a keen eye and interesting capture of streetwear culture in Pittsburgh.

7. Xavier Thomas's (Art Like Us) photos are everywhere. He frequents many events and concerts in Pittsburgh (and across the U.S.), which is why he's able to work with rap superstars like Fabolous, Gucci Mane, Wiz Khalifa, and more. Art Like Us has a nose for finding movers and shakers to document their experiences. Additionally, Art Like Us shoots the video for The Burgh Boyz and New Wave Podcast.

Most Stylish

Pittsburgh's Best Dresser

1. Rieko Copeland is multi-faceted. While looking cool, chic, and comfy, Copeland is a pro model for brands like Modcloth, and a singer-songwriter.

2. Tara Fay's business is streetwear. She manages Social Status' East Liberty, Pittsburgh location and frequently travels for work dealing in fashion and culture, like Art Basel Miami. Her looks often feature a nice pair of slacks and killer sneakers, like her Metallic Gold Nike Air Max 97.

A post shared by Tara Fay (@mstarafay) on

3. Donovan Green finds work with Wilhelmina Models. She wears clothes well. Proof comes from Don as designer Makayla Wray's muse. Don models new Wray pieces such as the new heavy calf skin motorcycle jacket. Further, Don served looks in designer Aris Tatalovich's spring/summer collection. Don plays part in Pittsburgh's fashion culture modeling for locals Tatalovich and Wray, but her time in New York exposes her to new opportunities. 

4. Geechi P appreciates high fashion "pieces" by designers like Raf Simons. Geechi's T-Shirt collection is not to be messed with. A notable look from Geechi is a red or pink durag on his head.

5. Mathias Rushin floats in mystique. The visual artist, designer, and photographer dresses in interesting outfits with even more interesting, colorful hair.

6. Sarah Vanessa freelance models for companies like Modcloth and Three Pigs Vintage. She makes photographer's images pretty with sleek and fun retro looks. Vanessa, along with Copeland and Green, shines as a prominent cast of models who feature on a lot of people's Instagram's and real work in a competitive field. 

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Best Item

1. EW Mag

East West Magazine is an art publication with interviews, tutorials, and stories from a diverse selection of local and popular artists. Only in its first year, EW Mag readies itself to cover the arts and culture landscape in an entertaining way.

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2. ROY G BIV Bag by Aris Tatalovich

This bag's been seen on the shoulders of pop culture heroes like Ian Connor, Playboi Carti, Post Malone, and more. The colorful straps and the utility of the bag makes it a great accessory.

3. Shop412 x Pittsburgh Pirates x Majestic Jersey

Two authentic MLB Pittsburgh Pirates Majestic baseball jerseys with 412 embroidery and patchwork hits throughout the garments.

A post shared by 412 (@shop412) on

4. Uptown Florals 2.0 by Makayla Wray

Wray's Uptown Florals 2.0 are extensions of her "Warhol Flower AF1" and "BLK AF1" projects, Nike's iconic Air Force 1 sneaker with flower decorations. The minimalist shoe boasts Wray's skillful craftsmanship.

 

 

Best Exhibit

Interesting Art

1. Don't Do Bad Stuff - GEMS + Jerome Charles (Chu)

This art exhibit showcases graffiti culture, and local 'Burgh art talent as praised taggers GEMS and Chu gave part of their platform to young artists like Anthony Quesen.

2. Flyboy Mural - Hebru Brantley

World renowned Chicago artist Hebru Brantley graced Pittsburgh with Flyboys twice. First, he showed an exhibit at the August Wilson Center called "I Wish I Knew (How It Felt To Be Free)", which displayed statues and paintings of Brantley's iconic boy superhero Flyboy. Second, Brantley painted a Flyboy mural on a building wall in the Wilkinsburg neighborhood. Brantley's art work represents "world class" art in Pittsburgh.

A post shared by Hebru Brantley (@hebrubrantley) on

3. She Lives In My Lap - Robert Hodge

Multidisciplinary artist Robert Hodge's "She Lives In My Lap" celebrated black women in music with prints of heroes like Nina Simone. The exhibit was present at A.I.R. Each print incorporates layers of popular culture down to the print of Columbia Records vinyl cover tagging the bottom of Hodge’s pieces. This year, Hodge also had a gallery called "For the Culture" that opened at the August Wilson Center.

4. Welcome Home - Brendon Hawkins + Kasem Kydd

"Welcome Home" explored gender roles and blackness "as a color, a metaphor, and black under surveillance." The exhibit felt current thanks to the culture in the art, like Allen Iverson's NBA jersey or the house music that played in the gallery room as visitors looked at Hawkins' photos and Kydd's structures with artifacts. Credit the exhibit curator Sean Beauford for selecting the pair of artists to show at Future Tenant gallery in Downtown, Pittsburgh.

A post shared by sean beauford (@seanbeauford) on

Best Podcast

All of these podcasts or radio shows have local creative and musical talent on tap. Burgh Boyz, Drinking Partners Podcast, and New Wave Podcast offer people platforms to talk about their experiences and chosen crafts. Each show entertains listeners with funny show hosts, and the shows give voice to minority stories in Pittsburgh.

1. The Burgh Boyz with DJ Motormane, DJ Spillz, Portia Foxx, Flack, and Quentin Cuff

2. Drinking Partners Podcast with comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey

3. New Wave Podcast with Nigel McDaniel, Brennin Harris, and Taylor Renee Bush

Most Hype In The City

There's a renaissance occurring in Pittsburgh. Creative and entrepreneurial movements have started and gained prominence in the city and nationally. These people commended for Most Hype In The City have carried the city of Pittsburgh with them throughout their work and worldly experiences.

1. Dan Folger has gone from being Wiz Khalifa's personal photographer to being the gold and diamond "it boy." Folger has built a jewelry behemoth called GLD that connects with the most blinged out rappers like Future and the Migos. Folger's GLD brand collaborated with the Taylor Gang hip-hop company for a pop-up shop and house party on Pittsburgh's South Side.

A post shared by dF. (@danfolger) on

2. John Geiger created sneakers under his eponymous fashion label, a lifestyle label called Diet Starts Monday with Davin Gentry of Washington, D.C. brand Premium Co, and a bar-restaurant located on D.C.'s 14th Street Northwest. The Pittsburgh native has made a name for himself making Nike Air Force 1s that Nike wish they made themselves. Now, Geiger's personal brand and shoes stack up against the competition. Geiger has been a big deal since his interview on national television for the Desus & Mero show on Viceland, and since his collaboration with telephone service provider Sprint.

A post shared by John Geiger (@johngeiger_) on

3. Hardo is the class of contemporary hip-hop in Pittsburgh. The trap-star and his Trap Illustrated management moved smart in 2017, signing a record deal with Sony and hitting the national radio waves, such as the L.A. Leakers show on Power 106 or REAL 92.3 in Los Angeles. Hardo also hit the road for tour with rapper Tee Grizzley.

4. Jimmy Wopo had a big 2017. He gained his freedom this year and he's garnered the eye of national media outlets like Complex and The Fader. Wopo brings attention to himself and the city of Pittsburgh. Further, Wopo currently talks to labels to figure out the best deal for him. In the meantime, Wopo performs in front of packed crowds throughout the city.

5. Keep Pittsburgh Dope is like the photographer version of the poet laureate. K.P.D. has the eye for capturing various forms of life in the 'Burgh. His street style images relate to people in the city thanks to familiar faces and familiar settings. K.P.D. executes advertisement campaigns for businesses such as the Carnegie Library and LIFEWTR. Keep Pittsburgh Dope became legend once eyewear company Eyetique gave him an ad.

 

 

Commendations for Music /  by Alex Young

Mainly, these Commendations show gratitude to the productive and progressive communities worldwide. In part, the Commendations coincide with the articles that InTheRough published in 2017, which featured geographic locations Atlanta, D.C., Toronto, and Pittsburgh.

Stories about Pittsburgh communities on InTheRough detail the great life that happens in the 'Burgh. Events and creations pop up in the city and people should know about them to support them.

Much like Commendations 2016, the next edition of the review relies on ITR opinion. Although, reader polls this year will add more credibility because the peoples' taste matters.

There are 16 categories, like Best Producer, Most Stylish, Teenie Award (Pittsburgh's best photographer), Best Event, Best Live Performance, Favorite Item, and more, that are part of the Commendations list for 2017. ITR admires folks we've written about in and from the 'Burgh and those people, organizations, and events who carry a buzz so strong throughout the streets and social media. Nominees for Commendations are Pittsburgh natives or Pittsburgh based business and organizations.

To celebrate the scene and acknowledge those commended, there's a Review Party hosted at Senseless and powered by Jenesis Magazine. The 2017 Commendations winners list will drop the day of January 12, 2018, before the Review Party that night from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m going down at Senseless. Tell the boys to clear the clothing racks for a dance floor. 

Stick with the Year In Review page for an update on more nominees for 'best of' and more types of recognition. See you in the new year.

Music is fundamental to ITR content. We like to dance, and we appreciate the people who set phenomenal grooves. Working in Pittsburgh provides an opportunity to write about and commend the community who makes quality music. Here vote for Best Hip-Hop Album, Best Music Artist, Best Live Performance, Best Song, Best Music Group, Best DJ, and Best Producer.

Best Hip-Hop Album

1. Knuccleheadz - Dirty Dancing - The Knuccleheadz set the mark for premier gangsta rap. "Dirty Dancing" tells a flavorful story about trap life from the crime to the women. The sound of the project is killer as it flows from a current bang set in Pittsburgh to a G-funk delivery very easily. "Dirty Dancing" flexes the range of The Knuccleheadz talent. Heem, Jiggy, and Kelly gain producing support from Taylor Gang technicians Ricky P and Sledgren, as well as golden boy Christo. 

2. Macroderma Gigas a.k.a. Saani Mac - BLK 1.0 -  "BLK 1.0" carries heavy Pittsburgh themes and supporting local is always a good idea. Macroderma Gigas describes local neighborhoods like Springhill and Brookline. The project utilizes a local cast of musicians like Babyt33th and Linwood to boost production values higher. Listen for the bop in "BLK 1.0."

3.  RDP - Wreckanize - RDP stands for "Rap Dance Poetry" and he's the self-described "Fly Class Weirdo." RDP's album flies under the radar, but "Wreckanize" shows a 25-year-old cruising around the 'Burgh high out of his mind. Beats trip and pluck as RDP hops through his melodic and spoken flows. "Wreckanize" shines through the songs "Broke," "Far," "Intro," and "Runnin Through The Burgh."

Best Music Artist

1. blackboi - He moves youth and hip-hop simultaneously through diverse sounds. Listen to his "Astro O2" album and his cuts on lifestyle label Reviving Real's hip-hop mix.

2. Sierra Sellers - A pure vocalist with a jazzy tone. Sellers is perfect for live entertainment at any function of any size. Her inviting music shows best in "Gimme." Plus, her songs offer a great change of pace to the heavy hip-hop listeners.

3. Yung Mulatto - DJ and beat technician Yung Mulatto "had his fingers on everything," rapper Cap Jazzo said. Yung Mulatto was the creative director of Pittsburgh's hip-hop scene. He was accomplishing so much for the community here. Since his death, his legacy lives on and this Commendation for Best Music Artist serves as a way to honor Yung Mulatto's legacy.

Best Live Performance

1. Babyt33th at Jailbreak "White Noise" - Jailbreak was a music and art festival on July 15 in an empty warehouse in Pittsburgh's East Liberty. There, Babyt33th was dressed in white on the stage with dancers twerking in skimpy rave clothing. "White Noise" moaned through the speakers creating a high point of Babyt33th's set. An LED igloo backdrop intensified the experience.

A post shared by Reggie Boy (@babyt33th) on

2. Pet Zebra at Pop Style "Plexico" - Pet Zebra surprised the Brillobox bar crowd as he performed at the night show back on August 6. The day called for celebration because Pet Zebra had released a new mixtape the same day and turned a year older. His happiness showed on stage and his song "Plexico" got people amped that night.

Best Song

Four songs from a new class of musicians in the 'Burgh. Linwood, Pk Delay, and Windu push contemporary hip-hop sounds, while Princess Nostalgia, Role Model, and Sierra Sellers croon sensitive lyrics that touch a groove and funk.

1. Ant Windu - outofmyway pt.1 w/Wave.

2. Linwood ft. Sierra Sellers - She Tried 

3. Pk Delay - No Lil Pups

4. Princess Nostalgia - Princess Nostalgia

5. Role Model - Stolen Car

Best Music Group

Friendship and comradery feature in music. Commend the collectives of people who make music as part of a group or a rap crew.

1. Knuccleheadz - Heem, Jiggy, and Kelly are the gangster rap trio. Together they tell stories about the underbelly in Pittsburgh where people do whatever is necessary to survive. The Knuccleheadz share authentic stories from harsh surroundings.

2. Lokal Foreners - Music, streetwear, and skate mix with the members of Lokal Foreners, which features Ahsé, Hippy Swizzy, James Perry, Judah, Que Dafoe, Shakkur Thomas.

3. Sanguine - Sanguine is the youth: Bird, big trvp, blackboi, Keith .wav, Pablo, sobah, Treble, Zende, and Windu.

4. Serene - Members of the Serene team do well at executing cool flows over boom bap type beats. They're down to perform at local spots such as Roboto Project. Javed has opened for acts like Father, so his music catalog stands with any local rapper. Retrorosser creates magic within Serene as group members, like Calvin and Jet, use his beats. The crew uses Javed's clothing shop, Senseless, as a meeting spot.

5. 1Hood - Jasiri X, Jordan Montgomery, and LiveFromTheCity lead a crew of people who are the "vanguard of arts and activism." Look at the expansive cast here.

Best DJ

1. DJ Femi - Femi gang is strong at events like Tilt party by RB and ThankBanksCo. Further, her female encourages support from other females. DJ Femi spins trendy tunes often. Catch her out in Lawrenceville or East Liberty.

2. DJ Jaybee - Jaybee gets the call as a reliable DJ and music man. He produces beats under his Jaybee name and he plays at local parties like rapper Jordan Montgomery's No Requests.

3. DJ Seams - Seams spun at a grime party at Spirit Lounge, a bar in Lawrenceville. The UK night, another event sponsored by RB, featured a depth of knowledge of the hip-hop, house, and garage tunes that make grime in London.

4. DJ Topgun - Though he's a Cleveland native, Topgun found a home in Pittsburgh. He linked with Boom Concepts to through crazy sets with his Ohio rap friends. He's also gained the trust of local rappers here like Choo Jackson. DJ Topgun's skate background, which comes from his Rage Club company, makes his performance more entertaining.

Best Producer

All of these producers have production credits with major hip-hop artists, like EarthGang, Jimmy Wopo, J.I.D, Wiz Khalifa and more. Each producer has a signature sound and raises music quality when they produce.

1. Big Jerm is one of the most useful tools in the I.D. Labs toolbox. Big Jerm has helped Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. Interestingly, this year he produced commercial music for Shop412.

2. Christo has been the official tour DJ for J.Cole and J.I.D. for the majority of 2017. His DJ success matches his production success because Christo featured on several new albums by rising artists. He has credit on J.I.D.'s "The Never Story” and NJOMZA's "sad for you" album.

3. Sledgren does best at feeding Taylor Gang artists with glitzy digital beats. He showed his strengths as he crafted the sound of Wiz Khalifa's "PreRolleds" extended play.

4. The streets of Pittsburgh have been on fire with Jimmy Wopo music. Thank Stevie B, the man who is responsible for producing Wopo's hit "Elm Street" track and more of his catalog. Stevie B. B as in Builds Beats.

The Polls are Open for ITR's Annual Commendations /  by Alex Young

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Mainly, these Commendations show gratitude to the productive and progressive communities worldwide. In part, the Commendations coincide with the articles that InTheRough published in 2017, which featured geographic locations Atlanta, D.C., Toronto, and Pittsburgh.

Stories about Pittsburgh communities on InTheRough detail the great life that happens in the 'Burgh. Events and creations pop up in the city and people should know about them to support them.

Much like Commendations 2016, the next edition of the review relies on ITR opinion. Although, reader polls this year will add more credibility because the peoples' taste matters.

There are 16 categories, like Best Producer, Most Stylish, Teenie Award (Pittsburgh's best photographer), Best Event, Best Live Performance, Favorite Item, and more, that are part of the Commendations list for 2017. ITR admires folks we've written about in and from the 'Burgh and those people, organizations, and events who carry a buzz so strong throughout the streets and social media. Nominees for Commendations are Pittsburgh natives or Pittsburgh based business and organizations.

To celebrate the scene and acknowledge those commended, there's a Review Party hosted at Senseless and powered by Jenesis Magazine. The 2017 Commendations winners list will drop the day of January 12, 2018, before the Review Party that night from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m going down at Senseless. Tell the boys to clear the clothing racks for a dance floor. 

Stick with the Year In Review page for an update on more nominees for 'best of' and more types of recognition. See you in the new year.

Best Shop leads Commendations 2017. Clothes Minded, Senseless, Shop412, and Social Status all have selections of interesting apparel.

Mine for Goyard, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands at Clothes Minded. Shop for a Grateful Dead shirt or a David Yurman bracelet. Clothes Minded has the pick of the litter. They have their eye on streetwear culture too, offering consumers exclusive collaborations like the Vans x Fear of God. The "Buy. Sell. Trade." model keeps the taste in the shop. Other stylish people in the city, such as Geechi P, swear by it. High fashion pieces can be found in Clothes Minded.

Senseless operates in a similar way, but Senseless is on tap of selling youth culture to those who appreciate it most in Pittsburgh. They sold a pair of the Off-White Air Force 1. Bape, Nautica, Yeezys, and quality thrifts fly off shelves. They offer local brands in the store too, like Evil Shit and Stillers. Senseless is also a place to hang out. Attend their First Fridays parties or grab a pop from the Coke fridge, play some Madden, and look at the fish in the fish tank when you stop in.

The 412 logo might as well be the official logo for Pittsburgh. Shop412 does best at advertising Pittsburgh to other Pittsburghers. Look at their collab with the major league Pirates, which offered two MLB authentic Pirates Majestic baseball jerseys with 412 hits throughout the garments, and the 412 Generations Capsule that celebrated the heritage of the ball club. People also sleep on SFOT's selection of Nike sneakers. Their Nike account gives them a diverse selection of shoes, like Footscapes or the Metallic Gold Air Max 97 Ultra. They offer other lifestyle brands as well. 412 just partnered with Carhartt WIP for a capsule collection of hoodies, tees, and beanies. There was also in-store, custom embroidery to complement the capsule collection. Shop412 sells Pittsburgh in a variety of ways all the while being a streetwear destination.

Line of customers waiting for sneaker release via @mstarafay

Line of customers waiting for sneaker release via @mstarafay

Social Status keeps the 'Burgh on trend. They consistently get big Jordan and adidas sneaker releases either in their East Liberty or Downtown locations. While the company has multiple shops across the country, the slow fashion curve in Pittsburgh makes it hard to find certain styles in the mall or other commercial locations. Social Status brings high-end labels to the city.