Model Citizen: Ali McCloud, 31

By Jessica Remo

: Photograph by Jonathan Pushnik

Who: Ali McCloud, Penn grad and owner of Arcadia, Northern Liberties’ newest boutique, which carries eco-friendly and socially responsible clothing and decor from Philly and around the world.

Some of her favorite green designers: Panda Snack, an all-bamboo line that makes softer-than-cotton tops, and Stewart+Brown (featured in Leo DiCaprio’s eco-documentary), which uses organic cotton, hemp, and cashmere bought from a Mongolian co-op.

How she got in the biz: “My grad thesis at FIT was about eco-friendly fashion, and my goal with Arcadia is to make eco-fashion accessible in Philly. I’m sick of people saying Philly’s not a great city to shop in. I think we’re on the cusp of a fashion explosion.”

Plans for the future: An eco-tourism travel consultancy, and a re-fashion service to give clothes you would toss (like that heinous bridesmaid dress) new — stylish — life.

Arcadia Boutique, 819 North 2nd Street, 215-667-8099, arcadiaboutique.com.

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, October 2007

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Arcadia Boutique
Posted by | Sep. 27, 2007 at 10:00 AM

COMMENT:

Arcadia has an art gallery wall displaying affordable art for sale. The shop, itself, has been designed with re-cycled and re-purposed materials. I have to confess I am her mom but I am so proud of her---and so very happy she is back "home" helping to make Philly the fashion and eco-friendly destination it should be.

Great night at Arcadia
Posted by | Jun. 14, 2008 at 9:18 AM

COMMENT:

Ali..Richard and I loved your boutique which we visited for the 1st time on Thursday night for the opening of Margaux and Katie's art. It was nice meeting your dad and seeing mom again.I had just met Lis last month when my organization,NCJW, toured the house.What a wonderful small world it is!