Philadelphia's fashion scene is thriving in, of all places, a 3,000-square-foot gallery in South Philly. Factory 1241, at 1241 Carpenter St., is home to Monika Turtle Studio, operated by local fashion designer Monika Turtle, one of three founders of Art @ Sophi, an umbrella organization that brings together local artists quarterly to showcase work. This week the gallery will open its doors, and Turtle will make available some of her boutique-only designs at a discount.

Turtle moved her design headquarters into the loft in 1993, when she acquired the space from an altruistic landlord who was trying to create an incubator for small businesses. She now shares it with fellow Art @ Sophi founders Wes Pickell and Michael Murray.

Turtle's women's line is well-constructed and uses high-quality imported silks, velvets and only faux fur.

The collection features velvet tops and dresses, long wool coats and some more avant-garde designs like a faux Persian lamb jacket. Retailing for between $85 and $500, Turtle's pieces are for the serious collector of quality clothing.

Her designs stem from a variety of inspirations: street trends, the way fabric drapes on the body and the classic construction of vintage garments. "I do have a bit of vintage flavor to my designs," says Turtle. "I do a lot of bias-cut work, which is influenced by 1930s [garments]."

For the serious collector who can't quite put up the $500 for a designer opera coat, some of her collection from last season will be available for purchase at Art @ Sophi this week only without the retailer's markup. The opening on Dec. 9 will feature local craftspeople, artists and musicians from 6 to 9 p.m., as well as give attendees an opportunity to purchase some of Turtle's creations, which are otherwise available exclusively in small boutiques outside of Center City. "We are trying to promote in an uncompetitive, ethical way," says Turtle of her choice to only sell to retailers. "We don't want to create conflict with wholesalers."

Aside from them being something you'd actually put on to go out, spending money on her clothes this week (Turtle's studio will be open to the public Dec. 8-10) will help better Philly's artistic community, instead of just your creditors.