An impressive display of garish garb brightened up the second annual AIGA Pittsburgh Ugly Holiday Sweater Party on December 11.

Gathering at Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille in the Strip 
District, a crowd of more than 40 members and non-members mingled and enjoyed
 fresh oysters, mini-crabcakes, and bruschetta. Those aged 21 and over celebrated with eggnog or craft beers.

In contrast with the low-key garb often typical of designers, wildly elaborate holiday sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and accessories dominated the scene.

The night’s honors went to Ian Whittaker, a recent
 graduate of Edinboro University. He was awarded a framed certificate proclaiming him
 “Bearer of the Ugliest Sweater, having met the lowest standards in fashion 
and highest standards in Holiday Spirit..” A gracious 
winner, Ian admitted borrowing the prize-winning garment from his mom. 

In addition to their fashion statements, the merrymakers were 
asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the 
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Doing good as well as looking good, AIGA Pittsburgh collected five boxes of donations—close to 40 pounds of food.

More photos from the event are available on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/a97oarc) and Flickr (http://tinyurl.com/aug3u55). Look for more Pints & Pixels Happy Hour events in 2013. And please join us!