Any time I hear the mention of South Philadelphia—or South Philwy as the locals say—I immediately begin to think of the “yo, youz guys” in the movie Rocky.
I was just a teenager when I saw the film, but I can still see Sylvester Stallone running up the steps of the city’s art museum, where there stands a statue of him even today.
I always wondered where the “yo” came from, until I read an article in a publication, stating that it stems from the Italian immigrants from Naples, who called to one another guagliò (pronounced wahl yo), which means ‘guy’.
This little piece of trivia speaks pages of history—and so did Rocky. The movie personified the life and times of 2nd and 3rd generation Italians living in the US and, in particular, those of South Philly.
Although now home to many newcomers, South Philadelphia attracted mostly Irish and Italian immigrants, whose descendants were typically working class, often operating family businesses—owners of the American dream as portrayed by the determination of Rocky!
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Robert Scalia was always a fashion-forward kind of guy. He got his start in the fashion business while working in his family’s screen printing store: customers kept coming in asking for custom-made t-shirts.
Rather than a fashion designer, Robert views himself as a fashion engineer as he creates each piece studded with Swarovski crystals, tattoo art, embroidery, patchwork, and catchy sayings.
Robert combines the styles of Hip Hop, Rock, Glam, Punk, and Rock & Roll into each collection. From the streets of South Philadelphia, Robert Scalia has become a start!
Street Star—urban fashion and street wear for the fashion-forward who want to stand out of the crowd.
Photo Copyright Street Star.