"I think Open Runway is really important so the Boston community can see the fashion talent right here within their city," said Terri Mahn, of the stylistcloset, a stylist and event producer, who was a panelist during the show. "It's important for designers to have support and for the public to see different versions of what they can buy and see in retail stores." 

Many of the designers wore their own creations, and one even employed his mother to wear his garb. This was the first opportunity for many of the designers to have their work exhibited in public. 

"I'm still in high school. I'm 17," said Sasa Murrett-Kam, above, who is a student in the fashion technology program at the Boston Arts Academy. She walked the runway in her own green lace floor length dress, which she described as "elegant, but still weird at the same time."

Murrett-Kan, like many participants heard, about Open Runway through a teacher, who knows  Jay Calderin, the founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week, and the emcee the event. 

"My favorite thing is the access. Many of the designers have access to the runway for the first time and some established designers participate, too," said Calderin. "And it's a lot of fun and play in Downtown Boston."

Open Runway was hosted by Platform Downtown with Boston Fashion Week and the Downtown Boston BID.

Boston Chops' owners Brian Piccini, left, and Chris Coombs.

Truly, the star of the new steakhouse is the food. The menu is expanded from the South End Boston Chops. The Downtown Crossing location will eventually serve lunch with menu items, including  a 20-ounce Chateaubriand, 18 oz. prime bone-in ribeye, oxtail croquettes, pork belly mac and cheese and "poutine-style" twice-baked loaded potato. 

The market is a great place to get a gift for yourself or a loved one. Handmade jewelry, antique maps, artisanal food, soaps and candles are just some of the items being sold at the market this year. This week's vendors are: Encore Apparel Co.; Simply Chickie; DLR Designs; Recycled Glass; Karol Peralta Jewelry; Aribella Design; Stash Jewelry; B and B Glass; Fiber and Water; Design of Mine; Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps; Wyllo; Storyteller Jewelry, Favour Valley Woodworking and Urban Kitchen Handmade.

The market is also accepting vendor applications. 

The Boston Area Spanish Exchange ( 101 Arch St., 8th floor) is hosting several free events to help you learn Spanish and Portuguese. BASE's summer course period is beginning July 16th and the registration deadline is July 6th.

BASE is holding Juegos de Palabras, a free Spanish Game Night for people to come play scrabble, other word games, converse and have fun on Wednesday, June 6th at 6 pm.

On Tuesdays through June 19th is A Primavera em  Portguês at 6 pm. These are free open-level Portuguese conversation workshops. 

BASE is also offering Charlas Futbolísticas on Thursdays at 6 pm through June 21st. These are free open-level Spanish conversation workshops to talk about the World Cup, all things soccer, or whatever comes to mind.