The Philadelphians Making Their City A Gay-Friendly Place To Live, Work And Play
 

Name: Matthew Izzo, designer/boutique owner
 Affiliation: Matthew Izzo boutiques
 His Story: Matthew Izzo opened his first shop in Philadelphia in 2002, and business has been booming ever since. Izzo, a pedigreed Manhattan interior designer, opened his business here because “Philly is fresh. I fell in love with the architecture and newness of it. I was tired of being one of a bunch. Here, I could make a name for myself.” Izzo’s accomplished that task, with a furniture and home accessories shop, a thriving design business, a hip clothing boutique and a hair salon, along with his Web site, http://www.matthewizzo.com/. When he has time, he paints what he calls “soothing water concepts,” in a mix of acrylic and oil. An upholstery line is next to launch. “I