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Portland Fashion Week

PFW: Local Loves

Night 3 of PFW is for the locals.

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Ms. Wood

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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AmaiUnmai

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Collier

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

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Seth Aaron*

In today’s fashion mood check, I’m happy to deliver thumbs up from last night’s performance from the neighborhood kids. And thank goodness for that because this ol’ editor needed a little shot in the arm. The crowds turned out, the mood was vibrant and the audience was just plain enjoying the show. You know, all the things you want and love about a fashion show.

Kicking off the night was Amai Unmei and her line of dresses. There were some solid pieces for sure, but two in particular raised my blood pressure a notch. The duo tone shades of gray draped jersey and a swinging flawless red halter were super fabulous. Think I might need to pay a visit to the shop come springtime.

Stephanie D. Couture transitioned from her primarily bridal and eveningwear line into mainly jersey ready-to-wear pieces. I’m sure she’ll sell plenty of the easy dresses, but I have to admit, I missed her fancy eveningwear pieces. She always had a way with flowing silky satin’s and I loved that.

Ms. Wood made a dramatic turn from her black and gray heavy fall collection after an inspirational trip to Hawaii and sent out a resort appealing spring collection. With bright turquoise and red hues the easy to wear/care pieces were great backdrops for the amazing accessories (also created by the designer and her husband). The carved wooden shoes came out one after another with a particular fringed one catching my heart and as always my love of the Ms. Wood bag continued.

Collier showed some cute east coast college prep inspired suits and pieces resulting in a series of male models looking completely adorable. My favorite look was a particularly “Geek-Chic” moment with glasses, gray plaid blazer, sweater vest and a tie.

Logos

Now you can see why I feel conflicted with the fabric.


Finally, Seth Aaron showed his collection with a series of screaming pop-art faces emblazoned on fabrics while models wore matching wigs and creepy masks. It was the kind of thing where either you got it or you didn’t. And I was in the latter category. Seth Aaron’s other fabric consisting of his new S.A. logo looks so much like my high school’s (Salem Academy) logo, I cannot get into it. I realize that’s my own deal, but it’s still true. However, Aaron still is an amazing tailor. The purple and black color blocked shift dress was beautiful and tasteful and the shape and fit of a princess seamed coatdress was amazing. Maybe one day the collection will come out in solid color options for those of us who feel uncomfortable wearing so much school pride.

(Tonight is the end of the haul with Project Runway designers Bryce Black, Jay Nicholas Sario and Michael Costello.)

Amai Unmai
Stephanie D. Couture
Ms. Wood
Collier
Seth Aaron*

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Tags: Ms. Wood, Stephanie D. Couture, Seth Aaron, Portland Fashion Week 2011, Collier Clothier, PFW: 2011

Runway Happiness

Alley 33 Fashion Show

This Hawthorne affair takes the definition of street fashion to a new height.

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Hot on the heels of our big Project Runway announcement is the perfect time to investigate our local fashion scene further. Alley 33 is an opportune chance to see a bevy of local talent while enjoying the outside sunshine. Next month Mag-Big, Siren Nation, and Breedom Public Sewing House proudly present:

The First Annual Alley 33 Fashion Event

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

4pm doors – 6pm Showtime

33rd Ave. Alley/ SE Hawthorne Blvd

Featuring: R.A.W. Textiles, Make It Good Clothing, Una Rose Clothing, J. Calderon, Hello Amelia Designs, Carolyn Hart, Allihalla Designs, Clair Vintage Inspired, Layers Squared, Lazy Lolita Designs, Michelle Is Well, Celeste Sipes, Carnie Couture, Moonwoods Eyewear, Jitterbuggin’ Designs, She-She Designs, Dress Up Alice Designs, and Sweet Cycle Clothing.

Emcee: Alicia Wood

- Sustainability through Support of Local Production -

This is an all ages event with a separate beer garden provided by Gold Dust Meridian.

Please come join us as we re-shape the alley of 33rd ave. into an urban runway, bringing high fashion to public space.

Tickets are $10 – Available starting June 23rd at Alley 33 on Brown Paper Tickets

For more information about this event please contact December Carson: december@sirenmusiccompany.com

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Tags: fashion show, Ms. Wood, Claire Vintage Inspired, Breedom

Be there or be square

Ms. Wood Trunk Show

Shop Adorn opens its doors Friday for the first Ms. Wood trunk show ever.

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Photo by: 2am Media

Eden Dawn feeling fancy in a custom Ms. Wood dress.

I’ve talked about Ms. Wood, written about Ms. Wood and even voted for Ms. Wood in Portland Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer competition. But for the first time last week, I wore Ms. Wood. I asked designer Alicia Wood to make me a dress from her upcoming fall collection in a special teal color for me to wear as the hostess for the Ai fashion show. I don’t know if I have ever received so many compliments in my entire life.

If you are addicted to attention, praise and feeling sexy then I suggest you head to Shop Adorn Friday night for the first Ms. Wood trunk show. They are having a little shin-dig with the designer starting at 6pm for summertime festive Margarita’s and beer, and you can get a sneak peek at the fall line I already fell in love with.

Ms. Wood Trunk Show
Friday, June 10th 6pm
at Shop Adorn
4759 Ne Fremont St

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Tags: Ms. Wood, Shop Adorn, Trunk Show

Runway Happiness

Open Season: Review

What do you get when you put 3 Project Runway winners and Portland’s finest designers on stage? Awesomeness.

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Leanne Marshall – My newest love….

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Leanne Marshall – My newest love….

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Junk to Funk Jen LaMastra’s light up creation

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition entry.

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Vitaminwater competition WInner!! Congratulations to Rachel Kranick.

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Seth Aaron’s label dress.

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood. Love, love this sweater dress.

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Midge

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Midge

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Midge rockin a 70’s suit.

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Midge

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Tod Naught

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Tod Naught – I told you you wouldn’t be bored….

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Tod Naught

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Tod Naught

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Reif/Coco Cardenas

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Reif/Coco Cardenas – This LBD swung with every step the model took in a way that screamed “look at me.”

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Reif/Coco Cardenas

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Reif/Coco Cardenas

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Reif/Coco Cardenas

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Reif/Coco Cardenas/ One word: Want.

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Sara Bergman

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Sara Bergman

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Sara Bergman

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Boet Accessories

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Boet Accessories

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Boet Accessories

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Boet Accessories

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Boet Accessories – Pair this with a gown and we’ve got an editorial masterpiece.

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Ruki by Melanie Parr

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Ruki by Melanie Parr. Look out Parr, I think Gwyneth Paltrow would snatch this up.

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Ruki by Melanie Parr. Recognize this look from our spring editorial Night Moves?

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Ruki by Melanie Parr

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Heather Treadway – Treadway is a master of the hood.

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Heather Treadway

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Heather Treadway

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Heather Treadway – Crowd favorite.

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Bridge & Burn

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Bridge & Burn

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Bridge & Burn

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Bridge & Burn

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Bridge & Burn

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Isaac Hers

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Isaac Hers

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Isaac Hers – This purple color was delicious.

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Isaac Hers

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Isaac Hers – Another piece from our spring fashion shoot!

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Dawn Sharp- Love it.

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Dawn Sharp

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Dawn Sharp

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Seth Aaron

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Seth Aaron

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Seth Aaron

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Seth Aaron – This dress comes to the front of the pack each time I see it.

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Gretchen Jones

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Gretchen Jones

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Gretchen Jones

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Gretchen Jones

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Gretchen Jones: Magic moment, pure and simple.

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Gretchen Jones

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Leanne Marshall – Her folding technique won her the Project Runway prize.

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Leanne Marshall

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Leanne Marshall

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Leanne Marshall (modeled by my stunning inter, Rachel Decker)

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Leanne Marshall

Open Season was a trip. Overall I had a fantastic time, despite my cold-pill-drug-induced haze and Seth Aaron getting my hair tangled in the buttons and faux pearls he was wearing resulting in an awkward hair pulling detangling session. The crowd of hundreds was rowdy, the talent was evident and short-shorts were in full effect. I even wrote a note to myself in the program that simply said, “Buy some Nair.” On to the review!

The opening act consisted of the vitaminwater challenge. Several designers were charged with the task of creating a garment that was inspired by an assigned flavor of vitaminwater. This act began with a fantastical light up glow-in-the-dark creation made by Junk to Funk’s Jen LaMastra from the drinks’ bottles. It was bookended with a frock concocted purely from vitaminwater labels and packing tape by Seth Aaron. Those two ensembles weren’t part of the competition, but the garments in between were something to be proud of as well. As a judge for the contest I can tell you that choosing the winner was not an easy task. After my fellow adjudicators (Seth Aaron and Leanne Marshall from Project Runway, Tacee Webb from the Portland Design Collective, Stylist Kevin Lennox and Mercury editor Marjorie Skinner) and I saw the pieces it was a lot of back and forth before we finally landed on a winner. Newbie designer Rachel Kranick was named victorious with her tailored paper bag waist pants and color blocked blouse and handed a $1,000 check to go to her next collection. Then it was on to the main event.

Alicia Wood: Wood was a crowd pleaser in the vitaminwater competition for sure and already had some fans by the time her collection hit the runway. I’ve already reviewed it from the Portland Sewing fashion show last month, but the short version is I still love it.

Midge: A lingerie and swimwear line that had a vintage vibe and wasn’t afraid to show some skin. I thought most of the pieces straddled the line between sexy and conservative quite well. It’s always good to see designers not take themselves too seriously, which was evident with the models bouncing beach balls and batting each other with pillows on the runway.

Tod Naught: Tod Naught is the work of designer Joshua Buck who was never done a boring thing in his life. He created a kind of out there day-glow amped of version of menswear, which is a hard sell for most, but I appreciated the fact that it was truly something I hadn’t seen before. And as a fashion editor, I like that.

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Reif/Coco Cardenas – This LBD swung with every step the model took in a way that screamed “look at me.”

Reif/Coco Cardenas: The pairing of apparel designer Lindsay Reif and accessory designer Coco Cardenas was like red wine and chocolate. They just go well together. I was completely enamored with this collection from the chunky jewelry to the patterned pants and the way Reif’s dresses swung on the stage. My one tiny note involved a camel toe moment I could do without, but other than that I use my giant “Approve” stamp.

Sara Bergman: I wasn’t familiar with Bergman prior to the show and my notes on her pieces primarily focus on the surface treatments she uses. And though I saw many a romper that night, she won my coveted Romper Love Award.

Boet: The French named line was devoted to accessories that were playing the role of lead singer and never back up vocals. Each piece of metal, rope or chain was designed as a focal piece that is sure to warrant either complete lust or confusion, but nothing in the middle.

Ruki by Melanie Parr: Parr put together one of my favorite collections of the evening. It may have been one of the more understated aesthetics in the dramatic bunch and that was what I loved about it. The Calvin Klein-ish minimalistic pieces relied upon their clean lines, great fit and classic qualities to win some fans.

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Ruki by Melanie Parr

Heather Treadway: In a complete juxtaposition of the Ruki pieces, Treadway sent out item that were a little bit quirky and ready for a party. I always think of Treadway anytime I see a good use of a hood and she delivered that as well. Her final outfit of mini-shorts and a batwing silk blouse got a rousing cheer from intoxicated folks. Who doesn’t love a good batwing?

Bridge & Burn: If a filmmaker was making a movie about Portland the assigned wardrobe stylist could probably pick up nearly everything from Bridge and Burn. Right down the line it is tried and true to the fitted plaid shirts, cool jackets and layers. The one thing missing was a PBR.

Isaac Hers: Designer Barbara Siepp makes pieces that can swing a little bit country or a little bit rock n roll. From the front her designs are a bit more classic and then the model swishes around to reveal mesh panels, exposed zippers and other interesting details. Although, I will delicately state that the hair was not my favorite, and stole some of my attention from the clothes.

Dawn Sharp: Sharp’s pieces always seem kind of effortlessly pretty, which also sums up what I see in Sharp as a person. Lovely garments steeped in femininity.

Seth Aaron: In between accidentally pulling my hair and flipping off the crowd from the stage Aaron showed the line he debuted in LA Fashion week I reviewed awhile back. And for the record, I thought it looked even better on our Portland models.

Gretchen Jones: Jones traveled from her now New York home to show her first collection since becoming the most recent Project Runway champ. The line reminds me very much of a Portland-er with good taste. High moment was a fantastic green above the knee cocktail dress that looked s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g on the red headed model working it.

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Gretchen Jones

Leanne Marshall: We lost Marshall after her PR win a couple years ago and after seeing her segment I missed her even more. Combining outfits from the past collections to give a smorgasbord sample of looks, each showed the high skills she possesses as a designer. While her finale dress of floating teal silk was a total magic moment on stage, my favorite look of the whole night was Marshall’s red cocktail mini. In my garbled note to self about it I wrote, “sex in dress form, but like classy style.” I still think that sums it up pretty well.

On the whole, it was a hugely successful event with loads of talent. I am impressed each year as The Mercury grows the production and caliber of the event and am already looking forward to next year.

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Tags: fashion show, Gretchen Jones, Dawn Sharp, Isaac Hers, Bridge & Burn, Heather Treadway, Boet, Sara Bergman, Coco Cardenas, Reif, Ruki, Midge, Seth Aaron, Ms. Wood, Leanne Marshall

Runway Happiness

Portland Sewing: Fashion Show Review

A thorough look at a well run show.

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Ms. Wood- THE Coat. Love, love, love.

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Ms. Wood- THE Coat. Love, love, love.

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Ms. Wood

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Clair Vintage Inspired

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Clair Vintage Inspired

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Clair Vintage Inspired

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Clair Vintage Inspired

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Clair Vintage Inspired

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Estate

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Estate

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Estate

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Estate

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Stephanie D. Couture

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Tiffany Bean

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Tiffany Bean

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Tiffany Bean

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Vien To

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Vien To

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Vien To

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Vien To – Working those stripes!

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Vien To

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB – Dress or Cape? Dress.

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB – Dress or Cape? Cape.

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB

Few things give me greater joy than a perfectly planned fashion show. I know from having produced them before, as with any live event, there will be hiccups. Models can trip, music can cut out, someone who has indulged in a tad too many martinis can make a fuss, and the list goes on. But, it gives me a big case of the warm and fuzzies to walk into a show that was well thought out and executed according to plan. And that is exactly what I got at the recent Portland Sewing Garden Party Fashion Show.

Portland Sewing is situated in a home-turned-sewing-school, which could potentially have posed some problems for the excited crowd in line outside when I arrived. But producer, Jasin Weiner, lined chairs through the whole bottom floor and choreographed the models walk to let everyone see the clothes up close and personal (and made a separate press section, which is an excellent choice because we like to be pampered). And clothes there were! When the last model left the runway I turned to my fellow fashion writers and declared that was my favorite sleeper secret fashion show of the year thus far. I love surprises.

The show began with Ms. Wood who I have been raving about since the moment I voted for her on my judging panel at Portland Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer competition. She sent out a fall collection that was completely wearable and chic for the 30’s something fashionable woman. I was already pleased as punch when “The Symphony Coat” came cruising out and I felt my cheeks get a little flush. That marvelous creation earned Ms. Wood extra style points.

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Clair Vintage Inspired

Following Wood was Alyson Clair with her Clair Vintage Inspired line. Clair is an exceedingly capable seamstress and patternmaker, which is evident in the fit of her clothing. Surprisingly these skills are not as evident in the design community as you would hope, so when her sexy secretary jumper fit like a glove, it means something.

Estate followed with its line by designer Robin Forsythe. I wasn’t familiar with the line that showed mainly basics. It was not the most elaborate grouping, but it did have some pieces that are available for casual daywear looks. My one suggestion would be to let the basics be exactly what they are. It felt over styled which distracted from the clothes. I am perfectly content to see if a casual dress just fits well; it doesn’t always need a lot of bells and whistles.

Stephanie D. Couture showed both her fine eveningwear and knitwear, which took me a moment to adjust to the intertwining. Especially because I think her bridal wear is fun and fancy. The bright blue in the collection is definitely for someone who is prepared to be noticed. But my favorite look was the long black Alena dress, appropriate for an opera or something awesome I’m not being invited to.

Tiffany Bean is the owner of Mabel & Zora boutique and a newbie to the design world. Her first jump in stuck to simple shift dresses and basic design lines. I think it was smart. Too many new designers get overambitious in comparison to their skill set and it rarely turns out well. While nothing was reinventing the wheel it was all wearable pieces geared 100% to her store’s demographic, which she knows very well.

Next on the roster was Vien To, an Ai alumna who could obviously take the cake at a sewing contest. Her collection was not geared to my age range or aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t completely appreciate it. Every stitch I saw was perfectly sewn, stripes were matched up in pleasing combinations and the overall tailoring was spot on.

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Bryce Black for Studio SKB – Dress or Cape? Cape.

Finally the title act, Grey Gardens, by Bryce Black for Studio SKB strutted down the staircase and impromptu runway. The pieces were inspired by the 1975 documentary about two troubled reclusive socialites, a mother and daughter both named Edith Beale. Each piece was multi-purpose and represented the duality that came from Little Edie and Big Edie. To illustrate to the crowd how you transform a skirt into a cape, Black stood at the end of the runway and quickly shifted his models clothing from Look A to Look B right before our eyes. It was like the David Copperfield moment of fashion. I thought the pieces stood well on their own, but add the multi-use element to them and you’ve got me (and any penny pinchers) sold over.

Overall a big Brava to Portland Sewing teacher and creator Sharon Blair. If each show is going to be that well curated and produced, you can count me on the press list every time.

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Tags: fashion show, Portland Sewing, Bryce Black, Ms. Wood, Claire Vintage Inspired, Stephanie D. Couture, Mabel & Zora, Studio SKB

sensory overload

Fashion Related Fun

There are a lot of must adds for your calendar. Get cracking.

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View Slideshow » Illustration: View Slideshow » Photo: Michael Zaugg

A lil preview of some Gretchen Jones action

There are so many awesome things going on around town these days, I need to figure out this cloning device I bought online so I can make it to all of them. Here is a round up of things you need to be seen at.

Physical Element/Amy Downs Trunk Show:

Hat designer, Amy Downs, returns to Physical Element with iconic spring confections drawing inspiration from the upcoming Kentucky Derby. She’ll bring her full arsenal of hats, both wild and wearable for your viewing and buying pleasure. You can meet the artist, a popular New York City hat-maker who maintained a shop on the Lower East side for over fourteen years, in person. Amy and her hats have been featured in The New Yorker, Paper Magazine, and the New York Times. Also on tap for the evening: Mint Juleps and other libations, southern-inspired appetizers, plus event-only special offers and discounts on all new Spring Merchandise

Amy Downs Trunk Show
Thursday, April 28th 6pm
1124 NW Lovejoy St.
Pdx, or

PhysicalElement.com

Modified Style

Modified Style Portland is approaching its third year and it’s not your typical fashion show, says organizers Janessa Philemon-Kerp, Andrea Fretwell and Laura Boley. In addition to incorporating sustainability into every aspect of the event, the creators are using the fashion as a platform to raise awareness among their peers about local charities. Ms. Philemon-Kerp says their main goal is “to show people in our age group—mid twenties to mid thirties—how easy it is to donate to charities. And we want people to enjoy themselves while doing it.”

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Last year’s winning look!

In addition to raising money and awareness for Sisters Of The Road, Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuary, and Children’s Healing Arts Project (CHAP) the organizers aim to inspire confidence in men and women who have never designed before. “Learning how to sew three years ago really inspired me,” Ms. Fretwell says. She’s passionate about “designers unlocking their potential. So many people don’t know how much they’re capable of until they accomplish something new.”

The designers are handed their bag of fabric in advance and forced to work within their given means. The results can range from jaw dropping to chic and wearable. The organizers have turned the whole night into a swinging party with doors open at 6pm then7pm Fun(d)raiser Fashion Show begins, at 8:30 the winner is announced – Silent Auction begins, Entertainment by DJ Prashant and then a Bollywood Dance After Party. Jai Ho!

Modified Style
Sunday, May 1
Disjecta
8371 N Interstate
Portland, OR

Click for $15 tickets

Adidas Do Over

Adidas-logo

The Do Over is an event I missed last year and all I heard is about how much fun I wasn’t there for. Well, I’m not going to let it pass me by this time. The Adidas sponsored event is a “free daytime Sunday jammy complete with booze & bbq all day long.” If you want to see people rocking their activewear and be on the lookout for the special mystery guests you must RSVP to get in the door.

Adidas Do Over
Sunday, May 1st 2-10pm
Produce Row Cafe
204 Southeast Oak Street
Portland, OR

RSVP for The Do Over

Open Season

I cannot talk about Open Season enough. The Portland Mercury’s fashion show has called in the big guns this time and tickets are selling fast. As if the line up of local awesomeness wasn’t enough (Reif, Coco Cárdenas, Isaac Hers, Bridge & Burn, Dawn Sharp, Ms. Wood, RUKI, Joshua Buck, Midge, Sara Bergman, Boet, Heather Treadway), they have a trifecta of Project Runway winners with Leanne Marshall, Seth Aaron and Gretchen Jones in town to show collections.

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A lil preview of some Gretchen Jones action

And! The opening act of the show is a vitaminwater sponsored competition with a handful of local designers creating garments inspired by vitaminwater. The outfits will be critiqued and a winner appointed victoriously by a style council. And who is on the style council you might ask? Well, it is Seth Aaron and Leanne Marshall from PR fame, Marjorie Skinner (managing/fashion editor of the Mercury), Kevin Lennox (former fashion editor of Glamour magazine) and me (aka Eden Dawn of this here blog and magazine). Tickets for this show will sell out, so act fast.

OPEN SEASON the Mercury’s 7th annual spring fashion show
Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E Burnside
Friday, May 6
Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:30pm.
Tickets $15 advance, $18 at door

Click for tickets

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Tags: Fashion, Dawn Sharp, Gretchen Jones, Leanne Marshall, Physical Element, Modified Style Portland, adidas, Open Season, Portland Mercury, Isaac Hers, Bridge & Burn, Ms. Wood, Seth Aaron, Midge, Ruki, Reif, Sara Bergman, Boet, Heather Treadway, Coco Cárdenas

Runway Happiness

Garden Party Fashion Show

Alyson Clair, Tiffanee Bean, Stephanie D. Couture, Ms. Wood and Bryce Black for Studio SKB all show off this weekend.

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An example of Black’s multi-function garments.

Add another fashion show to your calendars my friends. This is one I plan on elbowing my way to the front. Portland Sewing, ran by the fiercely lovely Sharon Blair, is having an indie fashion bonanza this weekend. The designer list has a good sample of talented Pdx-ers including Alyson Clair, Tiffanee Bean (owner of Mabel & Zora), Stephanie D. Couture, Ms. Wood and the first collection Bryce Black has designed for Blair’s SKB Studio line. I would literally bet money that this will be a show worth the effort. I caught up with Bryce and got a few answers out of him about the new collection.

What was the inspiration for the collection?

The inspiration for the Little Edie Collection came from the 1975 documentary film by Albert and David Maysles, Grey Gardens. The film depicts two reclusive socialites, “Big Edie” and “Little Edie”, who live at Grey Gardens, a mansion in East Hampton that is slowly crumbling away like their fortune. Little Edie is always seen in wearing garments, or other forms of fabric, from around the house and draping them on her body as something new. Like a sweater for a skirt or two army jackets as a dress. This gave me the idea to make garments that can be worn in several different ways, such as my 3-in-1 cape. The cape can also be worn as a dress and as a skirt just by flipping it upside down. Many of the pieces are flipped or reversed into a new look or a new garment.

How do you go about designing items that have multi-functions?

I first designed the collection as I would any other collection. Then I looked at each individual piece and sketched ideas on how else it could be worn or draped on the body. It really came together in the development stages. It was all about measurements and math. You need to be sure that the garment fits well in every variation and look.

What’s it like designing under a studio’s name?

Designing for Studio SKB was an amazing experience. I was able to see first hand what it is like to design and develop a small independent collection. Independent designers might be the hardest working people in Portland. Studio SKB is known for its superb tailoring, fit and sustainable fibers. Founder Sharon Blair is an institution in Portland’s fashion community. A lot of the talent we see in Portland has been taught or worked with Ms. Blair. I felt the pressure to produce a collection that held up the integrity of her brand, but kept true to my own design aesthetic. In Portland we are looking for garments that are fashionable, unique and can endure any change of weather. We like clothing that take us from the office to cocktails. I feel confident that my Bryce Black for Studio SKB is a collection Portland didn’t know it wanted.

If you want to see this all with your own eyes, get your tickets fast.
Garden Party Fashion Event
Portland Sewing
2111 NE 43rd Ave, Portland
Saturday, April 16.
Doors open: 7 pm. Show at 8 pm.
For tickets – $10 in advance; $15 at the door

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Tags: Fashion, Alyson Clair, Studio SKB, Studio SKB, Stephanie D. Couture, Ms. Wood, Bryce Black, Portland Sewing, fashion show, Tiffanee Bean

Runway Happiness

Open Season Designers

The line up for this year’s Open Season Fashion Show was just announced and it is G-o-o-d!

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Gretchen

From Jones Fall ’11 collection

Today the Portland Mercury announced the line up for their Open Season Fashion Show and it’s a jaw dropping display of Pdx talent. Not only are some of my current favs sashaying down the runway, but event producer, Marjorie Skinner, managed to coax back Project Runway alums Gretchen Jones and Leanne Marshall from New York to show their collections.

The chances of this show selling out are infinity (+1) so be prepared to buy your tickets the second they go on sale April 6. ($15 advance and $18 at the door). And if Heidi Klum shows up to pilfer one more of our designers, I am going to challenge her to to an arm wrestling match….

Open Season Line Up
Friday, May 6th
Bossanova Ballroom

Reif
Isaac Hers
Bridge & Burn
Dawn Sharp
Heather Treadway
Ms. Wood
RUKI
Joshua Buck
Midge
Sara Bergman
Boet
AND Project Runway champions
Leanne Marshall
Gretchen Jones

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Tags: Fashion, Portland Mercury, Open Season, Leanne Marshall, Gretchen Jones, Dawn Sharp, Isaac Hers, Bridge & Burn, Heather Treadway, Boet, Sara Bergman, Reif, Ruki, Midge, Ms. Wood, fashion show, Joshua Buck

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