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Jesica Milton Trunk Show

Bubble Boutique hosts a spring inspired happy hour.

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A piece from Milton’s collection.

Spring is inching closer every second. And for someone who loathes every gray day, that is a comforting thought. Any hints or reminders that the Daphne by my door will bloom again are welcome and appreciated, which is why I will be at the Jesica Milton Spring Trunk show tomorrow night.

Bubble Boutique is hosting this little soiree to show off the Seattleite’s crisp collection of asymmetrical spring fun. Milton showed her line at Portland Fashion Week in October and the soft shades were a welcome sight then and now they are pure relief. You can chat with the designer herself during the happy hour event from 6-9pm after you pick up a little piece to remind you spring really is coming.

Jesica Milton Trunk Show
Bubble Boutique
1100 NW Glisan St,
STE 1B | Portland, OR
Thurs, Jan 27th 6-9om

BubbleBoutique.com

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Tags: Fashion, Event, Portland Fashion Week 2010

Insider Info

Amelia Toro Q&A

Questions answered from our favorite visiting Columbian designer.

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From her Hispanic Heritage collection shown at PFW

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

From her Hispanic Heritage collection shown at PFW

View Slideshow » Photo: Amelia Toro

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum from Amelia Toro’s Alice in Wonderland collection commissioned by Disney.

View Slideshow » Photo: Amelia Toro

From Amelia’s Alice in Wonderland collection

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

From her Hispanic Heritage collection shown at PFW

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

From her Hispanic Heritage collection shown at PFW

For those of you who read my entire coverage of Portland Fashion Week, you probably guessed I had some favorites. Amelia Toro was a designer that blew me away with her level of craftsmanship and conceptual mastery in her collection that was strong and statement like with its culturally tied embroidery. Despite her insanely busy schedule which had her departing Portland immediately following her show to be present for a debut at the Bogota Museum of Modern Art (we’ve all been in that situation), she managed to find some time to answer my intruding questions.

Q. What was your overall impression of Portland when you were here?

A. I loved your city and I felt people are very open to new ideas. I believe Portland is a very progressive city due to the fact that it was able to create the only runway for designers that are committed to sustainable practices and are aware of nature, organic and socially responsible fashion houses.

Q. You’re a seasoned designer with an impressive resume (Vogue, Bazaar, etc). What made you think that Portland Fashion Week should be added to that list?

A. Lynn Frank the president of Five Stars International who contacted me after reading an article of my work in the New York Times was very convincing and persistent and understood how important and how much we were committed to social responsibility. It was a great opportunity for our company to show our ethnic work and our culture, which is an important part of my designs and through this runway we could continue our work with these indigenous groups.

Q. Your Hispanic Heritage collection featured motifs from the Kuna Indian. Is it important to you that your designs reflect culture?

A. I am interested in the universal quality of their work. The Kuna Indians are based in Panama as well as in Costa Rica but a lot of their geometric shapes are found in many other indigenous groups around the world such as many of the American Indians who use graphic shapes. Culture is important, so are roots. What I tried to do with this type of work is to show how small the world is and how universal these graphic shapes and patterns are.

Edendawnameliatoro

Amelia Toro, myself and Susana Toro

Q. Is there any other particular cultural theme that you want to feature in a future collection?

A. Yes, I am working with many other ethnic groups and artisans for a future project with Disney.

Q. How do you begin working on a collection? (Sketches? Pictures of inspiration?)

A. Usually I begin by choosing my fabrics. I am also inspired by many ancient paintings by architecture, dance and my own personal experience in travels etc. then I start sketching and producing first samples which change several times until we feel it’s ready.

Our previous collection was inspired in Alice in Wonderland, the story written by Lewis Carroll. This is an example of how our fabrics created some of the characters of this story. We were inspired with English ceramic prints, for Alice we developed a magical, floral print; our twins were inspired by the graphic design of Tim Burton, and obviously black for a cat.

Q. Where can someone in Portland buy your designs?

A. Right now we do not have a store that carries our work in Portland but we are in the process of looking for one. If you know of any multibrand boutiques it would be great for us to contact them.

(Editors note: Did you hear that Portland boutiques? You need to lock that down.)

AmeliaToro.com

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Tags: Portland Fashion Week 2010, Q&A

Yay!

Huffington Post Acknowledges PFW

Portland Fashion Week made some east coast waves.

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Photo: Huffington Post

I feel like a proud mama bear today when I saw that the Huffington Post deemed our own little fashion week worthy of fodder. “While Portland may not be the launching point for future trends, it’s certainly making a statement when it comes to eco-conscious fashion trends.”

That’s a good enough start for me.

To read the full article: Huffington Post – PFW

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Tags: Portland Fashion Week 2010

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Closing Night

Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, LenZanita, Pendleton – Opening Ceremony

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Amelia Toro- Using the traditional “mola” technique of the Kuna Indians from the border zone between Columbia and Panama a fashionable look that also tells a cultural story is created,

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro- Using the traditional “mola” technique of the Kuna Indians from the border zone between Columbia and Panama a fashionable look that also tells a cultural story is created,

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

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Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

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Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press
View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press
View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press
View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press
View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Souchi- Cozy luxurious knits

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

LenZanita- My favorite piece of the collection with its royal purple hue.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

LenZanita- Beautiful fitted birdal gown with fantastic ruffles cascading down the skirt sides.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

LenZanita

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

LenZanita

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

LenZanita- The shorts fit perfectly and the pieces in general are cute. The metallic isn’t quite working for me but I’d love the vest in another material.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Ethos Paris

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Ethos Paris- Rows of small pin tucks helped shape this blouse in a delicate way.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Ethos Paris

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Ethos Paris strength was in their tailoring.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Ethos Paris incorporated a trendy red color for spring.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro had the ability to use complex prints in a stylish manner without overwhelming the garment.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro- Amelia used her signature prints on accessories as well.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro- This pop of color elevates the entire look,

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro- Beautiful classic shape with intricate geo detailing.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Amelia Toro- Color was plentiful and bright juxtopsed against the black.

It’s official. I survived another year of Portland Fashion Week. The bags under my eyes this morning tell me I am a little worse for wear, but all major limbs are intact so I will call this a success. In the past week I have seen over thirty designers, hundreds of looks and thousands of yards of fabric. I may need to watch some fashion show DVD’s this evening to transition my adrenaline levels slowly back to normal.

The opening collection of the evening was also the biggest collection of the entire week. Columbian designer Amelia Toro had traveled inter-continental to show us her Hispanic Heritage Collection. Amelia’s impressive resume (Vogue, Bazaar, InStyle) speaks volumes about the reputation that PFW is cultivating. To sum it up – Portland is getting important. Her collection was impeccably crafted with vibrant prints using animal and geometric motifs. The fabric was based on a traditional Kuna Indian technique of hand sewn quilting and layering of fibers. The overall look was polished and sophisticated. I always think when a designer is truly connected to their inspiration it makes their work shine just a little bit more and this is a prime example.

Following Amelia Toro was South Dakotan line LenZanita with repurposed items like scraps from a balloon factory used for fabric. One casual street wear line led to the next with several looks from Ethos Paris. The visiting Parisian’s emphasis on sustainable materials is the draw for a line of simple, basic clothing. Pants for both women and men were absolutely the strength of the collection. Pendleton then opened their set with a handful of perfectly plaid printed outfits before the collection wandered into some very fashion confused places. Stick with the prints Pendleton, that’s the thing we love you for. The finale of the week came from local line Souchi with luxurious hand loomed cashmere knit clothing in soft colors. And then it was over. A year of preparation for five whirlwind days.

It felt like the end of summer camp then and no one was quite ready to say good-bye. I made my way to the after-party which quickly went from an exhausted mingling into an amped up joyous affair, where I worked my robot groove on the dance floor with Fashion Wire Press’s Ed Kavishe to the chagrin of any of my students in attendance. Producer Tito Chowbury stood with a champagne bottle in hand and wide grin giving hugs and thanks to many, while models and overworked volunteers bounced around. A round of applause for everyone and we’ll see you next year.

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Amelia Toro
- Ethos Paris
- Souchi
- LENZANITA

Upcoming: The shows are over for the year but be on the look out for upcoming Q&A’s with designers Amelia Toro from Columbia and Jonathan Joseph Peters from last season’s Project Runway.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Project Runway Presents

Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Jay Sario, Goga by Gordana

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Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
Leather and volume?! Be still my heart….

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
Leather and volume?! Be still my heart….

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
One of the most wearable looks of the collection the color blocking on this suit was flattering but strong.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
Solar is the new black.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
The placement of the stripes on each panel turned a basic print into a maze of interest.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Seth Aaron: The Solar World Collection
A bold look to begin the collection, the tailoring was fantastic.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jonathan Joseph Peters
A crowd pleaser with the lovely neck detailing.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jonathan Joseph Peters
Gorgeously draped, effortlessly elegant.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jonathan Joseph Peters
Jonathan’s signature cut away technique impressed me during his stint on the show.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jonathan Joseph Peters
The perfect full skirt for spring, flattering and fashion forward.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jonathan Joseph Peters
A fun take on a classic shape.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jay Nicolas Sario
Lovely gown on a lovely girl.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jay Nicolas Sario
Body conscious with flair.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jay Nicolas Sario
Hip emphasis is a hard sell for some consumers but on the right body type can add interest.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jay Nicolas Sario
Hard top meets soft pant.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Jay Nicolas Sario
A dramatic floating train swooshed with every step.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Goga by Gordana
Flirty and feminine to the scale of perfection.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Goga by Gordana
This mustard yellow is a must have for spring.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Goga by Gordana
A dress fit for Aphrodite herself…

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Goga by Gordana
Rows and rows of delicate ruffles made up the breathtaking skirt.

View Slideshow » Photo: Ed Kavishe/Fashion Wire Press

Goga by Gordana
This peek-a-boo lace top was a perfect match with the patchwork mini.

I have been going to every Portland Fashion Week show for years and have seen pretty much every kind of crowd you can imagine. But last night was the most amped up wild one ever. The Project Runway madness had hit and resulted in the VIP lounge area looking (but thankfully not smelling) like a tightly packed sardine case. I thought the mass would quiet some once we had all slowly herded into our seats, but was sorely mistaken. And when the cover was lifted from the solar panel runway, signifying the start of the show, a shrill whistle of excitement went off behind my left ear at a dizzying decibel. The lights went up and away we went.

Goga by Gordana’s collection was the definition of femininity. Without my trusty thesaurus and with a sleep deprived brain I wrote “so pretty” about each ensemble that floated down. Gordana’s strengths lie in her ability to embellish with pleating and patching fabric without it ever looking overworked or unflattering to the body.

Next was Jay Nicolas Sario’s collection that evoked an underlying military theme with his use of metal hardware, epaulettes and funnel collars. It was an interesting juxtaposition of hard and soft, with his flowing palazzo pants and tailored jackets.

Jonathan Joseph Peters obviously had fun designing his kicky collection using his signature cutaway fabric technique. Bold, vibrant prints with the occasional sparkle of gold sequins made this an exceedingly wearable line for those who want to put a fashionable pep in their step come spring.

The finale of the evening came from Vancouver’s Seth Aaron presenting his Solar World collection. The looks were theatrical and dramatic with strong shapes, shoulders and showmanship. The craftsmanship for such unique materials was impressive. How does one sew things made from photovoltaic panels? I have no idea, but obviously Seth does and the audience was thrilled down to the last leather masked look.

After the show ended I, being the full service writer that I am, went out with Project Runway alums Janeane Marie and Jonathan Joseph Peters for a night of hilarious tales of what went on during filming and Michael Kors impersonations. My sides hurt this morning from laughing and it’s nice to see that in an era of snarky reality television friendships can bloom and survive. My exhaustion level is growing though from seeing hundreds of faces every night, cheek kissing, pounding beats and clacking keyboards all morning. This fashion writer gig is a really tough job, but someone has to do it….

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week
- Jonathan Joseph Peters
- Jay Sario
- Goga by Gordana (Project Runway Season 6)

Upcoming: Tonight is the very last night of PFW for a whole year! Featuring international designers Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris plus Oregon’s own powerhouse Pendleton. Don’t be the only one in town to miss out on the hoopla..

Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Friday Night

La Vie by Michele DeCourcy, Stephanie D Couture, Isaac Hers, Suzabelle, Amai Unmei

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Suzabelle

Suzabelle- This look will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine….

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Suzabelle- This look will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine….

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Suzabelle’s designs can easily span a range of ages making her an extremely versatile designer.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Suzabelle- The cascading asymmetrical ruffle turned skirt was incredibly flattering and feminine.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Suzabelle- Lovely color, perfect styling and an outfit that can be seen on any stylish northwestern girl.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Amai Unmei- My favorite of the Amai Unmei collection, this textural print was fascinating and flattering.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Amai Unmei- Metallic done right.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Amai Unmei- Always a champion of the coat dress, this year was no exception.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

La Vie by Michlle DeCourcy- For the less adventurous, pair this perfect French inspired tee and blazer with a pair of skinny jeans or mini-skirt for a perfect outfit.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

La Vie by Michlle DeCourcy- A runner up for my favorite look of the night. Everything about this screams current, casual, and lovely.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

La Vie by Michlle DeCourcy- Casual and effortless while wearable and yacht chic.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Isaac Hers- The mesh panels edge up a traditional shift dress taking it to a more modern look.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Isaac Hers- The seeming on the sheer top is a delicious addition to a fantastic blouse. Pairing it with the pencil skirt is the right decision to allow both silhouettes to get the attention they deserve.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Isaac Hers- Using geometric shapes to emphasize the shape of the female figure allows this bold graphic to also be feminine.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Stephanie D. Couture- Mixing in a space tossed print allows this evening silhouette to lend itself to a more casual event.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Stephanie D. Couture- Prior to the show Stephanie told me her collection was inspired by Greek goddess Athena which is more than apparent in this beautifully draped silk frock.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Stephanie D. Couture- Working a different take on the classic baby doll dress this bridesmaid dress is both sweet and sexy.

Last night at PFW I went broke. Not because I drank too many cocktails or got robbed, but because I mentally spent all of my money, plus upcoming paychecks on the collections showed. I had briefly wondered if attendance would be affected with all the hub-bub going on Thursday night with the Emerging Designers competition and Saturday night hosting a pu pu platter of Project Runway-ers but that thought was unnecessary with a huge rowdy crowd that filled the seats. There was a minor snafu with the start time as a projector conked out and one had to be escorted in like a kidney transplant. I took the delay time to have a drink with Susan Wheeler, head of buyer relations for PFW’s new buyer’s market that had just taken place. In just a couple hours Pdx boutiques placed over $10,000 of orders for our fashion week designers. Take that economy!

The show began with a bang and longtime Portland designer Michelle DeCourcy showed a hip, sexy collection. Stephanie D. Couture showed simple classic bridal and special occasion dresses exquisitely sewn. Barbara Seipp, the woman behind Isaac Hers, sent figure hugging garments down the runway adding interest and edge though sheer panels and geometric lines. Seattleite Suzabelle was next and definitely a crowd pleaser with her wearable, chic ensembles. Just when I thought I had seen enough, an outfit that screamed my name came down the line and Modest Mouse’s “Float On” piped through the speakers (which happens to feature my dear boyfriend drumming on). That was it. The stars had aligned and the universe was telling me that look will be mine! Everything after was icing on the cake and by the time Amai Unmei’s lovely collection with the asymmetrical highlights had taken its last walk I wanted to curl up on the solar runway in a little ball and sleep the night away.

Click View Slideshow for in depth reviews.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Amai Unmei
- La Vie by Michele DeCourcy
- Stephanie D Couture
- Suzabelle
- Isaac Hers

Upcoming:

Tonight will be a complete fashion madhouse with Project Runway designers Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jay Nicolas Sario, Jonathan Joseph and Goga by Gordana. I’m not even sure if there are any tickets left so you better act quickly!.


Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Thursday Night

Lizzie Parker, Jessica Milton, Wyatt Orr, The Art Institute, Catapult: Emerging Designer Competition

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Catapult: Emerging Designer Winner -Ms. Woods
With its top to toe look, this ensemble helped push the judges and crowd over the edge. The top is young and sexy while still tasteful and modern.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Catapult: Emerging Designer Winner -Ms. Woods
With its top to toe look, this ensemble helped push the judges and crowd over the edge. The top is young and sexy while still tasteful and modern.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Lizzie Parker has been making the trip down to Portland for PFW for a few years now and there is something I can always count on her to do – make knitwear interesting. This year rocking her pleats and rouching to a new level this comfy dress got further embellished with good old fashioned tie dye.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Lizzie Parker

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Jesica Milton showed a wide ranging collection. Perhaps a smidge too wide as the one swimsuit seemed lonely. But maybe not as she also showed this beautiful deep V halter which was one of my favorites of the evening.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Jesica Milton

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Seattle designer Wyatt Orr has become one to watch each year at PFW. I always fall in love with their jackets and street tough chic and this year was no exception.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Wyatt Orr

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Jason Calderon was rocking a king of preppy east coast good boy kind of a thing and I loved it. His bottoms were a particular high note with their fantastic fit and tailoring.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Former Ai student Sophie Chang has opened up her own bridal couture line in town and thank goodness! Her pieces may be the first time in history a bridesmaid dress doesn’t have to feel like a cruel joke put on by the bride.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Miheaela Munteanu worked magic with these exotic swimsuits dressed up with beautiful vintage looking hardware.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Miheaela Munteanu

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Melissa Gaynor is a very recent graduate from The Art Institute who created her senior collection by felting alpaca hair into fabric before cutting and sewing it into her designs. That is some sull service design work. With fantastic texture and a great back story these pieces were a crowd favorite.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Melissa Gaynor

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Johanna Lindstrom is a welcome transplant student from Sweden that has taked her European background and Portland design training to give us futuristic street wear with an edge.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Johanna Lindstrom

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Catapult: Emerging Designer- Anar Couture

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Catapult: Emerging Designer- Anar Couture
There is no doubt designer Rana of Anar Couture knows how to sew and tailor well. This jacket was functional with style. I feel like her designs came across for a much older customer then was in the room which may have impeded her votes.

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Catapult: Emerging Designer – Nellie Millard
Love this flapper fantastic look.

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Catapult: Emerging Designer -Nelli Millard
Nelli showcased an eclectic collection whose silhouettes I really admired. My one suggestion from the judging bench would be to think about fabric choice. I felt like this dress would be much more sophisticated and expensive looking in a matte silk

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Catapult: Emerging Designer- Devonation
Devonation gave Ms. Woods a run for her money in the competition with thoughtful style lines and details. Remove the bow for the less dramatic consumer and this is an easily wearable ensemble.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Devonation

View Slideshow » Photo: OSI Photography

Catapult: Emerging Designer Winner – Ms. Woods

Last night the shipyards were a flurry of excitement. Producer Chris Cone had told me before arriving that pre-sale tickets were through the roof so I was prepared for busy evening. I am a bad mental prepper evidently, because when I showed up and had to park a mile away and hike in my 4 inch strappy heels I felt dumbfounded by the amount of cars. I squeezed inside to music blaring and a boisterous crowd, who was more than ready for the show to start though we weren’t even close to seating time. As a judge for the “Catapult- Emerging Designer” competition I was herded through the crowd and tucked in the “judge’s box” between my friend Marjorie Skinner – managing editor for The Mercury and Seth Aaron – most recent winner of Project Runway. The other wise judges included Sue Bonde the intrepid director of fashion programs at The Art Institute, boutique owners Jo Carter and Anne Bocci, plus photographer Marie Saturn. A pretty well rounded crew, if I do say so myself.

The show opened with range of designers from our unofficial sister-city, Seattle, before moving into a showcase of some of Ai’s most promising graduates. After the last silver tarp dress strutted back stage, Sue Bonde stepped up to talk about the emerging designer competition and introduce the judges (sort of, as Seth had taken an ill-timed trip to the bar and I felt too many eyes stare at me when she nodded to his empty seat).

The winner of the Emerging Designer Competition wins a bevvy of fashionable prizes:

1. the chance to show a full collection at next years PFW
2. a photo shoot with Fashion Wire Press
3. a marketing package with 24Notion branding
4. future coverage in a little publication called Portland Monthly .

So the tension mounted as the show began. All four designers put forth a really good effort but the end horse edged ahead by a nose. Designer Ms. Wood won over the crowd and judges with cohesive and complete looks that included shoe and accessory design. She will be a welcome addition to the Portland fashion scene and I look forward to working with her for her PM coverage. Congratulations!

The Evenings’ Designers:

- Lizzie Parker
- Jessica Milton
- Wyatt Orr
- The Art Institute

- Devonation
- Anar Couture
- Ms Wood
- Neli Millard

Upcoming:

Tonight at the shipyards the ladies in town will be in shopping heaven. A show featuring some of the best, most wearable, chic women’s wear in town it will be a treasure trove of ideas for a spring wardrobe.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Opening Night Presentation

Adam Andreas, Idom, R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn, Dawn Sharp, Laura Allcorn, Sword & Fern, Pinkham Millnery, Filly

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Pfw_open_50
Photo: Jamie Coughlin

The new mural on Building 10 signifies you are now in Fashion Land.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

R.A.W. Lingerie’s display included a gorgeous model sitting in front of a vanity with curlers in, painting her nails with a bemused expression, while wearing an intricately stitched corset from hand rusted fabric.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Pinkham Millinery’s station was model-less, letting the high-end crafted hats speak for themselves. With throwbacks to a variety if styles and eras, each hat sat perched on a faceless headrest letting you imagine what kind of person it really belonged to.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin
Dawn Sharp’s display was simple, bold and pretty. Each model was swathed in her “Free Spring/Summer 11” multi-color prints mixed and mismatched in a way that was fashion forward and purposeful, while the girls carried picket signs with the collections name.
View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin
It’s no secret that Idom is a line I am particularly fond of. Designer Modi Soondarotak placed her exquisite, embellished frocks on dress forms with a neutral backdrop letting the contrast suck you in.
View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin
Laura Allcorn loves bees. That is one of the things I took away from her installation. A fantastically interesting combination of PSA about the importance of the honey bee to our crop production, plus a display of bee pollen encased in resin, it left me more thoughtful than an average presentation.
View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Adam Andreas and I were having a lovely chat about his installation revolving around the theme of all things Geo (Geology, Geography, Geometry) when he was swooped away by Mayor Sam Adams who was admiring his menswear collection. I suppose that sums up the fact he was well received.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Sword + Fern had a funky display with two lovely models decked out in spandex body suits lounging under a mosquito netting. The ladies were adorned with interesting chunky jewelry made from a bevy of objects ranging from crystals to metal cut-outs that were extremely wearable.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Though I don’t like to start conflict, Filly may have been the crowd favorite. Designer Emily Christenson was off to a good start by having the anti-Robert Palmer display (Google that for those of you under 28) with a crowd of lovely girls with sleek hair and neutral make up, dressed in simple chic beige dresses. But then to top it off she had the worlds’ sweetest dog lie in the center of the display and not a single person could resist the level of cuteness happening there.

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Filly

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Idom

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Pinkham Millinery

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Laura Allcorn

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

R.A.W. Lingerie

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Adam Andreas

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

Sword + Fern

View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin
View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin
View Slideshow » Photo: Jamie Coughlin

For a fashion writer, everything just seems right in the world when PFW starts again. It’s that kind of mixed up, anxious, slightly queasy, excited endorphin rush that I used to get from carnival rides, but now get from an interesting print combination. And I am happy to have gotten that feeling last night when I walked though the giant doors of building 10 in the Vigor shipyards for the opening night of Portland Fashion Week. An untraditional kickoff, the week did not start with your typical runway show but with an evening of art and fashion in the form of pod-like installations. Each designer was able take their given space and turn it into whatever they felt best represented their point of view. While some may miss the thrill of the runway show, the connoisseur of clothing appreciates the art of an installation show for the details you can notice and linger over.

Click View Slideshow for an Opening Night Photo Tour! Saucy stuff, see?

Raw
Photo: Jamie Coughlin

R.A.W. Lingerie’s display included a gorgeous model sitting in front of a vanity with curlers in, painting her nails with a bemused expression, while wearing an intricately stitched corset from hand rusted fabric.

After examining each pod in depth my brain was happy and overloaded. I was easing towards my escape and then remembered there was a whole other room filled with company displays: A booth for 24Notion, the marketing mavens behind PFW, some great local artists, as well as a representation from our beloved Junk to Funk with dresses made from hats and socks. There was really something for everyone.

The Evenings’ Designers

- Adam Andreas
- Idom
- R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn
- Dawn Sharp
- Laura Allcorn
- Sword & Fern
- Pinkham Millnery

Upcoming:

Tonight is the kick off of the runway shows and the “Catapult- Emerging Designers” collection will be taking place. Come to the show and see if I cast the right vote as one of the judges.


Fashion Week Information:

www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

Portland Fashion Week

PFW Shopping Extravaganza

Flaunt your ticket to rock some discounts.

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Janeane Marie Arrow Dress, available at Parallel Boutique and on sale with your PFW ticket stub.

The boutique owners in this town are taking pity on those of us searching for the perfect fashion week outfit. Show your stubs (hardcopy or printout of online tickets), to Portland Fashion Week shows and you can take advantage of these insider deals.

Anne Bocci – 10% off (excluding Seth Aaron)
Bubble Boutique – 15% off
Brooklyn Industries – 15% off
Lizard Lounge – 20% off
Mabel & Zora – 15% off
Mink Boutique – 10% off
Moxie – 10% off
Narcisse – 10% off
Parallel – 10% off
Phlox – 15% off Oct. 8-10
Physical Element – 10% off
Radish Underground – 15% off
Souchi – 10% off and 15% off tickets to the finale show

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, Sale, Shop Local, Portland Fashion Week 2010

Portland Fashion Week

PFW Ticket Promo

A special Portland Fashion Week deal for you!

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Photo: Portland Fashion Week
Portland Monthly readers can enjoy 10% off of tickets to Portland Fashion Week. Just go to portlandfashionweek.net and enter the our discount code pfw510 at check out.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

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Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010

Portland Fashion Week

PFW 2010: Preview

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Seth
Photo: Seth Aaron

A preview of Seth Aaron’s solar panel collection.

View Slideshow » Photo: Seth Aaron

A preview of Seth Aaron’s solar panel collection.

View Slideshow » Photo: Suzabelle

Suzabelle

View Slideshow » Photo: Adam Andreas

Adam Andreas

View Slideshow » Photo: Michele DeCourcy

Michele DeCourcy

View Slideshow » Photo: Idom

Idom

View Slideshow » Photo: Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

Pendleton/Opening Ceremony

View Slideshow » Photo: Stephanie D Couture

Stephanie D Couture

Get out your best pair of designer party shoes, Portland Fashion Week is almost here!

Every year our own PFW (learn the lingo) has grown leaps and bounds, and I am proud to offer up oodles of witty, informed commentary from the end of the runway. This season brings another batch of hot designers; some familiar faces and some out-of-towners who are hip to our scene. The die-hard fashion fan will show up every night to take in the overwhelming amount of eye candy.

Here is my night-by-night insider’s guide to Portland Fashion Week. Read on, I can tell you why you want to be there!

Opening Night

The kickoff to PFW this year will be an installation showcase from some of our city’s most talented designers. Not a traditional runway show, this is your opportunity to see the work up close. Similar to last year’s fantastic Content show, each designer has the opportunity to create a display representative of their own point of view. Designers: Adam Andreas, Idom, R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn, Dawn Sharp, Laura Allcorn, Sword & Fern, Pinkham Millnery, Filly; Curated by Marjorie Skinner; Art exhibition & Music presented by Project Ethos; Artists: Jesse Reno, Isaac Bushkin, Michele Maule, Lisa Golightly; Bands: XOXO

The Get: From hats to rusted metal corsets to the perfect dress, this combination of talent won’t be in one room again.

Thursday Oct 7

Night two is already a buzz with exciting designers and a showcase of some of The Art Institute’s most promising students. Adding to all this anticipation is the return of the “Catapult – Emerging Designer” competition, presented by Portland Monthly. New and upcoming artists show their collections to both the audience and a panel of judges (including moi) who vote to determine our city’s best new designer. Designers: Lizzie Parker, Jesica Milton, Art Institute of Portland Fashion Show and Portland Monthly presents Catapult, The Emerging Designer Competition Runway Show: Devonation, Anar Couture, Ms Wood, Neli Millard

The Get: The winner will get to show a full collection at next years’ PFW as well as a free fashion shoot by Fashion Wire Press and future coverage in Portland Monthly magazine. Come be part of the decision.

Friday Oct 8

Night three of fashion week has some of PFW’s fan favorites: all Northwest designers crafting ridiculously beautiful women’s wear. Portlanders who love to shop may elbow you out of this one, so get your tickets in advance. Designers: Amai Unmei, La Vie by Michele DeCourcy, Stephanie D Couture, Suzabelle

The Get: I will be planning a large portion of my spring shopping budget based on this show!

Saturday Oct 9

A night for Project Runway junkies! Fresh off his Project Runway triumph, Seth Aaron Henderson has collaborated with Hillsboro-based company, Solarworld, to design a collection based on their black photovoltaic panels. Gracing the runway first this evening are three previous P.R. contestants showing new collections. Designers: Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jay Sario, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Goga by Gordana

The Get: The largest post-show gathering of Project Runway contestants, this was a good get for Portland.

Sunday Oct 10

Closing night is always an affair to remember and the last gasp of PFW breath for a whole year. Designers: Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, LENZANITA, Pendleton “Opening Ceremony”

The Get: Powerhouse Pendleton with their “Opening Ceremony” collection has excitement brewing as well as international designers Amelia Toro and Ethos who yanked out their passports and battled TSA to show us their collections.

And obviously the best reason to attend fashion week is your chance to practice any Heidi Klum ala Project Runway impressions of “You’re Out.” Auf Wiedersehen!

Fashion Week Information:
www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Tickets: PortlandFashionWeek.net
Portland Monthly’s special ticket offer code, pfw510, gets our readers 10% off of the ticket price!

Why: Because you should support our city’s awesome talent and it’s really fun.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Portland Fashion Week 2010, Spring/Summer 2011

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