News
- October 28, 2008
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008
Portland Fashion Week: Closing Night Finale
A nightly review of Portland Fashion Week, the United States largest eco-friendly fashion week.
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 970.618.8515
Fx: 503.924.3576
Portland Fashion Week: Finale.
By Eden Dawn
It’s over. The lingering love stamp on my inner right wrist from the after party is the only tangible evidence I have that fashion week occurred. That, the million photos, the press write-ups from all over, the ever-growing circle of the Portland fashion network and the obsession I have with many new designers. Still though, tonight was my first night without the pounding music, watching producers Chris Cone and Tito Chowbury bobbing and weaving through the crowd like secret service agents and getting to spot the fashion newbies from the old pros who swagger to their seats like Babe Ruth coming up to bat. The feeling is reminiscent to the day after Christmas when you’re glad to be home because you’re exhausted and happy with your gluttonous days but you also feel sad that it went so quickly and is a whole year away. But now is not the time to feel sad, it’s time to focus on the present we got to open.
The finale night began with my realization that every night the already beautiful models had been presented flawlessly every night. While part of this obviously is genetic and their parents should be thanked, and jealously glared at from the sidelines, it is also because of the amazing job Sunny Fire did on make up and Sidlab did on hair. To make the beautiful more beautiful might be a bigger challenge than most realize.
First on the runway was Portland’s little gem, Amai Unmei. A lovely collection in a range of blues to greens the textures drew you in with the combination of satins, chiffons and silks. Though the line offered a variety of pieces it was hard to ignore the crowd’s obvious favorite was the perfectly fit coat dresses that floated down the runway with little surprise details here and there.
The lights then dimmed and the room went quiet for a brief moment before the Rolling Stones, “Can’t You Here Me Knocking” was blared out and Strung Out by Peniche began strutting down the runway. Influence by her father’s 80’s rock band, her mother’s taste, swimsuit competition and other designers the line of over the top bikinis and “cover ups” could perfectly fit into a wild music video or for the fashionistas who is not afraid to have every pair of eyes in the room turns her way.
Salvationware then showed a very diverse collection ranging from camouflage to a bright orange asymmetrical satin dress. The line defines itself as being “utilitarian chic” and this was best illustrated in its well-tailored jackets of different length and textures. Notable piece was an ankle length black and white striped dress with the darts creating interesting patterns.
Then Idom marched down the sustainable runway with equal parts creativity, quality and social responsibility. Possessing a strong architectural quality the line was wonderfully structured and strong while maintaining a sense of femininity. A lovely focus piece was a royal purple shift dress with cascading asymmetrical ruffles. A line dedicated to her mother and grandmother and sold at her boutique on Alberta she will surely be overwhelmed with visitors.
Sofada by Alice Dobson was next to show her collection. Labeled “best debut” at NY Fashion week in Fall 2007 Alice is one of Portland design crew that makes us proud. Showing a resort wear line that included cowl necked swimsuits and spaghetti strapped dresses in a vibrant color palette she solidifies her position as a local favorite.
The finale of the finale was Elroy Apparel whose goal is to prove that buying organic does not mean you must sacrifice your style. No longer is the eco-shopper destined to wear hemp flour sacks or unattractive garments and Elroy wants you to know there are options. With a collection that used both knits and wovens there was variety of separates, necklines and colors. Standout piece was brown mini-dress with tucks and pleats creating beautiful lines.
Ahhhhh, how many days is it until the next couture Christmas?
- October 28, 2008
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008
Portland Fashion Week: Night Four
A nightly review of Portland Fashion Week, the United States largest eco-friendly fashion week.
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 21, 2008 – Portland Fashion Week
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 503.830.4107
Fx: 503.924.3576
Portland Fashion Week: Night Four (10/11/2008)
By Eden Dawn
Harry Potter. Penny Lane. Rhinestone cowboys. A pirates’ cove and ankle boots as far as the eye can see. Was it all a dream? In an attempt to put together the pieces of last nights fashion week adventures I retraced my notes and photos to separate fact from myth. Upon entering 14 Square in the Pearl District my elbows were immediately smushed to my sides as the room was so packed I could hardly make my way to pick up my pass and head up to the VIP lounge area until call time. Between the band playing, the festive flock and scurrying volunteers it was a joyful madhouse. Fact: Harry Potter was not really there but designer Tim Gahr, dead ringer for an adult Potter was. Fact: Penny Lane was there and without a seat for awhile, but that fire was quickly doused. Fact: Ankle boots are very popular right now and looking at all the crossed legs across the runway from my seat there was a sea of them. And all of this took place before the real show had even begun.
Opening the show was Saffrona Classics, the evening wear line by Sarabeth Chambers who showed her line MEWV earlier in the week. A mix of pieces from 60’s mod to floor length gowns Sarabeth is making an effort to switch Saffrona into a sustainable line as well by using eco-friendly silk and seaweed based fabric. The ensembles were dramatically completed with lovely jewelry by accessory designer Nora Catherine.
Next was Collier. A menswear line with well-tailored jackets ranging from dressy shorts to full suits. With a soft color palette of neutrals, the pieces can be easily interchanged for a variety of looks. Stand out piece of the collection included a full cream suit with button up vest, striped collared shirt and printed tie for perfectly clashed combination.
Lizzie Parker is another Seattleite trekking down to show her eco-friendly knitwear line. Draping her knits into body conscious shapes the line shows off curves you want to accentuate while being sensitive to those you might want to avoid. With some off the shoulder tops, eye-catching ruffles and a lovely dominating pink the inner Barbarella in you may want to come out and play.
Lucia is a local Portland women’s wear line with their flagship store located in the Pearl District reaching out to the sophisticated buyer looking for a full range line. Items ranged from mini-shorts and strapless tops to dresses for all occasions. Lucia’s attention to bold prints and mixing of knits and wovens allowed something for everyone.
Then came Christopher Bevans the most buzzed about designer of the evening. The girls next to me had come for Bevans, the designers I spoke with in the lounge pre-show had come to see Bevans and by his rock star greeting I knew many more were of the same mind. Former design director for Nike’s Blue Ribbon line Bevans has shot to success in the past year with his tailored sportswear being seen on celebrities like Kanye West and John Legend. With a collection not for the faint-hearted the line ranged from graphic tops to bright pink tailored pants and even a perfectly fit tux with a leather hoodie thrown in. Bevans received a standing ovation when he skipped out on the runway for a brief moment and then the lights went up and I was jolted out of my fashion haze once again.
- October 28, 2008
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2008
Portland Fashion Week: Night Three
A nightly review of Portland Fashion Week, the United States largest eco-friendly fashion week.
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 19, 2008 – Portland Fashion Week
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 503.830.4107
Fx: 503.924.3576
Portland Fashion Week: Night Three (10/10/2008)
By Eden Dawn
Halfway through the week and the constant flux of interesting people, twenty foot high white curtains bathed in colored gel lights and steady thumps have become like a comfy second home. How will anyone manage next week without the steady stream of endorphin producing stimulus? The mood is elevated. It’s Friday night and local favorites Nike and Sameunderneath are showing and the fashion house is packed and buzz ready.
The plus side to getting a press seat is that you get seated first and then mingle with whomever you’re next to while you also watch the crowds flow in wearing what they believe to be appropriate for a fashion show. It’s the icing on well-decorated cake. Tonight I sit with Vivian McInerny from The Oregonian who has been writing on fashion for the paper and freelance for twenty plus years and she graciously entertains me with various war stories of New York, including getting booted with fanfare from her seat so Kevin Costner could take it. I wonder if Mr. Costner appreciated the seat as much?
The show starts with Dimitri, an urban menswear line whose self declared goal is to shake your senses. With a line that included razor thin tees, ammo belts and crucifix or two it did the job. The metallic v-necks are not for everyone but those men bold enough to pull it off.. you’ll get second glance.
Nike then showed their new sustainable collection. Nike Considered has dual focus on both product performance and their carbon footprint on the landscape. Being an Oregon company they remember that layering is key in our unpredictable state. The line included a range of tees, jackets, pullovers, sweats and of course, shoes in a brighter than normal palette which makes spring seem all the farther away.
Alula is another visiting Seattle group made up of three female designers that have obviously learned the art of co-designing. With light fabrics and playful sky inspired colors the girls play with lengths combining short shorts with a longer top for delightful ensemble. Another standout piece was a one piece romper with cut out back in a lovely teal. May Tee was next and here is a designer whose inspiration flawlessly translates from conception to actuality with a line focused on a trip to the Sydney Opera House. Easily visible was the influence of the Opera Houses famous peaked archways and the architectural elements found in each ensemble were solidly thought out.
Finally Sameunderneath, admittedly Portland darlings were able to put on their show. Never a standard runway show, pre-recorded images of travel and beach walks played n the background as a large collection of both men’s and women's wear marched down the runway. With a goal of engaging others to be socially aware and conscious of their actions while expressing themselves through clothing the line had a large range from tees to suits yet somehow still seemed effortlessly mingles together. It reminds me of Portlanders in general.
- October 28, 2008
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2008
Portland Fashion Week Night Two
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
Oct 10, 2008 – Portland Fashion Week
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 503.830.4107
Fx: 503.924.3576
Portland Fashion Week Second Night (10/9/2008).
By Eden Dawn
When stepping in through the doorway for night two of fashion week you never quite know what to expect. Opening night had the lure of grandeur and the curiosity factor. Friday and Saturday night will bring in even the mildly curious fashionistas looking for a good way to unwind as the news tries to remind us the world is collapsing. But what you get on a Thursday night is never known until the magic moment. As the rows upon rows of white folding chairs were filled with a variety of patrons ranging from full blown Portland hipster to middle aged women in their brand new diamond earrings it was fascinating to realize this entire mismatched group had one cumulative goal: Bring out the clothes.
First down the runway was MEWV Sustainables by Sarabeth Chambers. Though she has multiple diffusion lines her MEWV line is the perfect placement this year as it is made from organic cotton, soy and bamboo. The bamboo drapes particularly well and her easy fit knit dresses can appeal to a wide demographic and various body types.
Next was a visiting Seattle designer, In Harmony. Their niche is the socially conscious luxury apparel and accessories market. The line focused on classic pieces with a retro flair though not exclusive to any one time period. Using lovely textile choices combined with an obvious understanding of fit for a woman’s body the collection was a welcome visit from our neighbor to the north.
Moving on to a transplant from the Atlanta fashion scene was dlr Designs. Focusing on two collections a year dlr puts out business wear, evening wear and dressy casual, they showed a range of both separates and dresses in a vibrant color palette. Standouts included a strapless bronze, below the knee cocktail dress and a lovely belted white ensemble.
Fourth to march down the runway was the avante garde Revivall Clothing. My stream of conscious notes from the show read “Showgirl, French maid and seductive cowgirl all wrapped into one yummy fashion burrito.” The Black & Blue Royal Circus collection showcased bustiers, ruffles and quirks from reclaimed fabrics in attention getting ways.
Bon’Lou is the work of designer Cindy Taylor who focused on evening wear for the sophisticate. Creating entire looks with hats and gloves you felt as if her designs could be well represented in the past as well as the present. An outstanding piece was a midnight blue silk dress with black lace accents and matching jacket.
Finally, StudioSKB marched it’s ode to the 1942 film, “Now, Voyager” down the runway. Designer Sharon Blair having just returned from her summer honing her design skills in Paris has branched off from her Blair Wear line to focus here on sustainable fashion with a vintage touch. You can easily see the film’s 40’s influence on the line with the wide leg pants and jacket combinations as well as the flowing dresses. A simultaneous big-picture and small-picture type of personality Sharon perfectly executed both her concept and the details of her line.
With that kind of fashion buffet placed before the crowd on a rainy Thursday night it is easy to see why we keep returning for another taste. - October 28, 2008
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2008
Portland Fashion Week opens with New Zealand's Icebreaker, Lia Griffith's Papier Couture, and the Art Institute of Portland
ICEBREAKER.COM
New Zealand apparel line Icebreaker makes exclusive North American SP 2009 launch from PFW
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
LIA GRIFFITH: PAPIER COUTURE
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
ART INSTITUTE OF PORTLAND
photos: www.ThePhotographers.us
Oct 09, 2008 – Portland Fashion Week
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 503.830.4107
Fx: 503.924.3576
Portland Fashion Week Opening Night:
By Eden Dawn
Take a deep breathe and smell the air. It’s a combination of excitement, innovation, narcissism and impending rain clouds. What could that combination ever represent? It means that Portland Fashion Week is here again and my how we’ve missed you. Trading in the docks at Swan Island for the brand new green building at 14 Square in Portland’s own accessory: The Pearl (District) Necklace.
After the pre-requisite of wandering through the vendor booths to see what local businesses are present, then stopping to get a pre-runway cocktail with the other thirsty patrons I hear the press call and head to the roped off curtain area. Tito Chowdhury, one of three PFW Executive Producers, ushers me in and I am plunked down in my front row seat across from Vivian McInerny, fashion editor for The Oregonian. The show is off to a late start which is not unusual for anything to do with the fashion scene but the people are getting antsy to see that couture circus begin. New to the PFW crew this year Jasin Weiner herds the fashion cattle to their seats like a mohawked cruise director and the lights dim. Mayor-elect Sam Adams pops out to give a short speech about Portland’s ever rising role in the world as a stronghold of sustainability and the proud crowd applauds. Then away we go.
A perfect segue from Mr. Adams speech was the debuting of Icebreaker’s collection. With global headquarters in New Zealand, Icebreaker has just opened their enviro friendly US command center in Portland. With a line that ranges from performance wear to travel wear to urban street they take pride in all aspects of their product development process even collecting their wool from free ranging sheep in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Showing basic pieces that appeal to multiple demographics, Nike and Adidas might need notification there is now a tri-force in town.
Next, was the jaw-dropping work of Lia Griffith and the Venus Collection. The exquisite line of paper couture dresses was so beautiful there was no time to think about how it was impossible to wear, it was just art. The truly painstaking work that went into folding a thousand tiny paper cranes to create a flowing skirt or using old band posters for a hip mini-dress will make you think twice the next time you are sending a pile of papers out to the recycling bin.
The Art Institute of Portland, a proud fashion week sponsor, and cultivator of many of Portland’s designers was the last act of the evening. Split into two parts, the reality TV show junkies got their fill as the audience was informed a judging panel, that including designer Adam Arnold, was in attendance to pick the winner for the little black dress contest. Recent graduates of Ai were given the opportunity to turn their graduation cap and gowns into their idealized version of the “little black dress.” We saw them all go down the runway and who knew that polyester caftans could become such chic, modern ensembles? The politician in me declares that for that magic trick each participant was a winner.
Finally, we were able to sit back and watch a flood of new talent head down the runway as many of Ai’s seniors final projects strutted down. Looks varied from fifties polka swimsuits to men’s snowboarding gear to a 1960’s British rock velvet romper with a modern day straight jacket inspired coat thrown in. There was surely enough eye candy to satisfy every level of sweet tooth in the well-dressed room. - October 28, 2008
Press Release
Contact: Chris Cone, Portland Fashion Week, (503)830-4107 or chris@portlandfashionweek.net
Portland Fashion Week extends its heartfelt congratulations to designer Leanne Marshall, the latest winner of Project Runway.
Portland Fashion Week was proud to launch the runway career of Leanne in 2006, and again in 2007, continuing PFW’s tradition of recognizing and nurturing the rising stars of independent and eco design.
Leanimal:Spring/Summer 2008 Collection in Portland Fashion Week:
photos by: www.ThePhotographers.us - October 10, 2008
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