Who: Julie and Ursula
Where: Crystal Castles party at Branx
Photo by: Rhys Balmer

might I suggest a trip up to Amalee (909 N Beech), where Alyson Fox, where the artist and designer is debuting her line of tote bags and tees screenprinted with her illustrations. It’ll go down even better with snacks and drinks, plus Amalee’s guilt-free selection of potential impulse purchases. Starts at 6 pm!

Last night, Portland Fashion Week premiered in the industrial wilds of Swan Island (I’m not sure if there’s a greener way of getting there once night falls, but I drove, and judging from the number of cars parked in the improvised lot, most everyone else did too.

Prior to the shows (seating for which did not begin until close to 8), there are booths of everything from energy drinks (I kind of like Bawls, actually. I think I’ll have another complimentary bottle tonight.) to jewelry.

I’m wondering how many people showed at 6, when the doors first opened, as some of the revelers were looking quite wobbly by the time they made it to their seats. Due to a registration mix-up that left me scrambling for a seat, I was already a bit ornery when the revolting couple seated behind me made their contribution to the evening by suggesting that my companion sit on the floor. (“That’s the thing about you press people,” hissed she of the rhinestone bedazzled denim.)

Finally, the shows began, and the nouveau riche managed to settle themselves down.

First up was Naturevsfuture of New York, who revealed creative reinventions of asymmetry, with overlapping fabrics and cut-outs, shown in a palette of foresty greens, dusty pinks, and browns, with the occasional shot of red or black lending relief to what seemed a too-literally “eco” color scheme. To me the standout piece was a black hooded dress, the hood incorporated into the right shoulder straps:

Next came Amai Unmei, who opened with an adorable buttercup yellow coat:

soon followed by another eye catching topper:

These two pieces were easily my favorites of the collection. Next came Olivia Luca, a showing of nice but un-risky bridal wear, the highlight for me being this collar and a break from floor lengths:

MEWV showed next, a collection of simple, body conscious jersey pieces that are totally wearable. I wear them all the time in fact, although mine usually come from American Apparel. I'm going to assume that MEWV's are of heartier construction though, and certainly the bamboo and other materials used are "greener."

Saffrona followed, a formal wear line by the same designer (Sarabeth Chambers). Conceptually all over the place, Chambers dextrously carouses simple sheaths along with more creative experiments:

The encore piece:

One criticism I will point out in the event's organization is that at this point—with only one designer left to show—there was a long intermission that disrupted the flow. End criticism, enter Sofada:

Polka dots and shoulder baring sweaters dominated the latest collection from Alice Dobson, which featured flirty dresses and skirts bearing her signature color contrasted piping, along with easy trousers and kicky shorts.

Doors open in less than two hours for Round Two.

All photography above is by Minh Tran!

Just got back from the first official event of Portland Fashion Week, the “Boutiques and Designers” panel, featuring Rebecca Pearcy (Queen Bee Creations), Alice Dobson (Sofada), Giovanna Parolari (Una), Liza Rietz (the Liza Rietz line and Liza Rietz + a broken spoke), Jo Carter (Physical Element), and Elizabeth Dye (the Elizabeth Dye line and the English Dept).

A small crowd (including a photographer who seemed to be taking excessive amounts of photographs of seven people sitting at a table) showed up at the Art Institute during lunchtime to discuss the relationship between boutique owners and local designers, and a great deal of the conversation centered around how designers can be better prepared to present their merchandise to a prospective boutique. Many of the roadblocks boil down to common sense and professionalism: Understanding and operating under the apparel industry’s calendar; offering size runs; being on time with your production and delivery, and having the quality of the final product on par with your samples; treating it as a job interview by making an appointment rather than busting in; being forthcoming about where else your designs are available.

There was also discussion of the pros and cons of consignment. Elizabeth Dye, for example, seemed more open to designers interested in consigning to supplement her store’s wholesale inventory. Meanwhile, Jo Carter expressed that retailers might want or need to put more effort into selling their wholesale merchandise over risk- and investment-free consignment items.

Perhaps most interesting was Liza Rietz’s testimony about finding the right balance as a designer between work and art. Having stepped away from wholesale, with her new store/studio, she can both do short size runs, allowing customers to buy off the rack, and do custom work for interested clients who don’t fit properly in the pieces on the floor at a given moment. Rietz, who effuses about the knowledge and experience she is able to gain from custom tailoring, offers the option for no additional charge.

The presiding sentiments seemed to be that as a designer one needs to decide if having product available everywhere is the priority, and if so be prepared for the real work of dealing with increased production (and finding the labor that doing so entails), being a presence at the trade shows, etc. That consignment can be a great way to begin and to experiment, but not the best way to make money. And of course, to be yourself, dedicated to and excited about your product, and making it work for you, even if, like Rietz, that means finding your own way and methods.

Fittingly, the panel was hosted by The Changing Room, a new magazine on the subject of: “fashion and business connected”.

Here’s to wishing all the Portland Fashion Week models good luck, with no falling or ankle twisting, or shoe breaking. Just make sure to look before you leap.

Behold, more sale action:

If that’s too small to read: Sameunderneath is offering 50-70% off their end-of-season product at NW 23rd and Glisan, starting today from 2-8 pm, tomorrow 10 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Get yourself some warm things. It’s supposed to be a cold one this year.

Fasion Week officially kicks off in less than three hours with today’s “Boutiques and Designers” forum at noon (free, at the Art Institute, 1122 NW Davis), and opening night of the runway shows this evening. If you haven’t done your laundry you may be scrambling for something to wear to all these events. In that case, drop by the English Dept (1124 SW Alder) before the end of this month for 20-40% off on select styles. Look for Built By Wendy, Mint, Plenty by Tracy Reece, and more.

Once again, I am painfully reminded of the fact that they put in a Portland Sephora way the hell out in Washington Square (9329 SW Washington Square Rd) instead of downtown. Or even Lloyd Center! Curses. Well, you have to haul out for this event on Saturday, October 27th, but the good news is you can stock up on your Sephora needs, then retreat back to the city. To help make it worthwhile, check out this Bare Escentuals “Very Merry Mineral Beauty” holiday makeup event. You can get a makeunder for free with their new holiday line. Perfect if you want to look pretty for Halloween parties later that night. Call: 684-9693 to book your appointment during the event, which runs 11 am-5 pm.

It’s time to break out the wellies. Whoa, but WAIT, thanks to Tamara Henriques there is another option! I present the ballerina rain slipper.

She also offers the style in several different patterns including leopard! They are not sold at any stores in Portland yet, but you can call the 800 number and they will help you find the perfect pair.
No more soggy toes!

4702 N Albina has a new boutique: Chapterfour carries streetwear and accessories for men and women. I’m planning to check it out this week—has anyone else been there? How are the goods?

Ugh, the weather is making me worried about being able to stay warm and dry. I derive some comfort from checking out new arrivals at Nau, where my top pick is the Dualist Jacket. Brrr.

Just got a voicemail from BAWLS Guarana, an energy company that’s the official beverage of Portland Fashion Week. Now you know what to expect the specialty cocktails to be spiked with. And what all the models and press people will be using to propel themselves through six straight days of shows and forums. BAWLS Guarana, although I choke on your name a little bit, here I come. I’m sure you’ll be delicious. Just keep me awake.

Ingredients: Water, Citric Acid, Potassium Benzoate (as a preservative), Natural Guarana Flavor and Artificial Flavor, Caffeine, Sucralose, Acesulfame, and Potassium. Warning: This product contains high levels of caffeine.