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!