Downtown passersby have no doubt noticed the windows at SW 10th & Alder that have been taken over by Portland's premiere garbage-to-garment manufacturers, Junk to Funk. Fashion from garbage is a concept that's been kicking around for years now, but having had several opportunities to see these garments up close (as co-emcee for the last Junk to Funk fashion show, and at the Mercury's last Open Season fashion show, where Junk to Funk all-star Jen LaMastra opened the show with a literally electrified dress fashioned out of used plastic bottles), trust me when I tell you these aren't hastily assembled symbolic gestures in the name of recycling, but painstakingly detailed creations. Today from noon till 1 pm, LaMastra and Traci Price will both be in the space performing live demonstrations of some of their techniques, using plastic bags in preparation for the next installation, celebrating Portland's plastic bag ban. See what they can do besides hold groceries and dog poo!

One of the dresses currently on view, made from used coffee filters.
  • One of the dresses currently on view, made from used coffee filters.