Equinox: Where Dark Meets Light, OSU Fashion Show
Last Thursday, May 19, a few of us from Portland Fashion Week trekked to Corvallis in support of the newest flock of aspiring designers at the 7th annual OSU spring fashion show. The student-produced event was held at the CH2M-Hill Alumni Center on the lovely OSU campus. It showcased collections from 33 Department of Design and Human Environment students.
The well choreographed “Equinox: Where Dark Meets Light” featured a solid line up of collections, showing everything from bridal and children’s, to active and menswear. Not to play favorites, as there were several standouts from the night, but Amanda Grisham, Erika Christiansen, Brent Schuller, and Kierra Smith particularly impressed us.
Grisham, a junior, opened the show and had our hearts from the get-go, charming us with her super feminine silhouettes patterned from Pendleton Woolen Mills’ signature native prints and trimmed with leathers and fur. Clever styling and immaculate tailoring paired with those flirty dresses and jackets snagged her a spot at the top of our list.
Miss Christiansen’s keenly wearable ballerina inspired collection brought out the little girls in us. In a palette of pastel pinks and silvers, her pieces emote a whimsical girliness that’s hard to resist.
Let’s talk menswear. Schuller showed an impeccably constructed collection that utilized mixing and matching textures, colors, and prints in subtle, wearable ways. His clothes were laid back without being boring, and we loved his nods to menswear of the past.
We were wowed by Smith’s ultra gorgeous bridal collection. Her creations are a delightful combination of modern and vintage. The junior, showed couture worthy gowns of intricate lace and beading, frothy tulle, and whimsy ruffles. As the show’s closer, Smith left us a little light-headed and very light-hearted.
-Anna Branch
Photos courtesy of Sheri Hubbs Photography
