Featured PFW 2011 Designer: Anna Cohen
PFW 2011 IMPERIAL KNITS COLLECTION
Imperial Yarn, a division of Oregon’s historic Imperial Stock Ranch celebrates 140 years in continuous operation this year launching its first in-house hand knitwear collection of patterns, The Imperial Knits Collection. The collection was designed by internationally recognized sustainable designer and creative director Anna Cohen, and guest designers Chrissy Gardiner and Edie Eckman.
It is very rare for a hand knit collection of patterns to be featured on a ready-to-wear runway. The partnership between Imperial Yarn and Anna Cohen has been developing into a leading story of bridging urban and rural, fashion and craft, and bringing audiences and discerning consumers along on a journey back to the source, and the very roots of fashion. This presentation is made possible through the partnership of Imperial Stock Ranch and Iberdrola Renewables, working together toward a cleaner energy future and building local community.
Imperial Yarn and patterns can be found locally at Twisted where we invite you to join us for a trunk show of our collection, Friday October 7th from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
(Twisted 2310 NE Broadway, Portland OR 97232 503-933-1150)
*Please note that all woven and cut & sew knit styles shown are not part of the hand knit collection and have been sourced from previous Anna Cohen collections. 
Anna Cohen will be showing at Portland Fashion Week in collaboration with Imperial Ranch and Earthtec on Thursday, October 6th, alongside other leading sustainable designers from around the world.
Doors @ 6pm / Show seating @ 8pm -Sarah Kiley
5555 N. Channel Ave. , Swan Island
Portland, OR 97217
Featured PFW 2011 Designer: Avni
Avni’s Midsummer Night’s Dream SS’12 collection is about expressing the hidden mysteries within each woman. The collection creates an image of an ethereal, fairy-like character that exudes impalpable energy and celestial aura. Created from 100% naturally dyed hand-made fabrics, each piece is unique to its wearer. By layering soft fabrics with organic textures and combining ruffles with sharp tailoring, we bring to life the magic and liveliness of our creative world.
Avni will be showing at Portland Fashion Week on Thursday, October 6th along with other leading sustainable designers from around the world.
Doors @ 6pm / Show seating @ 8pm
5555 N. Channel Ave. , Swan Island
Portland, OR 97217
-Sarah Kiley
Pendleton Sunday October 10, 2010
Pendleton showed a multitude of looks on Sunday night. I’d say this runway show was broken down into three sections. The first being not only my favorite but the most fashion forward.
The middle of this runway show has been said to have been a bit on the safe side. I think that Pendleton is just sticking true to an aesthetic it’s held for years. I have to appreciate the fact that the designers have not forgotten about the people that have been keeping them in business all these years. Just because these clothes aren’t testing the boundaries of fashion, it doesn’t make them any less stylish.
Pendleton ended the show with some really sweet, fun, tried-and-true summer digs.
(Photos © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
-Bree
Amelia Toro (Sunday Oct. 10, 2010)
Fiery Colombian designer Amelia Toro showcased an amazing anthology of culturally unique and elegant aesthetics in her Spring/Summer 2011 collection last night. Amelia Toro remains genuinely committed to the design of sensual and feminine clothing that emphasizes comfort and attention to detail.
The Kuna Indian inspired collection blew me away with all of the ethnic detailed panels that flourished with the ethnic art expression of “molas” in the Kuna Indian culture. “Molas” are a textile artform that originated and remains very exclusive in the Kuna Indian culture that resides in Colombia.
From animals like birds and fish to mind-bending geometric shapes and contrasting colors, so many stories and historical techniques were used brilliantly within layers of patchwork and embroidery with modest figures
Not to mention, the accessories were fabulous!
There are no words to explain the loveliness within every detail of the shapes and figures framing the dresses, blouses and coats of Amelia Toro’s collection. These pictures just don’t do it justice. I hope to see Amelia Toro bring her inspirational designs to Portland Fashion Week again in the future.
Click here to see the entire collection from last night
(Photos © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
-Samantha
Souchi (Sunday Oct. 10, 2010)
23 different looks of lightweight dresses, undergarments and loungewear were the finale at Portland Fashion Week’s concluding night.
As each model came out, the progression of colors went from mute to vivacious to black in a cohesive arrangement of loose and tight fitting shapes. The barefoot models had an earthy attitude and a playful expression in their faces. How wonderful, I thought, that there is still stylish ways to rock knit wear without looking dated.
Suzi Johnson, the designer behind Souchi is a very passionate woman who develops sustainable hand-loomed garments with luxury yarn chosen from only the finest mills in the world. I did some interweb searching and found out a little more on her Spring/Summer 2011 collection: The emphasis will be on a new silk yarn, bamboo, organic cotton, and super fine cashmere. The collection starts subtle and muted, then explodes into pops of vibrant color and then…. back to black.
Click here to see all of the looks from Souchi’s show last night
(Photos © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
-Samantha
Seth Aaron (Saturday Oct. 9, 2010)
Seth Aaron’s collection was the final act of the night and the most anticipated debut for all of Portland Fashion Week. As the winner of Project Runway, Seth is known for pushing the limits of design with his edgy, punk-rock aesthetic, tailored details and fearless use of texture.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
For the very first time “Solar is the new black”, his solar panel inspired line was revealed on the runway at Portland Fashion Week last night. Mind-blowing is an understatement to describe what walked down the runway last night.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
It was a lovely collection of demanding silhouettes and otherworldly shapes with a perfectly balanced juxtaposition of soft, fluffy and nice to hard, angular and calculated.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
With some outfits, I caught myself feeling pleasantly surprised when the model turned around on the runway.
There was more to look at on the back that sort of wrapped the futuristic garments all up into one shiny little gift for my eyes.
Solar is, truly, the new black with Seth Aaron’s amazing avant-garde collection. And how lucky is Portland to have him so close to us as a native of Vancouver, Washington?
The head pieces reminded me of something I’ve seen Lady Gaga wear, with an alien-like vibe to them. The way the light was hitting the shiny material was also stunning.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
A hotbed of technology and finely tailored, otherwordly shapes was the finale of this collection. I could almost feel the electricity running through the solar-panel inspired little black dress.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
Click here to see the full collection from last night!
See you tonight for one last round of PFW 2010. Tonight’s runway show will feature Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, Lenzanita, and Pendleton.
-Samantha
Jay Nicolas Sario (Saturday Oct. 9, 2010)
Jay Nicolas Sario presented a magnificent elaboration on his line created for Project Runway, inspired by the Samari. The concept execution was spot-on… undeniably present without being bombastic. High collars on denim coats, plenty of hardware embellishment, and expertly structured garments were paired with lengthy flowing dresses, all-but-see-thru shorts, and plunging necklines in an epic style amalgamation.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
When I mentioned to Sario that I was hoping to see those super fun, super huge epaulettes this evening he told me that they are one of his favorite pieces as well, they just didn’t make it into the evening’s show. The lack of epaulettes was made up for by one of the best accessories I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t know if it’s a scarf or a necklace but I do know I want… ahem… need one.
Check out the rest of Jay Nicolas Sario’s runway here!
-Bree
Jonathan Joseph Peters (Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010)
Jonathan Joseph Peters rocked my senses with an outstanding ready-to-wear collection. It consisted of a chic arrangement of bold prints and different fabric textures. Not to mention his ever-fabulous ability to create volume out of light fabrics.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
All of the pieces were unique and perfectly garnished with chunky necklaces and belts high on the waist. You can see clearly in his designs that Jonathan has a knack for personalization.
All of the garments had character and personality that thrilled the crowd. A blue and green mod, jungle-fever print was used in different ways and I loved every single one of the variations! The mood of the garments was a little more down-to-earth than Jonathan’s previous collections, though plentiful with high-fashion elements.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
These were a sexy, versatile set of garments that could be worn for different occasions. Jonathan is an inspiring designer because he stays true to his aesthetic with a keen eye on color, texture and balance in each of his pieces with a touch of avant-garde.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
Click here to see the full collection of Jonathan Joseph Peters’ Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
-Samantha
Goga by Gordana (Saturday Oct. 9, 2010)
Before the show began, in a rare moment of downtime, I found myself backstage, shooting the breeze with a couple of dressers at Portland Fashion Week. We spoke about what they do to occupy their time while the models are with Hair and Makeup. Sitting next to us, Kindle in hand, was Gordana Gehlhausen – the design force behind Goga. She commented on how prior to the recent purchase of her new wireless reading device she found sitting backstage, knitting to be calming for her. I tell her I never really have been able to wrap my head around knitting… I’m a crochet kind of lady myself. Gordana immediately brings me over to a table full of metal wire jewelry and hands me a piece to inspect. It is jewelry that is about to be placed on models and sent down the runway. Jewelry she crocheted and beaded herself. Quite impressive.
Leather and Lace…a duo that has become iconic in fashion and if one is not careful can come across as cliche. Goga presents the pairing in a inventive, refreshing way.
Variation in scale is another plus for me within this line. The cutout peaking from the hem of this dress reads as an exciting large scale open-weave knit that contrasts perfectly the small gauge of the wire used in bracelets and necklaces. See the full PFW 2010 Goga runway here!
-Bree
Suzabelle, Stephanie D. Couture & Isaac Hers (Friday Oct. 8th, 2010)
I still remember the goose bumps I felt when I saw Suzabelle’s collection back at Portland Fashion Week 2009. It was a collection of charming silhouettes ample with fedoras, black & white stripes and a plethora of elegance that has since enhanced. Last night, my eyes fell in love all over again with 20 different looks by Suzabelle. There was still that sweet innocence to the clothes that I appreciated last year conclusive of thoughtful, personalized details. Canadian designer Suzanne Jaberg who founded Suzabelle in 2005 has continued be innovative with her design. All of the pieces looked complete and well constructed.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
Click here to see Suzabelle’s full collection
I was taken aback by Stephanie Dong’s Couture collection. There were certainly those in the audience who had high expectations for Stephanie’s collection, including myself and my expectations were blown out of the water. A one of a kind line of dresses that had 3 dimensional texture reminded me that Portland really has some talented designers who aren’t afraid to experiment. I sensed a little bit of Grecian goddess in some of the dresses. It was easy to love the flower prints and picturesque draping as well.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
Click here to see Stephanie Dong’s full collection
Designs by Isaac Hers (founded by Portland based designer Barbard Seipp in Spring 2008) are edgy and playful yet easy to wear, mixing both vintage and modern inspirations. In my book, there is nothing better than simple pieces designed with the incentive to inspire women through fashion. The flattering structure, asymmetry, zippers and opaque tops implied a touch of vintage with an underlying a modern “girl next door” theme. Isaac Hers’ collection was cohesive and fine-tuned. Dang, am I proud of my city.
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
(Photo © Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com )
Click here to see Isaac Hers’ full collection
-Samantha
Wednesday, October 6th.
Emily Christiansen is the creator of Filly designs who moved to Portland in the fall of 2007. In the midst of all the creative madness setting up the installations, I took a moment to examine Filly Design’s art piece. Not surprisingly, I felt a little more tranquil. The set up was very nice, and very Filly.
And look who loved the dog! Our Mayor Sam Adams.
(photo: OSI photography)
Emily Christiansen believes that she doesn’t need to throw sparkles all over a garment to make a statement. Rather, with undemanding details and soft neutral colors, the message Filly speaks is “admire and appreciate yourself, feel purposeful, sexy and comfortable in your own skin”. Filly Designs is a perfect representation of functional beauty.
Welcome to the the Sword + Fern Jungle cabana.
Emily Baker is the creative mind behind Sword + Fern and a native of Seattle Washington. Her passion lies in sustainable design and creating art out of what others overlook on a daily basis. Featured last night was her latest jewelry collection inspired by the beaches and forests she grew up in the company of.
All of the jewelry seen was handmade using natural and found materials like old car parts, recycled glass, leather, bone, driftwood, vintage chain, rusty metals and shell.
(photo: OSI photography)
It was an inspiring display giving the audience a first hand look at what nature gives us to work with turned into awesome jewelry!
According to Dawn Sharp, Winter is over (if you want it).
The concept of the presentation was something like a fierce-girl picket line for the releasing of Spring/Summer 2011, and we shouldn’t dare cross it.
The bold patterns and bright colors almost makes me want to skip winter and go straight for Dawn Sharp’s S/S 11 collection was up for grabs, consider me there! The models subtly demanded the audience’s attention, to say the least, and worked their magic with the audience.
Over the past few years, there’s been some panic over a dramatic decrease in the world’s honeybee population. Last night, in 6 simple steps, I was shown how I could prevent this problem from getting worse, one flower at a time.
Laura Allcorn is a honeybee enthusiast who Portland Fashion Week, the opportunity to imitate the pollination process just as a honeybee does. This installation certainly smelled great!
Who knew you could imitate the natural honeybee pollination process with a chic set of handmade “pollinating” jewelry?
IDOM never ceases to amaze, that’s for sure. Created by Modi Soondarotok, IDOM continues to liberate fashion from just plain ready-to-wear to wearable art
The drapery flows very gracefully from top to bottom, accenting the beautiful hues of gray and silver.
The little peacock dress had amazing colors and detail in the print,including orange and gray, two colors that don’t always go so well, but always work amazingly with IDOM.
The execution of the simple lines, playful silhouettes and modern appeal was spot on and definitely something IDOM has mastered. Can’t wait for more!
-Samantha
Wednesday, October 6th.
Here’s what Bree wrote up on some of the most memorable happenings from last night:
Adam Andreas is an alumni of the Art Institute of Portland.
He has a fresh take on men’s attire that’s most notable in his use of draping.Full-bodied tank tops are placed atop more traditional menswear, for instance, a striped tee or a neutral button-up. The designer himself knit all of the ties displayed.
(photo: OSI photography)
This seems very fitting in the Do It Yourself haven that is Portland. Tie clips abound, even once without the companionship of a tie. This was more of, shall we say, a “man-broach”. I’m looking forward to seeing more from Adam Andreas this coming year.
R.A.W. by Rio Wrenn brought us directly into her client’s boudoir where we voyeuristically caught the ladies primping, ironing, and even doing some light stretches.
Once again, R.A.W has completely bowled me over with the use of rust stained fabric that sings of femininity. I am consistently impressed with how effortless the final garments read, when in reality the execution of these techniques must be quite time consuming. I’m forever impressed with Wrenn’s work and tonight was no exception.
(photo: OSI photography)
Continuing on the theme of mastery of technique and execution, Pinkham Millinery gave me goosebumps tonight.
Dayna Pinkham is a truly exceptional talent and Portland. Portland is so very lucky to have her as a staple in our fashion community. Elegant, clean lines create striking fluidity in her pieces. Seeing the Helmet Cloche, and it’s elegant placement of feathers was a real highlight for me.
(photo: OSI photography)
-Bree
Thursday, October 7 2010, Segment 4: CATAPULT
Tonight was the first runway show of Portland Fashion Week and the night of Catapult: the Emerging Designer competition. Tonight, 4 creative designers from all walks of life will showcase their collection to be judged by some of Portland’s Fashion Elite including industry buyers, store owners, and Project Runway Season 7 winner, Seth Aaron.
The winner of tonight’s show will receive the following:
- An online wholesale account with Madison Buyer
- A lookbook spread shot by Fashion Wire Press
- An article in the Portland Monthly magazine
- And a graphic layout & marketing from 24 Notion
The designers competing are all very talented and creative in their own ways. Here’s a little blurb about each of them.
Anar Couture: A chemical engineer by profession, Iranian-born Rana, began reinventing herself since she moved to the US in 2006. She started freelancing with a vision that fuses her Persian roots with the modern look of Europe.
Click Here to see the full collection!
Nelli Millard: I grew up in a fashion-sewing atmosphere and later graduated from Stavropol Tech college (Russia) with a clothing design and management degree. Life brought me to Bend, OR and I transformed my skills and experience and opened my shop “Nelli Millard Fashion Sewing Studio.”
Click Here to see the full collection!
Devonation: ‘DEVONATION’ is the first fashion collection by internationally acclaimed artist Devon Yan Berrong. Inspired by zebras, Devon has crafted an artistic collection of ready to wear clothing for men and women that will turn the fashion world inside out. With his unlimited imagination, ‘DEVONATION’ is the future of fashion.
Click Here to see the full collection!
Ms. Wood: Inspired by Asian culture, Ms. Wood is a chic line designed for the woman who is sophisticated and elegant, but with a hint of an edge. Each look is finished with accessories from obi belts and modern jewelry to handcrafted shoes, also from Ms. Wood.
Click Here to see the full collection!
After the fashion show ended, everyone in the audience was asked to submit their vote on their favorite designer on the back of their ticket. The winner will be announced tonight at the after party.
-Samantha
