Designers present eco-friendly clothing for the fifth-annual event
By Maureen Inouye
Watching the runway intently, Portland's most fashion savvy seemed ready for anything. Stilettos clacking, the models strutted down the softly lit path with purpose and ease. And cameras at the ready, photographers waited at the end to snap the perfect outfit.
The fifth Portland Fashion Week (PFW), which ended yesterday, showcased the environmentally conscious designs of some of Portland's newest and most talented independent designers.
This year's PFW included nightly runway shows allowing designers to display their work before an audience and the press.
The week's theme was sustainability, and the proceeds from the event benefitted the Willamette River Keeper, an organization dedicated to restoring the fish and wildlife habitat in and around the Willamette. Sustainability is the event's annual theme, but the non-profit organization that it benefits changes yearly.
Portland's Fashion Week is the largest fashion week in the Pacific Northwest.
Independent designers often cannot afford to produce their own runway shows. PFW Productions, LLC, plans the yearly events and uses corporate sponsorship to make the runway shows affordable for designers. Sponsors included The Art Institute of Portland, Nike, Comcast and Portland Monthly.
All the designers in the show are dedicated to ensuring their materials and practices are environmentally sustainable, which means using fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton and hemp. Larger companies, such as Nike, attempt to decrease waste and environmental impact.
Each of the designers had a distinct style, but there were similarities. If this show is any indication of larger trends, the spring will be filled with long, flowy dresses and colorful tees made of cotton jersey. For men, hats will be a must-have accessory.
Everything about PFW showed a concern for the environment. The runway was made of bamboo, and all the furniture was made of recycled materials. Even the styling products used on the models were eco-friendly.
The public was able to purchase tickets for individual nights; each night showcased different designers. The shows were held at the Cascade General Shipyard, in North Portland's industrial area. A large warehouse building served as the performance space; a runway was built with room for seated and standing viewers on either side.
With low lighting, high ceilings and loud music, the warehouse was transformed into a night club. But instead of tight pants and low cut tops, the women and men were wearing the latest fashions - clothing that screamed taste and money. It was obvious from the crowd's appearance that the runway show attendees all had a vested interest in fashion.
The audience included press, boutique owners, clothing manufacturers and others interested in buying or promoting the newest fashions. The goal of the show, for the designers, was to have stores carry their clothes - so being able to present them and gauge public reaction was important.
Before the show started, audience members were encouraged to arrive early and partake of drinks and other refreshments. Even with two bars, however, the lines for beverages were long, and the prices high (about $9 for a cocktail).
Tickets for standing room cost $20, and reserving an actual chair cost $45 with a Preferred Ticket. VIP tickets cost $90, and these ticket holders reserved seats in the first two rows, with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and access to the VIP lounge.
Doors opened at 6 p.m., allowing the audience to enjoy the atmosphere and booths before the show. The staff manning the will-call table were disorganized and confused at first, but eventually created a system to streamline ticketing.
Approximately two dozen companies presented their wares and services at tables surrounding the main area of the space. These included make-up companies, jewelers and designers with merchandise for sale - all things related to fashion and the pursuit of beauty.
Like an airplane, the seats around the runway were filled by row. Row one was filled, then two, then three, until there was standing room only. Although the warehouse location provided plenty of space, the placement of the chairs on platforms restricted movement to an uncomfortable degree.
Eventually, though, the heavy bass and the dimmed lights signaled the start of the show and chairs were forgotten. Saturday's runway showcased designs by Lizzie Parker, Duchess, Nike Considered, Alula and Sameunderneath.
During the week, more than 30 designers were able to present their designs. Most of them are from the Portland area, but a handful are from other cities. Izzy Lane, for example is a company based in Britain. Other locales included New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Portland Fashion Week shows Portland's dedication to art, the environment, and having fun. Even Portland's clothing is "going green."
