Color Trends for Autum/Winter 2010-2011

Sustainable Future
The crucial need of co-existing between nature and urban landscapes is reflected in the color palettes and the stories from where they come: urban concrete and formal darks meer nature's mid-tones and bright shades.

Eco-Fashion, lo-fi, laboratory-grown fabrics, food fashion, fusing product and garment, beetroot-dying, victimless leather, bone ivory, up-cycling and all the other experiments concentrating on environment issues, are so important; some ideas will eventually end up as valid solutions to problems we fight with, some are indispensable because of the discussion they rise.

Solutions are imperative to solve the paradox of the fashion industry obsessed by the nonstop change and the vital demand of sustainability. The focus has moved from pure aspect to content, with everything this brings along in terms of questions. Finishing and added functions are areas still to be explored and bringing in new complex and fascinating elements.

Craft techniques are reinterpreted and completed by using the newest technology. Warmth, comfort, caring, reassuring, and thoughtfulness are terminologies to have in mind when developing fabrics for the autumn and winter of 2010-2011.

PURITAN
Luxury and elegant esteem! Only the superb, regarding materials and finishing for regular clothing purpose is approved. Fabrics are coated, weightless, fluid-simply impeccable. Aspect is precise and perfect, feminine and sensual at the same time. Colors are subdued- the essence of the mood is material.

Colors: Pearl, Gesso, Tuxedo, Champagne, Venetian Red, Sable, Pecan, and Seal

REFLECTION
Tinted by technology! Playing with effects,light and shine-special effects applied to fabrics in finishing, printing, laminating or whatever is takes to deceive the eye. Technology and artificial materials in all aspects, is brought into play to achieve the trickster appearance. Exploiting interactive technology in clothing framework.

Colors: Golden Bronze, Lavender, Purple Taupe, Sky, Prussian Blu, Lotus, Tea Rose, and Canarino

RUGGED
Nature's resources! Exploring the relationship between the urban and natural landscape. Merging the industrial and the handcrafted techniques. Nature is dealt with under a man-made aspect, caring for the best components. Materials are natural or deviates from natural sources refined by using the best of industrial techniques in order to save the human dimension. Patterns or the supreme of nature's structures are handcrafted repetitions, embracing the small imperfections, adding life to expressions.

Colors: Palladium Blu, Burnished Red, Midnight, Flax, Tenne, Dark Oak, Antique Pewter, and Sandstone.

EXOTIC
Fashion Impact! It's all about color, dye, tint, hue... Decorations are complex: caliper drawings neatly colored or animated colored paintings. The curious clash of tapestry and techno. The interference of precise pattern and a texture. It's glamorously artistic.

Colors: Emerald, Deep Pink, Klien Blu, Royal Purple, Saffron, Cerulean, Eggplant, and Scarlet.

IDENTIKIT
Towards the future! The hyper newest technology is implemented in the story created by these dark shades and moods. Breaking down into single elements, looking through in order to discover what and preferably how. Materials are inspired from high technology and military industry. Pattern language in graphic.

Colors: Arsenic, Pietra, Deep Plum, Kynsna Green, Mocca, Anthra, Gray Mist, and Pirite.

Happening Trends at AIPD

For those of you who haven't observed this season's trends here are a few popular looks that have been popping up all over campus.

Below are some forecasted trends for SP/SU 2010. Yay for fun sporty shapes and fresh colors!

And an extra yay for the upcoming Christmas break! Have a fun & safe holiday season and wear lots of sequins!

Claire K. Wolfson

It's the Final Countdown!!!!

Hello all...

As you know today's date is Tuesday the 24th. Coming in 3...2...1....

BLACK FRIDAY!!!

You guys have a great Thanksgiving and make sure to keep your wallets full because the sales will be major. Keep your eye on Urban Outfitters. They will be having an additional 50% off sale
on Men's Wear, Women's Wear, and House Wear sale items. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Sincerely,

Ijeoma O!

Green Orchid Fashion Hats

Interview with Elsa Estrada

Q1: What is the name of your business?

Elsa: Green Orchid

Q2: What interests you in fashion?

Elsa: Being able to create something that can enhance the beauty in someone, even a little thing like a hat.

Q3: Is there any specific reason that pulled you to making these fantastic hats?

Elsa: My favorite movies growing up were all movies with glamorous women that looked so perfect with their little hats. I wanted to be them and when I tried to create my first hat. It came natural, easy and relieving.

Q4: How did you get started in your industry?

Elsa: I just kind of started making them.

Q5: Do you have a website or store that sells your accessories?

Elsa: Well, I do most of my sales at festivities in Portland I like the personal input you get from events like those, but I sale them on blankpageszine.com (another project I work on) and internet custom order.

Q6: Do you have a fan/customer base with your consumers?

Elsa: Yes, I guess I do :) a lot of people once they have one they will always come back for more :) and a side project I work on is Blank Pages Zine. A zine that is distributed throughout Portland helps get all my side projects and name out there, we have blank pages fans.

Q7: What is the price range that you charge for your hats?

Elsa: Well, I wanted kids to be able to buy them too, I remember being a kid and wanting cool things but they always cost so much well my price range is $20 to $45 [mostly] and when you custom order it’s all in your hands.

Q8: What is the demographics that your accessories targets? And, or who are your customers?

Elsa: I hit the Goths, Psychobilly[s], Rockabilly[s], Sub Cultures out there mostly due to my morbid take on hats but every now and then I get the cute little old lady who can't put it down, it's surprising and nice. :)

Q9: When did you start making and/or designing hats?

Elsa: Oct 31 2007 for a devil costume

Q10: How much work is taken in making each hat and do you make custom orders?

Elsa: They can range very differently but mostly average around 2 and a half hours each or more. I stopped making my own bases to help in the time management, but I still hand sew it all together and create each of them all differently.

Sustainable Clothes at the Saturday Market!

Portland Saturday Market helps make Portland one of the “greenest” cities in America or so I have heard from PDXposed. Sustainable clothing is a great idea and something that Portland designers are focused on. While attending the Saturday Market recently I discovered Flood Clothing. Nicole Flood creates amazing hats out of clothes she finds in second hand shops. She also sells re-vamped clothes, headbands, bags; all sorts of gorgeous things.

Her artistic eye helps her create new looks for old things. I remember taking a class her husband taught at the Art Institute. He told us about her business and how they were Art Institute graduates. It had slipped my mind until I discovered her at the saturday market! It is really exciting to see graduates from A.I., creating new and innovating ideas that are environmentally friendly. I have posted a link to her site. If you are ever at the Portland Saturday Market make sure and check out her creative wears. Warning though if you try on her hats you will most likely fall in love and go home with it!

-Alicia Jelinek

http://www.floodclothing.com/

Junk to Funk is Back!

Portland, Oregon - The Junk to Funk made its return last Saturday! As one of the nation's greenest cities, it is fitting that Portland designers take ordinary junk and turn it into creations of fashion. The 4th annual Junk to Funk event was held at the Crystal Ballroom and hosted by Mayor Sam Adams and Portland Mercury's managing editor Marjorie Skinner. Doors opened at 7:00 PM to a bizarre-type environment and fun "before-the-show" crafts provided by SCRAP (The School and Community Reuse Action Project). Early-goers had a chance to create their own corsages out of recycled materials.

The entries were judged on the amount of recycled materials utilized, creativity, innovation, and craftmanship. The night's "trashion" walked the runway under the critcal eye of the Junk Jury, which includes local designer Adam Arnold and Prasenjit Tito Chowdhury from Portland Fashion Week among others. The atmosphere was busy with energy and the musical stylings of Junkquestra, Portland's premier orchestra comprised of junk instruments.

Visit Junk to Funk's website at www.junktofunk.org to check out more details!

-Justine

'Tis The Season...

While many are gearing up for this holiday's shopping season, you may want to choose to forgo the chaotic atmosphere that local malls consisting of screaming toddler toting families tend to be famous for and instead opt to support your local community through the act of giving. This year as with the last, Willamette Week is giving Portland a great and easy source to do so, through the "Give Guide" that is published along with the weekly publication. This "Give Guide" features a list of the 79 different non-profits that have been selected from the surrounding area. Categories from the Arts to Social Action and Community are just a few areas you can choose from when choosing which non-profit you would like to make a donation to. Last year a whopping $800,000 dollars were donated to 55 local businesses, this year they hope to exceed this amount.

While this blog is about fashion, we must remember that fashion is not all about Balenciaga shoes and Balmain blazers, it can be as simple as a suit intended for a job interview that a woman going through a rough patch is unable to afford. Dress for Success, a non-profit featured in WW Give Guide provides professional attire for those who are trying to get back on their feet during these tough economic times. One may say it is a perfect blend of fashion and humanitarianism and a great opportunity for one to share their love for fashion with those less fortunate.

To see as well as find more information on all of the non-profits featured, take a look at the Willamete Week "Give Guide" and also check out Dress For Success to learn more about how you can donate as well as volunteer. And remember this season keep your community in mind by donating to those who continue to make Portland such a great city!

-Ashley Richfield

Albert Street Fashion by Flashlight

October 15 marked the 4th annual Fashion by Flashlight in Portland’s “Alberta Arts District”. The benefit of hitting up this event? Local shops stay open late, showcasing their latest styles and sales while offering beverages, snacks and of course shopping!

Fashion by Flashlight took place in NE Portland on Alberta Street from 6 – 9pm. Some of the local shops participating in this year’s event were Bumbleweed, Billy Goat Vintage, Ella’s, Garnish and pedX.

You might think storeowners and works are annoyed because of the extended hours. Not the case! Fashion by Flashlight is about fun and brings old and new customers into their stores. The music is a little louder, people are shopping and drinking and the sales staff is right there with you enjoying the time.

Over the past few years, Alberta Street has gone through a renovation. You still see a lot of boarded up buildings, but they are few and far between the numerous restaurants, bars, shops and coffee houses. What makes this neighborhood stand apart is the various art hung in all of these locations. Each restaurant, bar and shop is a “rotating roster for artists” (portlandneighborhood.com). Not to mention “Last Thursday,” which happens the last Thursday of every month. Here, you can again go shopping after business hours, visit the local art galleries and enjoy the ambiance of street performers, food, drinks and masses of people enjoying what this neighborhood is all about, art.

~Alex Eichman

" Junk to Funk " by Christine McBeth

On Saturday November 14, 2009 at 7pm Portlanders flocked to the Crystal Ballroom to attend “Junk to funk.”  “Junk to funk,” is a unique fashion show that exhibits couture designs made from recyclable and reusable materials.  The runway featured local designers who used “trash” to create wearable art. Attendees could vote for the piece that they liked the best.  The fashion show was reasonably priced at $20.00 to attended and all-ages were welcome.

From the roars of the crowd the event was a huge hit with everyone who attended.  The designs were elaborate and extremely creative, and I was pleased with the overall experience at the Fashion Event.  As a first time attendee I was not sure what to expect, but I was definitely surprised at how extravagant some of the designs actually were.  The whole event was planned out perfectly and seemed to go smoothly.  The lighting, music, and entertainment was great.  Sam Adams and Marjorie Skinner, who really kept the crowd and the event alive, hosted the show.  Overall, the Fashion Show was a huge success and I will definitely be going again next year.

10 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne and host of Tim Gunn's Guide To Style has a list of 10 Wardrobe Essentials. Here they are in no particular order. See if you agree. Are there any additions to the list specific to Portland Style?

1. Basic Black Dress - The LBD, need we say more?
2. Trench Coat - A staple for 3 out of 4 seasons. Try a bright color like green or red to brighten dreary fall days.
3. Classic White Shirt - Simple and sexy
4. Classic Dress Pants - 3 words: tailoring, tailoring, tailoring
5. Skirt - Pencil or A-line, find a figure flattering shape in a neutral color.
6. Blazer - A great way to dress up jeans and a tee.
7. Day Dress - Prints are great for dresses. Stick with a cut that lets you move.
8. Cashmere Sweater - Whether V-neck or cardigan, cashmere is a great investment.
9. Jeans - We finally have choices in denim. Find a fit that elongates the legs in a dark wash.
10. A Comfortable Sweatsuit Alternative - Keep the sweats and gym shoes in the gym please.

China Design Now 10.10.09-01.17.2010 by Claire K. Wolfson

Tuesday I ventured on a solo trip over to the Portland Art Museum for the China Design Now exhibition. Unfortunately I arrived at 4 p.m. permitting me only an hour to soak it all in. The exhibition displays the work of Chinese designers, architects, filmmakers, and artists who have contributed to the rise of a new design dynasty.

China Design Now reveals approximately 100 designers whose work has "collectively defined a new aesthetic that reinterprets traditional Chinese forms, references global youth culture and responds to the dreams and desires of the middle class. The new entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in the runway trends, street posters, photography, interior design, architectural projects, advertising, and consumer products presented in this exhibition." http://portlandartmuseum.org/exhibitions/feature/China-Design-Now

The exhibition leads you through 3 thematic sections focusing on different cities and various design fields in China. The first section concentrates on the graphic and visual design in Shenzhen. The second section explores fashion and lifestyle in Shanghai and the third looks at architecture and spaces in Beijing.

I would highly recommend checking out China Design Now, it's incredibly inspiring and refreshing. Also if you are a student it's only $10.00 for a pass to the museum from now until August! For more information go to portlandartmuseum.org

 

Does Portland need a Fashion Week

Since being launched in 2003, Portland Fashion Week has faced a bumpy road getting where it is today. In 2004, Incubator Fashion, the organization that was producing PFW, discontinued staging the event. In 2005, SEMPER Fashion stepped in to revive PFW's production. Since then, PFW has had its share of contoversy and setbacks, as well as reasonable success in promoting sustainable fashion and emerging local designers.

Much of the tension that surrounds PFW stems from the required participation fee that designers must pay. Portland's fashion scene is made up of small, independent fashion labels, most of whom don't have a lot of extra money to throw around. Critics complain that the event generates income for the production team, but does not guarantee sales for the designers.

The PFW producers counter these complaints by pointing out that the participation fee does not go toward generating profit, but is necessary in order to be able to put on the desperately under-funded event. As Tito Chowdhurry, PFW's executive producer points out, this is a one-half-million dollar production and (it's) growing.

Given the number of local fashion events, not to mention shows put on by individual designers, that take place in Portland, it is easy to overlook the service that PFW provides to many emerging local designers. Part of one night of the weel is devoted to showcasing the work of recent AI graduates, who participate for free. This provides new designers who have no zero budget a great platform for promoting their work. It should also be mentioned that the cost of participation is a great deal less than it would cost an individual designer to produce their own show, which involves paying models, hair and makeup, etc.

It is difficult to come up with a solution that would satisfy all the diverse personalities that exist within the local fashion community. The solution would have to be cost effective for everyone involved, while providing designers with a strong platform to help them connect with buyers and press. Whether Portland Fashion Week is the answer or not, the local fashion community should strive to reach an agreement on how to effectively nurture all the local talent that Portland has to offer.

Toby Robboy

Top Favorite Designer at Portland Fashion Week

Portland fashion week was the second week of october. There were many designers from all over different areas. This particular video was from a designer named Suzanne Jaberg. Her collection is called Suzabelle. Suzanne is a designer based in Seattle. I found this to be very interesting because my family lives up near Seattle. Maybe I could get a chance to meet her sometime. I enjoyed watching this part of the runway show because her designs have a taste of uniqueness along with basic staples and styles. I like the empire waist in the dresses and skirts. This makes a women look more slimming to my eye. I enjoyed the drapery of the designs along with the creativeness and colorations. This clothing line has many variations of dresses that I can see myself wearing. They are designs that I can see being worn in every day life. Suzanne has casual styles in this line along with some more semi formal designs. I am very interested in her style of dresses. One day I hope to get together with her and pass some ideas with one another. A girl can dream right!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMtM4bu7BR0

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did!!!

http://24notion.tv/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/suzabelle.jpg

Amanda Wooley Art Institute of Portland

Studio SKB Trunk Show - Sharon Blair

An evening of sustainable design and cocktails were had at Ella's Boutique on Thursday, October 15th. Sharon Blair, a long time instructor in the Apparel Design program at the Art Institute, showcased her Fall 09' collection from her Studio SKB and SKPDX lines. I was instantaneously drawn to her collection with its rich colors and lush texture. Sharon was inspired by the film The Scarlet Empress filmed in 1934, starring Marlene Dietrich. The garments have classic silhouettes, and paired with being made of sustainable fabrics such as rayon/tencel, rag wool, and organic cotton they will last you a lifetime. Even her garment labels are made of scrap material. My penny pinching friend Sarah fell in love with the Nataylya skirt, made of rag wool. After trying it on she said,"This is one of those things that if I don't buy it I will have nightmares." A little dramatic, but secretly what goes through all of our heads when we find a wardrobe staple. After that episode I couldn't help but try on the Dietrich dress in the color Midnight, made of a soft rayon/tencel knit. Designed with figure flattering seam lines echoing times past, it seemed it was custom made for me. SOLD!

Nataylya Skirt

Dietrich Dress

- Anna Fabian

Blues Fashion Show

The Blues fashion show was held Saturday, August eighth at the Columbia River Yacht Club in Jantzen Beach. How appropriate that pirates and the sea were the theme for the fashion show.

Everything about the show was unique from the moment you walked in. There were quite a few people in character, dressed as pirates, a few mermaids, and a merman, taking pictures with guests.

http://osiphotography.com/

There was a seafood buffet for the guests and open seating. The tables had goldfish in small round glass bowls as center pieces. A few bands played while people mingled and ate. The bands were dressed as pirates, singing classic pirate tunes. Although a bit corky, it was entertaining. Once the show began, the announcer, a drag queen, came out and announced the designers.

Some of the designs were very unusual but very beautiful and crative. There were many designs such as woman's evening wear, corsets, lingerie, leisure wear, and bathing suits. There were also a few childrens wear designs, and men's leisure wear.

- Shelley McLaughlin

Snowboard Fashion

Krysta Van Patten

I feel that extreme sport fashion is either misrepresented or rarely brought to the light. It really has its own unique style. Snowboard fashion has really evolved from your typical pants and jackets. This season is full of bright colors and funky patterns. Off the mountain lounge wear is really taking off as well. I feel that it looks like the 80’s threw up with a modern twist! Looks range from plaid jackets and tops, to bright colored graphic tee’s. All in all I love where it’s heading and can’t wait to see it evolve more and more.

Denim Trends from L.A. Market

Los Angeles is the west coast hub of the latest fashion trends and there is nothing more important in L.A. than the perfect pair of jeans. While recently attending the California Market Center (CMC) tradeshow, I noticed a marked difference in denim trends from fall/winter 2009 to spring/summer 2010. The following post will highlight the most notable changes to a wardrobe staple. GREY & BLACK The rocker look, made popular by celebrities like Kate Moss, has reinvigorated grey and black denim. The key to this trend is the silhouette. A slim leg keeps this look fresh and current. It looks sexy tucked into a pair of boots and chic with a simple flat. While we've seen grey and black denim through out fall/winter '09 the trend continues into spring/summer '10 with added distressing details and lightweight 8oz denim, making it more warm weather friendly. THE "JEGGING" This hybrid between a jean and legging has become affectionately known in L.A. as the "jegging". Jeggings are simply jeans with a higher spandex to cotton ratio and super clean and slim fit. They are not for everyone, although I would argue most women could wear them, even though they think they cannot. This look simply takes some getting used to. It is not a question of body type, but more age appropriateness. The jegging offered from Paige Premium Denim is my favorite because it has the right combination of cotton/spandex so it fits slim, but does not make thighs look like sausages. It also appears to have front pockets like a regular jean, but has just the outside details without the actual pouch on the inside, which avoids the dreaded pocket lines on the front of one's thighs. The jegging looks great with popular tunic and empire waist tops, which are a favorite among women, as they hide muffin tops and tummies. Some of the most popular styles from last year, such as the high-waisted trend and flashy crystals and embroidered details were rarely seen at this market. Perhaps celebrities like Jessica Simpson and her "mom jean" scandal, as well as the recent somber recession, have left people wanting more classic looks for denim. Overall, a slim leg is still very chic and trying a grey or black wash can be a fresh and unexpected way to liven up this summer's wardrobe. -Liz Rushton

Put on those Cowboy Boots and Chase your Dreams!

Cowboy Boots, with no question, there's a romance and a mystique to them. Spot a vintage pair and they're sure to have a story.

The legends and lore surrounding the unique footwear are as richly tooled as the history of the American West. Before kids wanted to be "like Mike", they yearned to be like cowboy and cowgirl legends of Hollywood, Gene Autry, Roy Rodgers, Dale Evans, and Hopalong Cassidy to name a few.

If you grew up in the 1950's, it's likely your cowboy boots were among your most prized possessions.

Cowboy Boots: Early Forerunners

Legend has it that cowboy boots can be traced back to Genghis Khan, who wore distinctive red boots with wooden heels. Arthur Wellesly, the first Duke of Wellington, defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 and gave his name to a calf-length boot with a low heel. The Wellington's four piece construction, the same used for modern cowboy boots, made it easy to mass produce. Wellingtons were preferred by soldiers during the U.S. Civil War. When the war ended in 1865, soldiers took their boots home with them.

A few years later, America ushered in the era of the cowboy, and the cowboy boot as we know it today.

Footwear for Cattle Drives

From 1865 to 1890, cowboys drove cattle from Texas to Kansas. They wore Wellingtons and variations. The tall top of the boots protected their legs, and the under-slung heels kept their feet in the stirrups. The cowboy boot's original design elements were suited to the horseback rider, including the rounded or pointed toe that makes it easy to insert the foot in the stirrup and the slick sole that allows the boot to slip free when dismounting.

Early cowboy boots were work boots and were suitable utilitarian in appearance.

With actors such as Gene Autry and Roy Rodgers, Hollywood made heroes out of cowboys and fashion icons out of cowboy boots. Filmmakers adapted the ideals of the era of the cowboy, the rugged individualism, strength, self-reliance and independence, and popularized the cowboy code of honor. The leading men playing those roles wore hand-tooled boots with star designs, embossing and inlays that added to the mystique.

Modern Incarnations of Cowboy Boots

Today, cowboy boots are once again in the public eye, made fashionable by politicians such as President George W. Bush and Hollywood celebs including Rachel Bilson. Cowboys of yesteryear, however, would drop their six-shooters at the sight of the boots in stores today and the price tags they have.

Whereas traditional cowboy boots were made from cowhide, with customization limited mostly to decorative stitching, their modern counterparts are available in a multitude of colors and can be made from exotic skins such as ostrich or stingray. Silver or gold toe tips, hand-worked leather inlays and exotic ornamentation can also be added to the boots.

Every generation at some point discovers cowboy boots, they're simple icons.

By: Ja-Net