The Connection show at MASU: Produced by the triumverate of Daniel Gonzales, Austie Wallace, and Anna Cohen, The Connection showcased environmentally-sustainable design in fashion, but was most notable for Portland’s first look at Anna Cohen’s glam collection as fierce as the mind behind it.
Liza Reitz Show at Seaplane: Our first look at this directional designer’s ‘05 work (from our vantage point on the NW 23rd sidewalk, peering in through Seaplane’s front windows), a range of highly individual statements for She Who Refuses to Dress Like You.
Closure of the PDX Fashion Incubator: After a good run…fashion shows in Pioneer Square, the Portland Art Museum, increasing visibility for fashion in PDX as well as supporting many emerging designers…the Incubator was shuttered with Executive Director, Stella Farina going first to the Portland Monthly then to Bishop’s.
Independent Boutique Explosion: 2005 saw our options for independent designers ratcheted up to a new high with the openings of YES, Moxie, Ivy Studio, The English Department, Pin-Me Apparel, and we’ll include Denwave (was fix gallery) which moved down E Burnside to increased visibility.
The Oregonian’s P/S Style Folds: The O pushes its chair back from the table, silencing one more voice in the conversation about fashion and style in Portland.
The Collections: Of the flood of fashion shows throughout the year from sidewalks to rooftops, The Collections stood out. Adam Arnold at his atelier, Holly Stalder and Kathryn Towers on the roof of W+K, Elizabeth Dye and Jess Beebe at clarklewis showcased some of the best of what Portland designers have to offer. Liza Reitz and Emily Ryan at the Savoy, in particular, demonstrated that Portland fashion need not follow, but can stake out its own territory through the remarkable vision of a handful of designers.
WHAT TO DO NOW?