For some the Mercury’s upcoming fashion (non-runway) show may not be exactly top-of-mind, but then we don’t stand to gain the kind of publicity that can mean booster engines for an emerging designer. One of those chosen to show, Gretchen Jones informed us the other day in the sweetest way possible that, “I’m in this to win.” Win what? we asked. Apparently the designer deemed most worthy will get a photo spread in the Merc. And for a designer just launching her line as Jones is, that kind of publicity is golden.
You’ll recognize Jones perhaps. She’s modeled for Elizabeth Dye and The English Dept., a tall willowy blond with great presence. What you may not know is that her association with Dye and the Department are not at all incidental.
“I moved here to work here at The English Dept. and to work with Elizabeth,” she told us at the boutique recently. “I was reading a Lucky and they highlighted The English Dept. and also commented on Elizabeth’s clothing. So when I came to Portland to check it out to see if I wanted to live here, I went straight to The English Dept. and it was exactly what I was looking for as was Elizabeth’s work, something I could look up to.”
Jones moved here one year ago from Boulder, Colorado, and when she arrived, she wasted no time. “I went in to The English Dept., introduced myself, let Elizabeth know I wanted to work with her. She and Joy opened up their arms to me, and I fit right in. As I started working at the shop, I started to work with her.”
What will Jones be showing at the Merc show? It’s a secret, only: “I make things I’d want to wear. Simple lines. Bright blocks of color.” What’s her apparel background? “I’m self-taught. ” (In the grand Portland tradition.) “I had one beginning sewing class unless you want to go back to whatever I made in 4-H. Elizabeth has really helped when I get to a point when I need help with something. Her tailoring is so good.”
“I’m really looking at this as a chance to launch my line. I can’t show anything yet, but the installation part of what I’m doing is going to be really great.”
The Mercury’s spring fashion do is April 22nd at the Wonder Ballroom. For more on Jones, stay tuned.
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