As of April 8, their third anniversary, we will say good-bye to Denwave (811 E Burnside) with regret. Shops come and go, but this is a passing to be noted. Denwave, through its many changes (including the name change from the early “fix gallery” AND their move to then-pioneering location in the now-hopping 811 building across from the Jupiter Hotel) has been important and interesting for much more than its wares: for things like a Dan Ness painting, JP Jenkins’ long string instrument performance, a paper hood installation, a Prince album, beetle wings, barbecues, sidewalk fashion shows. That owners Genevieve Dellinger (fashion designer) and Hazel Cox (jewelry designer) will close Denwave to focus on making rather than retail is actually a good thing, as both make remarkable work, but it’s too bad for us nonetheless. Denwave both brought labels to Portland that you’d find nowhere else (ADD) and carried some of Portland’s more interesting designers like Diana Lang, John Blasioli, Patrick Powell. Genevieve will focus on a wholesale collection and custom work (and hopefully will do menswear again as her summer 07 menswear was sensational, original and challenging in all good ways). Hazel, our will open another studio later in the year. Stay tuned. And visit before April 8…they’re promising good deals and new stuff in the store right up till the closing bell.
WHAT TO DO NOW?