Portland Fashion Week Kick-Off Tonight

image via Icebreaker

Portland Fashion Week kicks off tonight with a soiree, a homegrown project runway bit produced by the Art Institute of Portland, and a view of Icebreaker’s spring line. Icebreaker, you’ll recall, is the New Zealand apparel company that makes outdoor wear of pure merino wool and not long ago moved their North American HQ to Portland. Too, Icebreaker has taken space in the new 14 Square (1330 NW 14th) building where, coincidentally, Portland Fashion Week will be happening now through Sunday.  Doors open at 5 PM with a reception at 6:30 PM for ticketholders, but the runway show starts at 8 PM.

The Art Institute, which sponsors Fashion Week is doing “PROJECT RE-FAB: The Little Black Dress…” in which AI alumni have been invited to repurpose their graduation gowns into little black dresses. It’s a contest, of course, judged by Adam Arnold (the top drawer Portland-based fashion designer who is showing his own collection this Friday evening at a party at his studio at 727 SE Morrison), Marjorie Skinner, managing editor of the Mercury, and well, me.

Each night, tickets are $20 general admission, but that means that you are not guaranteed a seat. There are a number of more expensive options including $45 for guaranteed seating.