Portland Fashion Week: Night Four.

Oct. 12, 2008 - PRLog -- Portland Fashion Week
PFW Productions, LLC
910 NW Naito Parkway I-1
Portland, OR 97209
Ph: 970.618.8515
Fx: 503.924.3576

Portland Fashion Week: Night Four.
By Eden Dawn


Harry Potter. Penny Lane. Rhinestone cowboys. A pirates’ cove and ankle boots as far as the eye can see. Was it all a dream? In an attempt to put together the pieces of last nights fashion week adventures I retraced my notes and photos to separate fact from myth. Upon entering 14 Square in the Pearl District my elbows were immediately smushed to my sides as the room was so packed I could hardly make my way to pick up my pass and head up to the VIP lounge area until call time. Between the band playing, the festive flock and scurrying volunteers it was a joyful madhouse. Fact: Harry Potter was not really there but designer Tim Gahr, dead ringer for an adult Potter was. Fact: Penny Lane was there and without a seat for awhile, but that fire was quickly doused. Fact: The rhinestone cowboy was executive producer Tod Foulk, working the crowd in his hat and velvet coat like a fashion politician and the pirates’ cove was the secret bar set up for his few favorites. Fact: Ankle boots are very popular right now and looking at all the crossed legs across the runway from my seat there was a sea of them. And all of this took place before the real show had even begun.

Opening the show was Saffrona Classics, the evening wear line by Sarabeth Chambers who showed her line MEWV earlier in the week. A mix of pieces from 60’s mod to floor length gowns Sarabeth is making an effort to switch Saffrona into a sustainable line as well by using eco-friendly silk and seaweed based fabric. The ensembles were dramatically completed with lovely jewelry by accessory designer Nora Catherine.

Next was Collier. A menswear line with well-tailored jackets ranging from dressy shorts to full suits. With a soft color palette of neutrals, the pieces can be easily interchanged for a variety of looks. Stand out piece of the collection included a full cream suit with button up vest, striped collared shirt and printed tie for perfectly clashed combination.

Lizzie Parker is another Seattleite trekking down to show her eco-friendly knitwear line. Draping her knits into body conscious shapes the line shows off curves you want to accentuate while being sensitive to those you might want to avoid. With some off the shoulder tops, eye-catching ruffles and a lovely dominating pink the inner Barbarella in you may want to come out and play.

Lucia is a local Portland women’s wear line with their flagship store located in the Pearl District reaching out to the sophisticated buyer looking for a full range line. Items ranged from mini-shorts and strapless tops to dresses for all occasions. Lucia’s attention to bold prints and mixing of knits and wovens allowed something for everyone.

Then came Christopher Bevans the most buzzed about designer of the evening. The girls next to me had come for Bevans, the designers I spoke with in the lounge pre-show had come to see Bevans and by his rock star greeting I knew many more were of the same mind. Former design director for Nike’s Blue Ribbon line Bevans has shot to success in the past year with his tailored sportswear being seen on celebrities like Kanye West and John Legend. With a collection not for the faint-hearted the line ranged from graphic tops to bright pink tailored pants and even a perfectly fit tux with a leather hoodie thrown in. Bevans received a standing ovation when he skipped out on the runway for a brief moment and then the lights went up and I was jolted out of my fashion haze once again.