The city's independent design, retail, and lifestyle brands? Here's what's up with them as of today:

—Shark Tank has moved its airtime from Fridays to Tuesdays, and who should be on tomorrow night's episode but Portland lip balm company Balm Chicky Balm Balm! I chose their variety pack as one of my holiday "wish list" items back in '13 for their cute '70s-style packaging and the inventiveness of their "friend end" feature (a special end of the tube you can give to friends who ask to use some of your balm, without having to get their cooties. Tune in tomorrow to watch them pitch their business to TV personalities/investors, and check out the special deal they've concocted to celebrate the opportunity.

—You may have caught on to the news that Portland Apparel Lab co-founder Crispin Argento moved to Los Angeles last week. However, this does not mean PAL is dead. Argento acknowledged that the way it was presented last fall may have been a bit too much, too soon, and he and partner Dawn Moothart (who is still the "boots on the ground" in Portland) have pulled back a little as better economic metrics are gathered... In the meantime, PAL is functioning basically as a consulting firm, and Argento argues that his being based in LA puts him in a good position to be of aid to Portland designers, such as in sourcing materials. From our exchange:

PAL is still alive and well and will continue to serve existing and future clients as a consultancy for business planning, product development and production, brand strategy, etc. capacity. The larger/visionary PAL concept is also still alive, yet much more research and an assessment of market demand is needed in order to secure financing and strategic partnerships needed to get it off the ground.

Since the launch of PAL in September, we have been overwhelmed by the interest and support of the concept from emerging designers and brands as well as the formal institutions within the A&O sector. There is a lot that is happening in Portland right now that has the future promise of a formalized industry around design excellence, innovation and lifestyle entrepreneurialism. The launch of University of Oregon’s Sports Product Management masters program, Studio 317, Creative 35, Portland Apparel Lab, etc. and early successes of start-up brands within A&O and outside (Poler, Wildfang, Bridge and Burn, etc) are indicative of the what is in store. The tipping point is just around the corner and the future is bright.

My relocating to LA is in part strategic allowing me to better serve PALs existing and future clients. Being nearer to established sourcing resources, production facilities and the ability to network and forge relationships within the industry is critical to PAL's short and long term success. Further, I can serve as boots on the ground in LA for Portland-based designers for sourcing, production, sales, relationships, etc.

—The busy bees over at Betsy & Iya have made a video showing the behind-the-scenes of designer Betsy Cross’ process:

And if you like that? There's an extended cut, and there's a launch party for their new collection, "You + Me, pt. 1" this Thursday from 6-9 pm at the Betsy & Iya flagship (2403 NW Thurman).

—In between winning shows in the Project Runway franchise, Seth Aaron Henderson has been designing collections for QVC... and they're totally cute. Next Monday (Feb 9) at 8 pm, he'll have his first one-hour show, in which he'll "present the latest pieces in his line that will help them freshen up wardrobes just in time for spring." They're totally "imported" and made of faux everything, but... they're really pretty cute (especially the vest):

—More video madness! This time with a short 'n' sweet preview of Kiriko's new denim collection:

—Thanks to the holiday schedule, it's been stretched out over months, but the current season of Project Runway All Stars (featuring kickass Portland designer Michelle Lesniak) is in its final stretch—in other words, here's where shit really gets interesting. Lesniak is among the designers still hanging in there, so now's the time to tune in. (The Back Stage Bar is screening each episode, Thursdays at 9 pm.)

—Löyly is opening another location in NE! And it's going to be right by Purrington's! I foresee ultimate friend dates coming in the near future: It's slated to open in early March. Here's a preview of the amenities:

2,700 square feet, almost 1,000 feet larger than Löyly Southeast
20' ceilings with exposed wood bow trusses
2 large cedar saunas with rotating scents
“Cooling” room with a cold shower, cool mist, and circulating air
Lounge area with wooden benches for cooling and relaxing
Locker room with several changing stalls
5 massage rooms

—Registration is now open for 2015 classes at the WildCraft Studio School—time to get your hands dirty in the very best ways (weaving, foraging, felting, printing...) at this idyllic creative retreat.