Native Fashion Now, an exhibit at the Portland Art Museum celebrating the work of indigenous fashion designers from the United States and Canada, is opening on Friday, and you can read my complete synopsis of the exhibit in this week's Sold Out column here. While obviously you need to attend the exhibit (which is on display through September 4th) I highly recommend attending the following opening events:
The Opening Conversation will consist of a panel that includes Deana Dartt, Ph.D, curator of Native American Art at PAM; Karen Kramer, curator of Native American and Oceanic Art and Culture at the Peabody Essex Museum; and designers Patricia Michaels (from Project Runway), Wendy Ponca, and Dorothy Grant. The conversation will focus heavily on how these designers are breaking creative boundaries and are leading the way to break preconceived notions of Native American style.
Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park, Saturday June 4, 2 pm
Take advantage of the rare opportunity to buy looks directly from the designers featured in the exhibit at the Native Fashion Now Pop-up Boutique, which will include pieces from Patricia Michaels, Jeremy Arviso, Kristen Dorsey, David Gaussoin, Dorothy Grant, Jamie Okuma, Pat Pruitt, Maria Samora, Maya Stewart and Bethany Yellowtail.
Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd, Saturday June 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
More events after the jump!!!
Artifact is launching a brand new online store today to sell their vintage modern clothing, accessories, furniture and art and will be having a party to celebrate in their brick and mortar location. The first 20 people in the door will receive exclusive Artifact swag bags, everyone will get 15% off everything in the store, there will be tarot readings by The Dark Exact and Tarot Obscura, plus a DJ and refreshments.
Artifact, 3630 SE Division, Wednesday June 1, 7-9 pm
Backtalk will host their usual first Thursday event that will feature apparel designer Open Air Museum, jewelry designer The Universe Conspires, and painter Megan Krzmarzick. Drinks and snacks will be on hand per usual.
Backtalk, 421 SW 10th, Thursday June 2, 6-9 pm
West Daily is once again teaming up with Coalition Brewing to release The Tastemaker Series: Roselandia. It will include a special collaborative clothing collection and a first-of-its-kind Rose Sour Ale beer and is the first in a series of unique events they are planning for the collaboration.
Made Here PDX, 40 NW 10th, Thursday June 2, 6- 8 pm, Afterparty at Henry’s Tavern, 10 NW 12th, 8:30 pm
FlairWalk will host an open house to welcome designer Wendy Ohlendorf to their store selection, as well as their new locally made FlairWalk house line and their sister store FlairWalk Junior. There’s the usual stuff like drinks and appetizers as well as 10% off items storewide, and the added bonus of 5% of their sales going to Dress for Success Oregon.
FlairWalk, 402 NW 12th, Thursday June 2, 5- 8 pm
Parallel is celebrating 8 years in business with a weekend long celebration and sale. Receive 25% off the entire store, with every purchase pick a free item out of the prize bag, and every purchase over $250 will receive a Prairie Underground Tote Bag and The Laundress Sport Sample. Aren't able to make into the store? The sale is online too, just enter code PRIZEMEIM8 at checkout and the code will automatically pick a prize for you and give you 25% off your order.
Parallel, 1016 SW Washington, Thursday June 2- Saturday June 4
New-ish minimalist brand MONOM will be at Haunt for their first Friday series with a trunk show and fashion installation. See their newest collection in person and maybe snag a piece at 20% off while you’re at it.
Haunt, 811 E Burnside Suite 113, Friday June 3, 7- 8:30 pm
Right next door Oko Gallery will host Espe Floral for a Wicked Plant Sale that will feature carnivores, weirdos, house plants and pots. Elizabeth Artis of Espe will bring unique plants and pots and a few bouquets and posies as well. Espe specializes in local and seasonal floral and foliage sourced from the Willamette Valley.
Oko Gallery, 811 E Burnside Suite 113, Friday June 3, 7- 8:30 pm
Crafty Wonderland is back and taking over 60,000 square feet at the Convention Center with over 225 vendors from the northwest and beyond. Along with the ample supply of crafty things, those in attendance can make their own canvas tote bag in the DIY area courtesy of Collage, take part in free reuse craft activities courtesy of SCRAP, adopt a cat or kitten from the Cat Adoption Team, and see a performance from MSHO, Portland’s cat rapper. (Which I didn’t know was a thing until I went on his Instagram. Apparently I have been living in a cave, that shit is hilarious.) Also goodie bags will go to the first 200 people through the doors.
Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr., Saturday June 4, 11 am- 6 pm, free, all ages
The Art Institute of Portland has partnered with Portland Fashion Week for the last few years for their graduate shows, and while the collections from the students have always been top notch the partnership seemed to have quieted the spirit and creativity of the students who were helping to produce the show because it was not fully theirs. Thankfully they have stepped back from that partnership to strike out on (mostly) their own once again for Perspectives: A Fashion Event, which will be a combination of senior graduate showcase, eco-couture avant-garde dress competition, art installation, and alumni trunk show. For their 18th annual fashion event Ai is partnering with the Aveda Institute, whose students will be supplying hair and make-up for the models, and proceeds will go to benefit recipients of the Creative Arts Scholarships from both schools. (Full disclosure, I am one of the instructors of the fashion event production class and am helping to produce this event.)
Aveda Institute Portland, 325 NW 13th, Sunday June 5, 6:30- 9:30 pm, $10-$50, all ages
And unfortunately I need to end this post on a sad note. Kara Lynn Larson, the owner of Tumbleweed and Grasshopper boutiques and part of the original fashion guard of Portland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family this past Saturday morning after a 14 month battle with cancer. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date, which will be posted on their blogs and stores, and in lieu of flowers her family has asked that donations be sent to the Wilshire Riverside Little League in her honor.
