We’re in the midst of a late-winter bumper crop of exciting fashion happenings. The Portland Art Museum‘s Italian Style exhibit, for one thing, opened over the weekend with a room dedicated to Portland designers; the always-a-great-time Unmentionable lingerie show is tomorrow; and just over the horizon is Fade to Light, which pairs new collections from Portland designers with original short films, on Wednesday, Feb 25.
Michelle Lesniak has made a name for herself nationally through appearances on both Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars, but even without the televised exposure she’d be one of the most anticipated designers unveiling a new collection at Fade to Light. As a designer she has an amazing ability to be seemingly blind to trends, and apparently works through a kind of emotional intuition, often drawing on collaborative elements with other artists—from musicians to textile designers.
- via Michelle Lesniak
How would you describe the new collection [“Falling Upwards” Spring/Summer 2016] you’re showing at Fade to Light?
MICHELLE LESNIAK: Inspired by the myth and magic of hot air ballooning, “Falling Upwards” is a womenswear collection that evokes the new beginnings of spring with airy silhouettes, dramatic outerwear, sexy swimwear, and romantic layering elements in a fiery color palate. The whole collection floats upwards in silk chiffon, nylon ripstop, dramatic pleated silk, and naughty wool knits.
- via Michelle Lesniak
What cultural influences were you jamming on over the course of its creation?
My father used to race hot air balloons, [and] when I was thinking about this collection I wanted to capture the lightness, magic, and venerability of hot air balloons, which is how I am feeling currently. I picked up the book Falling Upwards by Richard Holmes and fell in love with the story of Sophie Blanchard (25 March 1778–6 July 1819), who was a French aeronaut and the wife of ballooning pioneer Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Blanchard was the first woman to work as a professional balloonist, and after her husband’s death she continued ballooning, making more than 60 ascents.
- via Michelle Lesniak
What do you think is the most exciting and/or important thing in fashion right now, either locally or beyond?
The emergence of more small, artisan designers and the collapse of big logo-driven brands. Hail to the small and local!
- via Michelle Lesniak