Last week, Portland bore witness to four consecutive days of new collections from apparel designers all over the city. From the main stage at the official Portland Fashion Week to off-the-grid presentations by Isaac Hers and Adam Arnold, we've rounded up the most noteworthy looks of the season, all grown right here at home.
Catapult: The Emerging Designers Competition
By the slimmest margin in this annual contest's three-year history, Amanda Grisham's Grishley took the win with a collection of Pendleton jacquards transformed into flouncy dress coats and toughened by the weight of leather trimmings. Close behind her in the judging were the inventive, Morocco-inspired looks designed by Joshua Buck for Chicago Harper by Studio SKB (especially the menswear), and Michelle Lesniak Franklin's inventive outerwear and sheer, ladylike blouses with oversized bows and quilted detailing for her line Michelle Is Well. Grishley, grishley.wordpress.com; Chicago Harper by Studio SKB, studioskb.com; Michelle Is Well, michelleiswell.com
Imperial Knits Collection
Helmed by Creative Director Anna Cohen, this division of Oregon's Imperial Stock Ranch brought out appealing knitwear that—in an unusual move—is to be sold in the form of knitting patterns as opposed to off the rack. A finale collaboration that added Earthtec—a company that produces fabric from recycled plastic bottles—showcased a flair for effortless drama in a deceptively simple black stunner that draped like a dream. imperialyarn.com
Isaac Hers
Displaying her experience in the boutique world, Isaac Hers designer Barbara Seipp (who owns a store of the same name in downtown Portland) brought out easily adopted, flattering dresses and a clutch of cozy-but-stylish jackets that will appeal to the wide swath of Northwestern women who anchor her client base. isaachers.com
Amai Unmei
Moving away from dress coats and expanding upon her cocktail and occasion dress repertoire, Amai Unmei designer Allison Covington displayed a variety of moods, from modern asymmetrical numbers to a long, cool red showstopper. amaiunmei.com
Stephanie D. Couture
Among the largely conventional designs by bridal and occasion-centric Stephanie D. Couture were several gems that may have seemed quiet on the runway but would be effective canvases for a range of styles. stephaniedcouture.com
Ms. Wood
Diversifying her kimono-sleeved signature pieces, Ms. Wood designer Alicia Wood added a slew of sleek dresses, but the clothing took a backseat to the new accessories, which included a deluge of variations on the notorious Ms. Wood platform shoes (here reimagined in white leather), including a more modest heel height. The bags rivaled the shoes for the audience's attention, employing quilting and the fringe that first turned up in skirts from Wood's last collection, and which made its most dramatic appearance in a Tina Turner-esque white party frock. mswoodboutique.com
Collier
The men's outfitter displayed a collegiate, literary streak in the slim pants, scarves, and caps that accompanied the more casual looks, in which sleeve pouches abounded. More formal suits cut a dashing figure, accommodating a range of personalities. collierclothier.com
Seth Aaron
Ever the provocateur, Seth Aaron continued his habit of covering models' faces, this time with creepy plastic made-up masks. The horror vibe also found its way onto clothing printed with distorting screaming faces. The best looks, however, were the ones that evidenced the designer's formidable construction chops, including a graphic purple-and-black stunner and a long black gown with toughened straps. sethaaronfashion.com
Adam Arnold
In one of his most inspired collections in recent years, Adam Arnold rolled out slim-fitting corduroy trousers, a too-chic-to-get-greasy pair of coveralls and a lace dress shirt for men among his signature impeccably tailored suiting. The women's collection featured plunging necklines and sexy cutouts, a luxe plaid bouclé, and a fierce pant in blue chintz, with plenty of crimson threaded throughout for all. adam-arnold.com
