I am pretty pleased at the fact that design and craftsmanship seem poised to be the next big Portland selling point, with a new festival at hand and prominent outsiders looking in at us as a potential model. Danner Boots is one of the Pacific Northwest’s elder statesmen of local production, and they’re still kicking, with collaborations with the younger set (see: Tanner Goods), including an installation in collaboration with the Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC), debuting to the public at the school on Sept 20 (5-8 pm). It’s a collection of giant letters—each an homage to something crafted locally, from coffee to music to bikes—spelling out “Crafted in Portland.” It’s a little cheesy, but it’s good to see the old generation of local manufacturers connecting with the up and comers.

Marjorie Skinner is the Portland Mercury's Managing Editor, author of the weekly Sold Out column chronicling the area's independent fashion and retail industry, and a frequent contributor to the film and...