We’re now less than a week away from the next edition of Fade to Light (Wed Feb 25 at the Crystal), the fashion show that also tasks designers with creating short films to introduce their work. Their are a number of designers of particular interest, and one of those is Altar Houseline.
In December, the SE Hawthorne shop (and clothing line) Mag-Big underwent a remodel and re-brand to Altar, so the Altar Houseline is descended from the Mag-Big designs that have been on many of the city’s runways over the past few years. Shop owner Cassie Ridgway designs the pieces along with Rachel Marie Rasmussen, and Altar’s bent is a bit more counter-cultural than Mag-Bigs. The first Altar debut was at last week’s Unmentionable lingerie show, which bodes well for their first official foray into ready to wear.
- Ryan Labriere for Visually Enticed Photography
On influences:
CASSIE RIDGWAY: My biggest influence is textile. I am infatuated with layering sheer fabrics. I love the way it allows for very billowy use with a hint of the body’s silhouette beneath. I am also trying to use elements as a theme for this next collection. We used water last time. This time, we are all fire.
- Ryan Labriere for Visually Enticed Photography
On fashion now:
The resurgence of alternative and darker fashion is on an upswing—which I am super into, as it’s always been my personal leaning—but I would caution people away from supporting it through mass-manufactured channels such as Urban Outfitters. Those companies make a caricature of your originality. Don’t shop there.
Fade to Light, Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, Wed Feb 25, 8 pm, $12-40, all ages