FASHIONXT is... well, next in the succession of busy fall runways. By far the most polished of the lot, this edition moves from its longtime home in the shipyards to the Pearl, a setting FashioNXT Executive Producer Tito Chowdhury tells me is "exponentially more beautiful... real big boy production," and I'm inclined to believe him.

The lineup is typically a bit soup-to-nuts, but resolutely forward-thinking. Notably, the shows kick off with night called China Moments, showcasing visiting designers from Shenzhen: Lu Yu, Nganlok, and Song Hong. Says Chowdhury, "Shenzhen fashion has been showing [at Mercedes-Benz] Fashion Week since 2013. Choosing Portland as the only city in the US outside of New York for a runway show affirms the regard FashioNXT has earned internationally. They are testing this market to see whether Portland is aware and worldly enough for them to stay engaged." (No pressure, guys.) It's far from the first time the production has dipped its toes in international waters, and while it sometimes feels out of context, these moments are typically some of the most breathtaking.

The crux of FashioNXT's identity is an exploration of the dual advance of technology and fashion, and to that end we have the Digital Trends Wearable Technology Fashion Competition, featuring such items as a bracelet that charges your phone and a purse with ambient LED lighting—to be judged by designers and editors, along with representatives from Samsung, Nike, Intel, and more.

It's also well known that FashioNXT has become a West Coast haven for the collections of Project Runway veterans, including some of our area's many past winners. Champs like Seth Aaron and Michelle Lesniak will show, as well as Goga by Gordana, Irina Shabayeva, and habitual showstopper Michael Costello. Representing the region are the contestants in the Up/NXT Emerging Designers Competition (of which I am one of the judges), last year's winner Amy Sim, and Portland designers Sonia Kasparian and Stephanie D Couture, along with Seattle's Atiz, South Dakota's Lenzanita, and LA's Walter Collection. FashioNXT at Station Place, NW 9th & Northrup, Wed Oct 8-Sat Oct 11, 6 pm reception, 8 pm runway nightly, fashionxt.net for complete info, including afterparties

THIS WEEK'S STYLE EVENTS

• In preparation for their impending move across the river (to 511 SW Broadway), Stand Up Comedy is lightening the load, with an extra 20 percent off current sale items, through October 15. Stand Up Comedy, 811 E Burnside, shopstandingup.us

Bridge & Burn celebrates fall with the launch of their new line and a party with deals, raffles, and New Deal drinks. Bridge & Burn, 1122 SW Morrison, Thurs Oct 9, 5:30-8:30 pm

• Multnomah Whiskey Library, Winn Perry, and GQ are teamed up for the magazine's "How to" series. In the case of "How to Select the Perfect Whiskey," that means MWL experts will be in the shop to pour and educate, plus 10 percent off your menswear shopping. Winn Perry, 209 SW 9th, Thurs Oct 9, 6-8 pm, rsvp to info@winnperry.com, 21+

• Curated handmade vendor and boutique sale event Bargain Hunting 101 returns! As the name suggests, be prepared to find makers and retailers alike offloading merch at rock-bottom prices. Red Rose Ballroom, 1829 NE Alberta, Sat Oct 11, 10 am-5 pm

• Prolific craft author Susan Beal celebrates her new collaborative tome with Pendleton, Hand-Stitched Home, with a signing event at the Woolen Mill store. There'll be giveaways, examples of finished projects, and lots of talk about wool, plus fabrics from the Portland Collection are currently on sale at 40 percent off. Pendleton Woolen Mill Store, 8500 SE McLoughlin, Sat Oct 11, 1-5 pm

GQ's series moves up the street for "How to Fit and Care for Your Boots," guided by Danner, Superfeet, and the Woodlands. Free insoles with boot purchases made during the event! Tanner Goods, 1308 W Burnside, Sat Oct 11, noon-5 pm

• Another reason to visit Winn Perry: Musician Zack Joseph stops by for an in-store performance prior to his show later at the Secret Society. Catch the preview (and a drink) and look for a forthcoming YouTube channel of Winn Perry performances like it. Winn Perry, 209 SW 9th, Sun Oct 12, 4 pm