LET'S TRY SOMETHING different. For the past eight years the Mercury has been hosting annual spring fashion shows to celebrate and support Portland's vibrant fashion design scene. Last year's blowout at Sandbox Studio was exactly what we wanted in terms of a large event, so this year we decided to flip the script and rethink the whole concept.
What we've come up with is an Open Season that stretches out languidly over the course of four evenings. (Call it a mini spring fashion week if you like; we're just calling it Open Season.) Each night a small handful of some of Portland's most respected names will be able to personalize a show all their own.
Here's why you can't miss it: Things kick off at the White Owl Social Club with Holly Stalder, Emily Ryan, and Liza Rietz, all three of whom are longstanding icons in the scene. Tuesday brings new work from Reif and Brady Lange at Produce Row. Reif is a longtime favorite fast becoming one of the city's most established brands, and relative newcomer Brady Lange is making waves with his love of pink and clever takes on everyday streetwear. On Wednesday at Rontoms Pendleton's Portland Collection will reign supreme, showing new fall pieces from the 2013 edition of this smash-hit line. Finally, wrapping up the series at Dig A Pony is a top-secret collaboration between two of the most well-known and respected designers working in the city. We can't tell you who's behind the newly launching Immaculate Martin, but there's one way to find out. Open Season, May 13-16, check mod.portlandmercury.com for updates.
--Enjoy an evening of wine and rugs with a reception and workshop on specifying and choosing fine rugs, how they work in different interior settings, and the process of designing a custom rug. Wednesday, April 10, Atelier Lapchi, 809 NW Flanders, 5:30 pm
--Hawthorne's champion of local apparel design, Mag-Big, is throwing open the doors for a festive fabric sale, selling vintage material and sewing machines, including the stashes of guest designers and seamstresses. Thursday, April 11, Mag-Big, 3279 SE Hawthorne, 5-8 pm
Peep this if you're in the market for a fresh pair of frames: Optik PDX is hosting a trunk show featuring the entire Ann et Valentin line, with every style and color represented, plus an art show by Thomas Malcolm Cook. Thursday, April 11, Optik PDX, 3838 N Mississippi, noon-8 pm
Chrome is launching a new line of workboots, and Lizard Lounge is throwing down to celebrate with live music from the Shivas, free trims by Rudy's, cocktails, beer, and food. Plus free socks to everyone who tries on a pair of shoes! Thursday, April 11, Lizard Lounge, 1323 NW Irving, 7-10 pm
As part of the Slabtown Grrrl Front Festival, Reading Frenzy hosts a clothing swap benefit. Two bucks and a bag of clothes gets you access to the goodies, or $3 without. Friday, April 12, Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th, 5-7 pm, $2-3
At long last, Bridge & Burn is hosting the grand opening of their new downtown store, serving up a special Bridge Burner IPA from Deschutes and 10 percent off all retail sales. Friday, April 12, Bridge & Burn, 1122 SW Morrison, 6-10 pm
Mabel & Zora rings in their seventh anniversary today with Sephora mini-makeovers, A Yen for Chocolate, and debut collections from Tiffany Bean and ASA Jewelry. Friday, April 12, Mabel & Zora, 748 NW 11th, 3-8 pm
Backtalk is so excited about their discovery of New York denim line Courtshop that they're throwing a party with 10 percent off the line—and an additional discount on their vintage stock just for trying a pair on. Saturday, April 13, Backtalk, 3962 N Mississippi, 11 am-7 pm
Tumbleweed marks their lucky 13th year with the unveiling of a special spring collection and 20 percent off the in-house Kara-Line collection. Saturday, April 13, Tumbleweed, 1812 NE Alberta, 11 am
Proving that good hair and hats aren't mutually exclusive, Windowwall salon hosts New York milliner Brookes Boswell for a trunk show and party. Monday, April 15, Windowwall Salon, 2505 SE 11th, 4-7 pm
