"COLLABORATION" is a word that comes up a lot in Portland's friendly, mutually supportive fashion design community. And SIX/SEVEN (and 6/7... more on that later) is a particularly juicy partnership.
Apparel designer Liza Rietz is known for artistically minded, angular clothing with a sculptural, Japanese-inspired approach. BOET designer Emily Bixler's signature is beautifully detailed crocheted accents on everything from jewelry to larger-scale wall hangings and light fixtures. They met at one of Ace Hotel's Content events and quickly became friends and studio neighbors. Now they've come out with a collaborative line of clothing, 6/7, and a storefront for their work—both together and independent. (They also share a June 7 birthday, which explains the nomenclature.)
There have been a few opportunities to see part of the 6/7 line this fall, but for this week's grand opening of the shop, it will be on view in its entirety. Their complementary approach to design (both tend to begin with geometry, neither is particularly driven by season) has resulted in an elegant and well-tailored line of dresses with shapely skirts and crocheted details at the necklines, and found an early customer in Portland First Lady Nancy Hales. The collection will be displayed in a "moving composition" that plays with both Rietz and Bixler's background in fine arts. Another glamorous touch is the spread by Field Day, which will feature bubbles, oysters, charcuterie, and seasonal fruit. Sophistication and elegance: East Burnside should get used to it. SIX/SEVEN, 811 E Burnside, #111, Fri Nov 14, 5-9 pm
Here's an excellent reason to go back to school: Lewis & Clark College's 11th annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies' theme this year is "How Do I Look?: Race, Beauty, and Desire." Three days of panels and speakers will include punk/feminist/scholar/activist/author Mimi Thi Nguyen and topics ranging from the politics of black hair to the interplay between racism and fatphobia. And, thanks to the generosity of the school, all of the events are free and open to the public. Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill, Wed Nov 12-Fri Nov 14, lclark.edu for schedule and complete info
• Frances May is celebrating their move into a bigger space (just next door to the original location) with a party that features drinks and snacks, as well as the drop of a new batch of exclusives from Church + State. Frances May, 1003 SW Washington, Thurs Nov 13, 6-8 pm
• "Men's style clothing for women" line Dapper D has a mission to reach as many people as possible within their underserved demographic. The latest offensive on that front is a three-day pop-up shop adjacent to Cupcake Jones, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit one of the city's most vital resources, Outside In. Cupcake Jones Social Hall, 307 NW 10th, Fri Nov 14-Sun Nov 16, 11 am-7 pm
• Seattle outdoor sportswear superstore Evo is finally open at its new Portland location, and they're kicking off what they hope will be an active roster of community events with a grand opening celebration. Suss them out over food, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and dancing. It's also a benefit for the Chill Foundation, which uses board sports to teach "life lessons about patience, persistence, responsibility, courage, respect, and pride" to under-served youth. Evo, 200 SE MLK, Sat Nov 15, 7 pm-midnight, $5-10
• Release the last of your unwillingness to believe that the holiday shopping season has started: Winter Fête is hosted and curated by WildCraft Studio and Takara Jewelry, and features diverse vendors selling everything from perfumes and ceramics to quilts and plant-dyed fibers. 911 N Monroe, Sat Nov 15, 4-8 pm
• Machus celebrates three years with a par-tay, a special edition Machus x Herrera tee, gift bags, and discounts. Machus, 542 E Burnside, Sat Nov 15, 6-9 pm
