We’re finally emerging from the January doldrums into February, where the fashion world wakes up from its hibernation and launches into full spring mode. From fashion shows and shopping events, to workshops and buying trips, there’s something for everyone for both work and play.
The first fashion show of the New Year just happens to be on the racier side, and it’s Unmentionable: A Lingerie Exposition. This show will feature special collections from Allihalla, Altar Houseline, Bawdy Love, Changewear, Chubby Cartwheels, Copper Union, Fräulein Couture, KD Designs, Lille Boutique, MOORE, Poetic Works Lingerie, Rogue:Minx, Thunderpants, and VAVA Lingerie. In addition to the fashion show there will also be a marketplace where many of the designers will be vending, along with Missionary Chocolates, so you can find that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you and/or your loved ones. The premise of Unmentionable is about being inclusive, with pieces that appeal to ALL types of people and featuring models of all shapes and sizes. In keeping with this, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, because PP needs all the help they can get in this current political climate. (Full disclosure: The Sold Out crew are all over this event, with Cassie Morgan and myself being co-producers and Marissa Sullivan as our emcee.) Wed Feb 7, 7-10 pm, Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan, $20-$25
Inside Fashion Design, a newish platform that promises a behind-the-scenes view of the world of apparel design, is embarking on an ambitious workshop series that will cover tons of topics from all corners of the industry. The founders of IFD have a collective 40 years of experience working for some of the top companies, so they really know who’s who and what’s what. For $75 a pop, one can gain insider knowledge from a wealth of industry insiders. There are many workshops planned through May, but here are the ones for this month:
February 8: Building your Product Line with Christine Cowan
February 13: A Survival Guide for Creatives Starting a Business: Product and Brand Management with Jim Chi
Visit insidefashiondesign.net to sign up and learn more information about these and subsequent classes.
Fade to Light: A Multidimensional Fashion Event will hold its winter installment featuring new collections from Altar Houseline, COLTY, Fräulein Couture, Moirai, One Imaginary Girl, Sarah Bibb for Folly, and a special segment featuring a small collection from Liza Rietz alongside looks from the students she teaches at Portland Fashion Institute. As is customary with this event, you can fully count on expecting the unexpected. (Full disclosure: I’m the executive producer of this show.) Wed Feb 21, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, $10-$75, all ages
Being an apparel designer is hard fucking work. Many people just focus on the design part of the equation, when in reality that’s just a very small portion of producing a collection. A big and important part of this process is sourcing and buying fabric, and while local places like Fabric Depot and Mill End are great for hobbyists and even designer samples, buying fabric for a real collection complete with size runs at either place will break the bank and not yield as many choices. To get the good stuff at decent prices, one MUST travel to Los Angeles or New York. While this may seem like a daunting task, there’s a trip coming up that will guide newbies through the vast array of Los Angeles’ fabric suppliers and textile shows, courtesy of Portland Fashion Institute. PFI director Sharon Blair will lead a small group through the LA Textile Trade Show, the LA fabric district, and a professional production facility, all while making valuable contacts that usually take new designers years to facilitate. Tues March 6-Wed March 7, $415, price includes two-night hotel stay and admission to LA Textile Show, does not include airfare, visit portlandfashioninstitute.com for more information
As always be sure to visit portlandmercury.com for a complete guide to style events. Got a fashion event? Drop us a line at fashion@portlandmercury.com
