Sold Out

It makes all the sense in the world that Pendleton, the
Portland-based woolen goods producer currently celebrating its 100th
year, should join forces with Opening Ceremony. Since the fall
of 2008, Opening Ceremony stores (often compared to France’s famous
Colette) have been stocking pieces of Pendleton’s rugged
menswear line, picking up on current trends that embrace the longevity
of traditional and work wear-related brands (Seattle’s Filson is
enjoying similar acclaim). The prevailing theory is more or less that
people are currently attracted to all that evokes the virtues of hard
work (see the economy, Obama, etc.).

The genius of the collaboration between these two companies is that
Opening Ceremony has taken the signature silhouettes of their already
popular in-house apparel line and applied to them the materials and
manufacturing of an all-American icon. Doing so is perfectly on target
for boutique shoppers who understand the appeal of Pendleton, but may
have resisted more traditional cuts, yearning for just such a
fashion-forward re-rendering.

It’s notable, too, that the company—which, according to
Pendleton’s Menswear Division Manager Jim Buckner, manufactures
all of its fabric in Washougal, Washington, but has its cut and sewing
done all over the world—committed to producing the line entirely
within the United States. Buckner also says that while Pendleton is
very receptive to youth- and streetwear-oriented collaborations that
have recently occurred (including work with Vans, Adidas Germany, and the recent “A Match Made in Oregon” partnership with
Nike), it’s more the case that companies are seeking Pendleton
out than it is an effort on Pendleton’s part to re-brand. When asked to
comment on the surge in his product’s popularity and the current state
of affairs, Buckner says, “When times get more difficult, consumers and
retailers look for stable brands, and a firm like Pendleton that has a
reputation for quality, stability, and dependence becomes
attractive.”

The line, in stores for fall of this year, will be distributed by
Opening Ceremony, and will not be in Pendleton stores. Locally, men’s
boutique Winn Perry (2505 SE 11th, #102) has confirmed that they
will carry the menswear line, and it is being considered by Frances
May (1013 SW Washington), which currently stocks the Opening
Ceremony line.

On a much different note, the fourth annual A Novel Romance bridal fashion show produced by the English Dept. (1124 SW
Alder) is taking place, featuring lingerie by Lille Boutique (1007 E Burnside) and one-of-a-kind pieces by local
designers—making it an event not limited to the interest of
brides to be. (The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel, 1022 SW Stark, Sun Feb
1, 2 pm, RSVP 224-0724)

Read more at mod.portlandmercury.com