Rock ‘n’ roll and fashion have enjoyed a mutually thieving
relationship since the genre of music was born. The world has not
lacked for publications and events drawing attention to the symbiosis,
but its persistence could well be chalked up to the simple fact that,
when done right, there’s nothing sexier and more fun. Sweet F.A. is Portland’s reigning annual celebration of this fusion, a high
energy, scantily clad affair that catapults emerging designers onto the
scene in front of an audience that may be as interested in prospective
stage costumes as they are in going-out threads. But one has the
distinct impression that the majority in attendance are simply there
for a good time, shared by the smiling non-model models of tiny
proportions and extensive ink that bound down the runway to blasting
rock songs, the bands that round out the night’s entertainment with
live sets, and the air-guitar playing fellows in the audience.
The show this year features many of the same designers who have
chosen this platform to show their work before. In total, 11 lines will
be showcased: Korina Mae Emmerich, whose tight stripes and
velvets last year evoked a young Mick Jagger’s style reinterpreted for
the girls; Erhart, the punchy streetwear line masterminded by
Chelsea Erhart; Flood Clothing, a reconstruction-minded
line long familiar in local boutiques; Carolyn Hart,
Clair, Diana Pingul, Cano Apparel, Amy
Elizabeth Couture, Reif, Alexis Buck, and Adam
Andreas.
This last mention is perhaps the most intriguing, as Andreas is a
new addition to the Sweet F.A. scene, last witnessed dropping jaws with
his brief contribution to the Art Institute of Portland‘s
showcase during the most recent Portland Fashion Week in early
fall of last year. There, Andreas impressed the crowd with an
authentically innovative take on menswear, although he describes the
forthcoming collection (of three looks each for men and women) as more
experimental than anything he’s done previously. His scattered
description begins with a glam rock theme rendered in a black and gold
palette of leather, silk, and wool, much of which he salvaged from
coats and handbags rescued from the Goodwill bins. For women he
promises sheaths and shifts, for men slim trousers and jackets with
exaggerated sleeves and collars, even a blouse. Andreas is one to watch
for sure, in hopes perhaps that he might join the city’s scant native
designers who excel in menswear, Adam Arnold and John Blasioli being
the most prominent.
Beyond fashion, Sweet F.A. will also showcase sets from local bands
New York Rifles and Welcome Home Walker, Disc Jockey Gregarious, and
visual art by Nathan and Noah Rice. For the time being, at least, it
seems it’s still true what they say about rock ‘n’ roll being here to
stay. (Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th, Sat Feb 21, 9 pm, $10-12)