On Sunday, April 26, the Mercury will present its fifth
annual fashion show, titled “Forecast.” This year, as with all
things 2009, is a different ballgame. Forecast will provide a platform
to present new work from some of Portland’s most important design
voices, many of whom have been instrumental in putting Portland fashion
on the map: Adam Arnold, Elizabeth Dye, Julia
Barbee (Frocky Jack Morgan), Liza Rietz, and Kate
Towers are just some of the talented people we are thrilled to have
joining the event.
However, the annual call for submissions that shaped the
“Installations” events of the past several years has been invaluable to
covering Portland fashion design, introducing me each year to a slew of
interesting people who have gone on to greater prominence, and has
become a tradition that I feel strongly has real value. That is why
this year we are again putting the call out for apparel and accessories
designers who would like to be part of this year’s show.
Forecast will be accepting up to five applicants, as juried by
myself, Adam Arnold, Frances May boutique owner Pamela
Baker-Miller (also a co-producer of the event), and Mercury fashion blog contributor Brett Glass, to present on the runway
as part of an emerging designer showcase. It’s a fantastic opportunity
to introduce yourself to Portland’s community of designers and their
supporters, so what are you waiting for? Interested designers should
mail or drop off a submission package that includes a brief bio and
photos of finished work, as well as any other materials and information
you choose to best illustrate the nature and quality of your
work—just nothing that you would need to be returned! Please
address all submissions to Marjorie Skinner, c/o the Portland
Mercury, 605 NE 21st, Ste. 200, Portland, OR 97232. All submissions
must also include a $25 submission fee, with checks or money orders
made out to the Portland Mercury. Applications are due by 5 pm
on Thursday, April 9!
Finally, more good news for Portland designers: Filo is the
latest factory offering its high-tech quality services to designers who
can’t make the minimums required by larger institutions, and are tired
of the challenges to finding consistent quality through independent
contractors. Founded by May Tee and Sarah Wallace (pictured here with consulting associate and fellow designer Alyson
Clair), it came about after the three of them met through a PDX
Fashion Synergy (pdxfashionsynergy.com) meeting. A
new organization working to foster productive design careers in
Portland, the factory is a promising accomplishment that bodes well for
its greater goals. Hit mod.portlandmercury.com for more
on Filo, and email me with questions about Forecast at marjorie@portlandmercury.com.