Julia Blackburn is feeling the recession. No, I mean
feeling it—in positive, stylistically inspiring ways, with
a new collection titled “Dust Bowl Ballads: A Sturdy Collection for
Tough Times.” The tagline is a little bit disingenuous given
Blackburn’s propensity for garments composed of frail materials in her
smashing Dust line, not to mention that it contradicts her
garment care instructions: “Dry clean only. This shit is
fragile!” Still, the latest crop of 17 one-of-a-kind pieces for
women that will be featured this week at Radish Underground‘s
monthly First Thursday showcase are inspired by pioneer-wear and
include “work skirts” and emphasize simplicity.
Blackburn explains further that, “Times are shitty. People are sort
of noticing but aren’t really affected by it. In the old days people
lived more simply and made their own clothes and luxury meant eating an
orange once a year. I think visually there’s something special about
that time because it’s so honest and true and simple. Yeah, the clothes
aren’t actually sturdy enough to withstand a dust storm or do some
field work in, but they are a reminder of the spirit. It just felt
really wrong right now to make something based in excess.” To that end,
Blackburn ensured that all of the materials that went into the
collection were either found and repurposed or inexpensive, and she is
keeping the prices “as cheap as we can make it without screwing over me
or the ladies at the store.”
The monthly showcases at Radish Underground just get better and
better. Having entered a hopping neighborhood that so quickly became
saturated with personality-driven boutiques, it has gone out of its way
to distinguish itself from the fray. The regular highlighting of
exciting, handpicked Portland designers speak volumes about what owners
Celestial Sipes and Gina Johnson stand for, and the
foodie linkage indicated in their name is proving to have an
appropriately locavoric effect, to a degree of success reminiscent of
the early years at Seaplane.
In addition, Sipes and Johnson are giving Blackburn free reign over
the store’s window display for an installation that she promises will
involve old wood with nail-head lettering, a cow skull, and bandanas
emblazoned with Woody Guthrie lyrics. (The store’s window projects
alone have been generating buzz in their own right.) The event will
also feature Gowan Metal, a Portland-based jewelry line, piano
music from Thunder, plus refreshments. (Radish Underground, 414 SW
10th, Thurs April 2, 5-9 pm, free)
Also, I hereby decree April Lille Boutique Awareness Month!
In honor of the lingerie store’s second anniversary, there will be art,
sales, and parties throughout the end of the month, with the official
birthday party on April 18. See mod.portlandmercury.com for more
details!