I was joined on Thursday night by Leverage Costume & Wardrobe designer Nadine Haders, and actress Gina Bellman who you know as Sophie from the hit show, at Jo Carter's "Catwalk," previewing Fall 2010 looks from eight European, Asian, and local designers for her Pearl District store Physical Element. It was a happy chance to share a slice of fashion in Portland with the Hollywood costumer, and the London- based screen and stage actress, who drew looks all evening from folks in the Pinnacle Pavilion venue, ...but Portlanders are a polite, nonchalant bunch. Thankfully, I knew I could rely on Carter's taste for a pleasant experience. The runway show, a modest but fairly polished production in the all glass-clad Pavilion, was a unique hybrid of a boutique show and an authentic next-season debut. Many boutique shows are in-season, off-the-rack events. Carter's event featured next-season's looks along with a chance to shop for them, post-show, by pre-ordering. Her strong tastes as a buyer for her store's inventory came across in the selections and I must say, aside from her style, I was impressed just by her ability to acquire this many Fall samples from any single international designer for a boutique show in Portland, Oregon! "I had to call in some favors," Carter smiles.
The evening included a special hat segment with statement-headwear from Pinkham Millinery and Amy Downs, and apparel from Portland's WeMa by Wendi Martin, Kate Troyer, and Renee Armstrong, along with Soleil (Belgium), Iconoclast (France), Moyuru (Japan), Moloko (France), and Spain's Isabel de Pedro. Carter's editorial eye translated into a solid show with selections that captured some very trendy Fall design elements, but filtered through her signature tastes. These included flared architectural features, asymmetry, thoughtful layering, and a few of the favorite 2010 design accents that I saw in trends-shows last month at LAFW, including prominent trims and bright, exposed zippers that become strong design features in themselves. Hair design came courtesy of Kira Pinski and Dayna Cakebread, with styles that were thoughtful compliments to their associated looks. Makeup design was spot-on, with looks that successfully cut across a diverse range of styles, and faces, and was provided by Fez Studio.
This show was about the fashion, so without further adieu, here's a sampling of some notables. See slideshow for details and some snapshots courtesy of Tim Sugden.
Video by Greg Day of PDX Now
Comments
What a wonderful show! Love the clothes and it's great to see Portland is getting some attention in the fashion world. Super LOVE the makeup from Fez @ the Fez Studio (fezbeauty.com). Chris, wish you had mentioned who did the makeup coz people need to know yes, Portland does have a premier makeup boutique or two, and Fez Studio is definitely one of them. :)
I was just going to ask who did the makeup, so thank you for the information, Amy. The clothes were wonderful, but I have never seen such beautiful skin and elegant, effortless looks in makeup at a Portland fashion show. I guess it takes a woman to notice these things.
Yes Amy, thank you for recognizing the importance of makeup in fashion and taking the time to find out the information on who did the makeup. Makeup is just a part of fashion as the clothes and hair. Could you have imagined some crazy makeup looks with these clothes? Mr. Fez definitely created the perfect looks for the show, and I think for women of Portland who will choose to wear these clothes.
"I have never seen such beautiful skin and elegant, effortless looks in makeup at a Portland fashion show. I guess it takes a woman to notice these things." Hmmmm... A liiiiittle overstated perhaps, but I genuinely, sincerely appreciate the passion! :-) Mind you, most fashion show coverage tells you nothing about who did hair OR makeup, so I hope you can forgive this male fashion writer, and note the amendments made to the article, and the more-info list, as I have no compunctions about relaying what was my conscious appreciation of the makeup at the show (I noticed, even with my y-chromosome disability ;)... THANK YOU SO MUCH for even 'stopping in' to read this humble corner of fashion cyberspace!
Since we are discussing all the details that create a "total" look, I must note that the runway looks were taken to the next level by the fantastic shoes generously provided by the nice folks at HALO shoes.
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