Portland Designers Rock! – Rock the Runway v5.0
If there was any doubt about Portland’s ability to throw a rockin’ fashion show, Semper Fashion’s Rock the Runway v5.0 certainly cleared that one up. In the midst of all the glitter, glam, spiked hair and heels, organizer Tod Foulk playfully starts a mosh pit with a few buddies during the opening band’s set, before heading up to the microphone to greet the crowd. “What’s happening in Portland is a phenomenon, it’s not happening everywhere in the nation,” he says.
He can only be talking about the remarkable number of sustainability-minded designers that our lovely city has to offer, and the remarkable creations they have to offer us. As the rock classics begin to blast through the speakers, the audience waits eagerly to view some of Portland’s latest and greatest designs.
And what better way to kick off a rock n’ roll fashion show than with a little sex appeal? Strutting down the runway came a handsome gentleman wearing only his knickers and a topless girl on his back. Both were sporting the latest bamboo fiber designs from Eco-Undies, a Portland-based line that focuses on sustainability and style. “The attitude we were going for was sexy and playful, we really wanted to bring it home,” explains designer Cindy Taylor.
The crowd cheered on as Bella Donna Marie’s flirty, feminine pastels marched into view, softening up the show a bit, followed by Saffrona Swimwear’s sultry summer creations. HartMindSoul, Portland’s graffiti artist friendly custom designers, turned up the volume with torn-up t-shirts featuring their signature logo. Urban Girl NW debuted their strikingly inventive swimwear line for 2010, featuring flattering wrapped-up looks with unexpected clasps and features. Soul Chain’s pretty knits were a hit, along with Moontess’s mystical swimwear and TK Couture’s dazzling and sassy gold lame-embellished black and white swimwear creations. Majestic glittery masks by Mystique added to the rock show vibe, as did a collection of tuxedo suits worn scantily by leaving out either the pants, shirt, or vest.
With such a diverse and unique array of local, sustainable styles, there’s no denying it: Portland designers really rock!
To see more photos from the show, click here!
Written By: Lindsay Wilson
Lindsay, Thanks for your personal observations on the show, For me it was a joy to work with Tod and his Crew on my first big show (Shell’s Jewel’s), and Nate from (HMS, Hart, Mind and Soul) is a Jewel to work with as well.
As Tod Foulk would say ” Seriously……..it takes a village to raise an idiot……but it takes dozens to raise a rock the runways!”
Shelley