Most wearable and favorite styles from OPEN SEASON
BRIDGE & BURN button-up tunic
From my bird’s-eye view from the balcony at Bossanova Ballroom, I counted at least 300 of Portland’s fashion-curious audience surrounding the runway by half past 8 o’clock. Last Friday was The Portland Mercury’s 7th annual Open Season fashion event, sponsored by Vitamin Water Zero. With so many talented designers showing on this year’s runway, this event offered viewers a strikingly beautiful fashion bouquet to kick off the spring season.
Here, I will highlight some of my favorite outfits from the show, and showcase the most wearable styles for the everyday fashionista.
Button-up shirt dress
If you’re a fan of casual, almost preppy Americana-themed fabrics, designer BRIDGE & BURN offers a snazzy long-sleeved, button-up tunic with grey vertical stripes that can be worn over jeans, leggings, or by itself as a dress. And the cute button-up shirt-dress is perfect for Sunday afternoons.
Isaac Hers gray dress
Sparkle Denim Dress by Isaac Hers
Similarly, the ISAAC HERS collection will satisfy your needs for clean lines and basic colors with these two flattering dresses. The first is a smart gray dress with shoulder detail, and the second is a sparkled denim-inspired flowing dress, both of which will glorify the curves of your waist and hips.
Classic gray dress by Ms. Wood
By Ms. Wood
From her Fall/Winter 2011 collection, designer MS. WOOD wants us to feel as classy as Jackie O. with sharp cuts, collars, and sleeves. The gray number looks both fashionable and comfortable [left]. While her sultry fusion of French beatnik and Eastern kimono-inspired look holds a special place in my heart [right].
| Designer RUKI showed off looks with Italian and French flair, implementing strong lines and exciting patterns without overkill. This black dress with front triangle pattern really caught my eye as most wearable and flattering for any body type. I also cannot help but celebrate any outfit, particularly one-piece dresses, that don side pockets. |
 Dress by Ruki |
 By Ruki |
To read more about the Mercury’s Open Season fashion show and see designs from some of the other designers such as Dawn Sharp, Boet, Leanne Marshall, and Sara Bergman, please read Kara McManus’s article “Mercury’s Open Season Show“, or peruse through photographer Michael Zeugg’s slideshow at his website.
Written By: Bethany Moore
Photography By: Michael Zeugg
