Portland Fashion Week

It took me two and a half hours to drive to Portland to attend Portland Fashion Week and it was well worth it. If you didn't know, Portland Fashion Week is the only fashion week in the world that’s focused on eco-friendly apparel. I couldn't wait to see the bamboo runway or photograph side by side with Fashion Wire Press.

The featured designers for the Saturday night show included Jason Matio, Seattle designer Lizzie Parker, Jantzen Swimwear, and Mehdi.

Here are the highlights of each collection…

JASON MATIO

Sequins, sequins, sequins!!!

MEHDI

Mid-eastern inspiration

LIZZIE PARKER

Romantic flows

JANTZEN SWIMWEAR

Strategic usage of fabric to enhance a woman’s best assets

Two Amazing Fashion Shows in One Night

This past Friday night was a hectic one for Tarah and I because of one little problem: we were booked to attend two shows in the same night. The two shows were the 2nd Annual EcoLavish Fashion Show and Luly Yang’s annual couture show. The good news was we made it on time to catch both shows. The Luly Yang show started a little earlier than EcoLavish so we were able to dash out during Luly Yang’s intermission to make it to the Engine Room at Georgetown Studios for EcoLavish. The bad news is that we missed Luly Yang’s finale. Hey, you lose some, you win some right?

EcoLavish was put on by Half Past Lavish (an event planning company ran by FGI member Courtney Russell) and the goal behind EcoLavish is to prove that eco-friendly apparel can be stylish, fun, and anything but boring. Being that this is the only fashion show in the northwest with a green runway and full on eco-friendly designers / apparel, I think Courtney is on to something big. The designers included Renee Corrick of Six Degrees, Kimberlee Iblings of Deco Modiste, Teresa Remple of Texture Clothing and finale designer Lizzie Parker of Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier.

Here are some of my favorite looks of the night…
RENEE CORRICK | SIX DEGREES


LIZZIE PARKER | LIZZIE PARKER ECO ATELIER



Texture leggings

The Luly Yang annual couture show was held at Fairmount Olympic Hotel with the theme ‘The Creation’ which was influenced by Michelangelo’s artwork. Just like the previous years, Luly Yang donated a portion of the proceeds to Camp Korey, a camp in Carnation, WA fully staffed with a medical team and counselors for children with a serious illness to attend. We were able to catch the Camp Korey show where the children wore Luly Yang on the runway and the client portion of the runway show where previous client walked the runway with their custom made garment.


Camp Korey Super Star


Clients of Luly Yang

After attending both shows, Tarah and I joined our blogging friends Jess and Nadine for a late night dinner at Taco Del Mar.

BFW: Sweat and Spice Spectacular

I attended the Sweat and Spice Spectacular as part of Bellevue Fashion Week tonight and didn’t have any expectations at all with one exception – I was expecting to see some athletic wear. The event description states, ‘enjoy savory treats, witness incredible live performances, explore our latest functional product line and leave inspired.’ They were able to deliver all that they promised and more.

The event was presented by Lululemon Athlectica with all proceeds benefiting the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. The show started out with Bollywood Infusion Dance Performers and they did an awesome job! Then we had Kathy Haggart, president of the Boys and Girls Club welcome the audience with a thank you to the attendees. Shortly, Allison Forsyth, owner of Lululemon Athelectica and Canadian alpine ski team alumnus took the stage. She shared with us her story of becoming a professional athletic and the day her race ended due to a crash days before her chance for the gold medal during the 2006 Olympics. She also shared with us a tear jerking story about her mother who was diagnosing with breast cancer and how fortunate she felt to have come home from the Olympics to spend time with her before her passing. The speech was definitely a little longer than I had expected but as promised, she did inspire me. She left us with the message that life happens and when it does you can either say, ‘poor me’, or pick yourself back up and keep going. I thought that was a positive message for the little ones who did attend.

Now the crowd was ready for the fashion! When the models entered the runway, they were not your typical female model – 5’9, 105lbs, and check bones has high as a sky scraper. Instead they were athletics who worked in the fitness industry walk the catwalk with their tricks. Bev Currier and Maika Manring from The Bar Method stood on the run way with a balancing act on double bars all proving that the gear they were wearing from Lululemon Athelectica was indeed functional.

After the show ended, Tarah and I were grabbing our cap for our lens when we spotted a group of girls battling at the end of the runway mimicking the tricks they were just presented with. It was quite adorable.

This show was definitely for people who have a strong love for the active life and the gear necessary to make it happen. Yes, not so much for me.

Nordstrom Bellevue Square Fall Fashion Show

Held at the Hyatt, the Nordstrom Bellevue Square fourth annual fall runway fashion show was a sold out event. With approximately 500 guests, 100% of the ticket sales went towards the Detlef Schrempf Foundation! Featured designers included Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie, Hugo Boss, Leifsdotter, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly, Rag & Bone and Vince.

The essential items for Fall 2009 according to Nordstrom are…

For women… leather, updated sheath dress, the ‘boyfriend’ blazer, ruffled blouse, leggings, tall boots, seasonless sandals, and metal hardware.

I’d like to add faux fur…


And deep colors…


For men… leather, a cardigan, lean silhouettes, plaid, boots, Nordstrom guide to men’s style by Tom Julian.

…and I totally agree with lean silhouettes..


Stay tune for more photos of the runway show at photos by youa kong blog.

The September Issue Special Screening with Director R.J. Cutler

Getting to see the most powerful and influential women in the fashion industry in action was the perfect way to kick off Bellevue Fashion Week.

... and after watching the documentary, Anna Wintour proved to me three things:

one.. She is highly influential...
Staff: No one was wearing fur until Anna put it on the cover of Vogue in the early 90's.

two.. She has a sarcastic sense of humor...
Interviewer: Anna, you are known as an... 'ice queen'.
Anna Wintour: This week has been cold.

three... She is powerful...
Interviewer: Would you call Anna the priest?
Staff: Oh no, more like the Pope of fashion.

Your chance to watch The September Issue is this Friday at the Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue.

Bellevue Fashion Week

Hello fashionistas! Bellevue Fashion Week is just around the corner and here are some updated information for you...

Fashion Week ’09 In-Store Events/Mini Runway Shows Add Sizzle to Weeklong Celebration of Style

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Sept. 21, 2009) – Along with the more notable fashion runway events for Fashion Week ’09, which runs September 29 – October 4, 2009 at The Bellevue Collection, are a host of complimentary in-store events and mini runway shows -- all loaded with style.

EVENTS By Date

Tea Time with TIGI at Beauty Works
Monday, September 28, 1-3 PM
Are you a Brunette Goddess or a Super Star? Are you a Rockaholic or do you rock the Cat Walk? Sip iced tea, and play with product while TIGI expert, Susan Grizzle answers all of your questions, and helps you find which TIGI personality you are! Stop in and enter to win a prize.

Dismero Event at Papillon
Monday, September 28, 4-8 PM
Come to Papillon to celebrate our fabulous Italian Sportswear line Dismero- for you to take with you- special purchases on all our Italian lines. Sip Prosecco and nibble on Italian delicacies.

Complimentary Skincare Consultations at Aveda
Every Day of Fashion Week
Visit Aveda for your complimentary skincare consultation and receive a sample of a masque best suited for your skin type.


An Evening In Black and White with Sebastian at Beauty Works
Tuesday, September 29, 6-8 PM
Did you love Sebastian's Threads? You will love Microweb Fiber! Come and learn about Microweb Fiber and the rest of the fabulous new line with our Sebastian specialist, Chrissy Sayre. You will be able to play with the products, enjoy a snack, and participate in an in-store drawing.

Curls Night Out by Deva Curl at Beauty Works
Wednesday, September 30, 4-7 PM
Sick of flat ironing your hair every day? Fearful that the Seattle rain will make your waves rear their unruly head? Stop denying your curls and embrace them! The Deva Curl line was created by Lorraine Massey, author of the book Curly Girl. Come and let our very own designer, Linda Jacobs, walk you through a new way to love your curls with these amazing products.

Skin Bar Event by Dermalogica at Beauty Works
Thursday, October 1, 4-7 PM
As the seasons change, so does the needs of your skin. Our skin care specialist, Inga Lajauskiene, can help! Stop by for a specialized Dermalogica face mapping, and find out what your skin needs to keep that healthy glow all year round. There will samples and testers, as well as a chance to win a fabulous Dermalogica gift basket.

Grand Opening of HUGO BOSS
Thursday, October 1
Join HUGO BOSS and Details to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new BOSS Store. Enjoy specialty drinks and the chance to win exclusive prizes as you shop the newest BOSS collections for men. For event details visit the BOSS Store. Register to receive exclusive information on HUGO BOSS events and collections and a chance to win a $1,000 HUGO BOSS wardrobe by visiting www.hugoboss-store.com.

Business Casual Seminar at Road
Thursday October 1st, 7 PM
This event will cover acceptable workplace fashion. How to start with the basics and add the elements of fashion. Picking the right color and how to achieve the perfect fit will also be covered. Special one on one consultations will be available as well.

Hair U Wear by Ken Paves and Jessica Simpson at Beauty Works
Friday, October 2, 4-8 PM
Get the glamour of long silky voluminous hair without having to do the work of growing it! We will do a color match, and show you how to apply these popular extensions. Learn how to utilize the extensions for different styles and how to properly store and clean them so that you can have your extensions for years to come. During this event, all hair pieces will be 50% off.

KOS Launch Event at Louie Permelia
Saturday, October 3
The world's hottest new fashion footwear line. KOS, an elite purveyor of high quality, high fashion shearling boots. Come see an exclusive preview of the new fall line-up. Enjoy wine and cheese for this exciting event.

MINI RUNWAY SHOWS
Invite the teens, men and women in the family for these exciting mini runway shows. The following stores will feature shows in Center Court of Bellevue Square daily from Sept. 30th – Oct. 4th A complete schedule of mini runway show times is posted on bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek.
v Ann Taylor

v Aritzia

v Banana Republic

v Billabong

v Cache

v Eddie Bauer

v Escape Outdoors

v Exofficio

v Express

v Free People

v Gap

v GUESS?

v Helly Hansen

v Louie Permelia

v Lucy

v Macy’s

v MARQSMEN

v Martin & Osa

v ROAD

v Vans

v Zebraclub


For more information on all Fashion Week ’09 events, visit bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek.


About The Bellevue Collection

Located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, The Bellevue Collection includes Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. With a distinctive collection of 250 of the finest shops,23 sit-down restaurants, a 16-screen premier cinema, 700 luxury hotel rooms and 10,000 free retail parking spaces, all in one location. The Bellevue Collection is an experience unlike any other in the region. It is located on Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 10th Street in downtown Bellevue, just across Lake Washington from Seattle.

IADT Imagine Fashion Show

When I think of the International Academy of Design and Technology’s annual fashion show – Imagine, I think of the big white Bryant Park like tent set up in the school’s parking lot. This year IADT presented another well executed fashion show. There were over 100 garments and 9 categories including casual and active, day, career, cocktail, alternative, club, costume, evening, and bridal wear.

Here are my favorite designs for the night…