Skip to main contentPortland Streetwear Is Getting Raw
Men's streetwear designer Jaefields is embarking on a completely new venture: raw, unwashed and untreated selvedge denim. Raw denim is big in Portland, but it's all imported. Stores like Self Edge are denim purists boasting Japanese garments and high-end boutiques like Machus, Lizard Lounge and Frances May sell the current designer staples like APC, Rogue Territory, and Nudie Jeans. None are locally made though; the largest designer, Bluer, outsources production to L.A. What Jaefields has planned is similar, the low rise, skinny fit unwashed with indigo die...but made local in Portland. "Going back to the traditional ways of denim, we wanted to produce a pair before all the process of washing or pre-broken in look [became popular,] says designer Wookie Fields.
Two, Two Year Parties
The utilitarian, Pacific Northwest-inspired retailer Bridge and Burn just turned two. To celebrate, it launched its latest look book, which includes images from our Spring Fresh story in February. The book was shot on a boat under the St. Johns Bridge, showcasing styles for swimming and summer-ready looks, and puts a heavy focus on their fabrics. The lightweight mens button-up shirts feature unique dobby weave textures, and a women's shirt, dress and skirt all come in high quality, 100% cotton red indigo plaid.
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Portland Garment Factory also held a spring release party at downtown's Stand Up Comedy Too boutique. Southeast's Portland Garment Factory, true to its name, is a factory used by companies like Nike, Levis, Pendleton, and designers like Alexa Stark. But PGF's in-house line is the stand-out, with runway-ready pieces that look more like Parsons in New York that a Southeast factory. The line launched two years ago to a lot of hype, and now its looks (averaging $300) are stocked in high-end boutiques around the globe. It's what an all-encompassing maker like American Apparel dreams of being.
PGF SS15 Lookbook
Wildfang X AK Vintage
Local jewelry designer Anna Korte will be debuting her new 14kgold-plated Source Collection at Wildfang from 1-4pm on April 14th. The pieces are inspired from her hometown in the high desert of Arizona. Each piece resembles shapes or patterns derived from Navajo prints and includes rings, ear-cuffs and earrings, and long multi-layered necklaces. Wildfang is giving 20% off to anyone who buys AK Vintage pieces in any collection the day of the event.
Karl vonBuck Launch Spring Collection at Adorn
Denim-based brand Karl vonBuck made it's first release December last year, and anticipation is high for their second on April 16th. It'll premier at Adorn on Division's 7pm launch party, which promises giveaways too. With denim as a focus, the new collection will pop with brighter colors in it's secondary pieces. "The styles remain edgy, accented with classic denim, twills and lightweight, beautiful sheers. A vibrant optic floral print adds a twist to the edgy silhouettes." say designers Kate Troedsson and Barbara Seipp.
Summer's trends in Portland look like just like you'd expect. We have denim, flannel, button ups, oversized drapped fabrics, and more denim. But hey, at least were not still talking about health goth... am I right?
WWeek 2015