Get out your best pair of designer party shoes, Portland Fashion Week is almost here!

Every year our own PFW (learn the lingo) has grown leaps and bounds, and I am proud to offer up oodles of witty, informed commentary from the end of the runway. This season brings another batch of hot designers; some familiar faces and some out-of-towners who are hip to our scene. The die-hard fashion fan will show up every night to take in the overwhelming amount of eye candy.

Here is my night-by-night insider’s guide to Portland Fashion Week. Read on, I can tell you why you want to be there!

Opening Night

The kickoff to PFW this year will be an installation showcase from some of our city’s most talented designers. Not a traditional runway show, this is your opportunity to see the work up close. Similar to last year’s fantastic Content show, each designer has the opportunity to create a display representative of their own point of view. Designers: Adam Andreas, Idom, R. A. W. by Rio Wrenn, Dawn Sharp, Laura Allcorn, Sword & Fern, Pinkham Millnery, Filly; Curated by Marjorie Skinner; Art exhibition & Music presented by Project Ethos; Artists: Jesse Reno, Isaac Bushkin, Michele Maule, Lisa Golightly; Bands: XOXO

The Get: From hats to rusted metal corsets to the perfect dress, this combination of talent won’t be in one room again.

Thursday Oct 7

Night two is already a buzz with exciting designers and a showcase of some of The Art Institute’s most promising students. Adding to all this anticipation is the return of the “Catapult – Emerging Designer” competition, presented by Portland Monthly. New and upcoming artists show their collections to both the audience and a panel of judges (including moi) who vote to determine our city’s best new designer. Designers: Lizzie Parker, Jesica Milton, Art Institute of Portland Fashion Show and Portland Monthly presents Catapult, The Emerging Designer Competition Runway Show: Devonation, Anar Couture, Ms Wood, Neli Millard

The Get: The winner will get to show a full collection at next years’ PFW as well as a free fashion shoot by Fashion Wire Press and future coverage in Portland Monthly magazine. Come be part of the decision.

Friday Oct 8

Night three of fashion week has some of PFW’s fan favorites: all Northwest designers crafting ridiculously beautiful women’s wear. Portlanders who love to shop may elbow you out of this one, so get your tickets in advance. Designers: Amai Unmei, La Vie by Michele DeCourcy, Stephanie D Couture, Suzabelle

The Get: I will be planning a large portion of my spring shopping budget based on this show!

Saturday Oct 9

A night for Project Runway junkies! Fresh off his Project Runway triumph, Seth Aaron Henderson has collaborated with Hillsboro-based company, Solarworld, to design a collection based on their black photovoltaic panels. Gracing the runway first this evening are three previous P.R. contestants showing new collections. Designers: Seth Aaron SolarWorld Collection Presented by Portland Fashion Week, Jay Sario, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Goga by Gordana

The Get: The largest post-show gathering of Project Runway contestants, this was a good get for Portland.

Sunday Oct 10

Closing night is always an affair to remember and the last gasp of PFW breath for a whole year. Designers: Amelia Toro, Ethos Paris, Souchi, LENZANITA, Pendleton “Opening Ceremony”

The Get: Powerhouse Pendleton with their “Opening Ceremony” collection has excitement brewing as well as international designers Amelia Toro and Ethos who yanked out their passports and battled TSA to show us their collections.

And obviously the best reason to attend fashion week is your chance to practice any Heidi Klum ala Project Runway impressions of “You’re Out.” Auf Wiedersehen!

Fashion Week Information:
www.PortlandFashionWeek.net
When: Wednesday, October 6th – Sunday, October 10th
Doors: 6:30pm, Seating 8:00pm
Where: Vigor Industrial Shipyard: 5555 N. Channel Avenue. Portland OR 97217

Tickets: PortlandFashionWeek.net
Portland Monthly’s special ticket offer code, pfw510, gets our readers 10% off of the ticket price!

Why: Because you should support our city’s awesome talent and it’s really fun.

Find Portland Fashion Week 2010 event info on our Events Calendar.