Portland Garment Factory Returns to the Runway
For its final act, Open Season went out with a flourish. East Burnside Rontom’s became a full fashion maze, leading stylishly clad models along a runway through the massive interior out to the patio. While new band Sartorial Excess aided the models in their delicate stomp with lovely keyboard led tunes, Portland Garment Factory presented their Fall/Winter 2014 collection.
Their first runway show in three years, designers Britt Howard and Rosemary Robinson prove they're making a new niche in the local scene. Eschewing the boho trends so beloved here, PGF pushed their oversized, thoughtful silhouettes that could hold their own in a shop next to a Dries Van Noten number. From simple-but-chic sheath dresses to more complicated (and sure-to-be Man Repeller top picks) jumpsuits—one with winged panels attached—the large collection stayed in primarily neutral colors.
All in all, the designers offered an impressive display of decidedly European taste in a decidedly Portland setting. And those juxtapositions are what make local fashion so fun.