Portland Fashion Week strives to do good and save the planet
PORTLAND, Ore. — It's been called the "Best Indie Fashion Week in the U.S.," the "Sundance of Fashion Weeks," "The Most Sustainably Produced Fashion Week in the World," and the "World's ONLY Carbon Negative Fashion Week."
And it's right here in Portland!
Portland Fashion Week runs Oct. 2 through Oct. 6. It features locally, nationally and globally renowned designers, with a big focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
One of the producers of PFW, Angela Taylor, tells KATU, "We welcome local designers that share the same values, being eco-friendly ... contributing to slow fashion, which is reusing materials and fabrications that are going to have longevity in their integrity."
New environmentally friendly features this year include the exclusive use of cruelty-free hair and makeup products and locally sourced organic gourmet catering.
Some notable local designers include Kenna Bird, sisters Cora and Ida Lindholm of Beaverton's Bikini Hut and, Ani Raas of Zenpui.
Dr. Katie Deming, a radiation oncologist and the founder of MAKEMERRY, creates "soft bras for strong women." All her models in the opening night show are personally affected by breast cancer.
"Women who have radiation for breast cancer develop a sunburn over their skin and you can imagine wearing a bra is really uncomfortable. So our fabrics are ultra-soft and breathable, environmentally friendly between the layers. There's no kind of binding up under the breast, no underwires," says Dr. Deming.
PFW prides itself on being a nonprofit, giving back to a number of charities and supporting the education of the future fashion visionaries.
ADDED BONUS: KATU's very own Wesleigh Ogle is walking in the opening night show as one of the "celebrity" models.
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 6
Doors: 5 p.m.
Show: 8 p.m.
WHERE
The Old Church Concert Hall
Portland State University
1422 S.W. 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
$40-$150