Local Fashion at Alley 33

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Written by Sasha Rabin Wallinger - Friday, 29 July 2011

Lazy Lolita

Leave it to Portland to host a back-alley fashion show where the drawings of cultural icons watch as models brave the makeshift catwalk wearing locally made clothing that ranges from 1940's inspired day dresses to boldly colored lingerie.

Jitterbuggin’ Clothing Co.

Held on a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon, the 1st Annual Alley 33 Fashion Event showcased collections exclusively from Portland-based designers. Presented in partnership by Mag-Big boutique, music and arts organization, Siren Nation and Breedom Public Sewing House, the program described the show as centering around "sustainability through local production." And it did not disappoint.

Flanked by vintage clothing stores, food carts and a beer-garden, the show featured local Portland designers, seamstresses and stylists at their finest.

This event was successful in bringing together the trinity of hipster fashion, a family-friendly atmosphere and local production which Portland has become famous for. The audience was treated to an outdoor, informal, standing-only space which created an intimate and friendly ambiance. It was likely that on-lookers would bump elbows with any of the 19 designer's family or friends, all of who cheered loudly as each of the collections was revealed. This led to a warm reception and added to the Alley 33 Fashion Event's locally themed charm.

J. Calderon

Michelle Is Well

On the runway, peach and coral were popular, in the menswear collection by J. Calderon, feminine dresses by Michelle Is Well and boudoir by Lazy Lolita. Turquoise was another popular hue which was showcased in day dresses by Silvania Apparel and Jitterbuggin' Clothing Co..

Silvania Apparel

Made possible in part by online funding tool Kickstarter, this event was a model of a successful slow-fashion show, which combined artisan craftsmanship with an emphasis on supporting local designers.

This inaugural Alley 33 Fashion Event promises to be a new staple on the ever-evolving Portland fashion scene. Look for more of these public art and local fashion showcases to crop up in an alley near you!