By Samrah Qureshi
When people think of the Pacific Northwest images of non-stop rain, thick forests, and plaid come to mind. Fashion does not register in most people’s minds when thinking of this beautiful region. Times are quickly changing though and the fashion industry is rapidly growing in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Some fashion industry individuals have not only made a mark here, but also have gained recognition for their talent both nationally and internationally. With the likes of Coco Rocha, Ken Downing, and Chris Benz, Pacific Northwesterners are taking the fashion industry by storm.
Chris Benz (http://nymag.com/
Celebrities clamor to attend Chirs Benz‘s shows during New York Fashion, and his clothes have been seen on starlets such as Twilight‘s Nikki Reed and Sophia Bush. Born and raised in Seattle, Benz moved to New York to study at the prestigious Parsons The New School for design. During his stint at Parsons, the young Seattleite, interned at Marc Jacobs. Upon graduating in 2004, Chris won the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Emerging Designer Award and began work at J.Crew, primarily focusing on special occasion wear. By 2007, Benz launched his first American sportswear collection which quickly found its ways into such upscale department stores as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Benz doesn’t shy away from his hometown, creating collections with a muted color palette reminiscent of those dreary Seattle while also including deeply saturated colors.
Chris Benz: Resort 2011 (www.refiner29.com)
Working with luxurious fabrics, and playing with different textures, the designer has become well-known for creating clothes for a woman who is not afraid to be noticed in a crowd. The designer also draws inspiration from interesting sources, ranging from former First Lady Pat Nixon (for his Resort 2011 collection) and an warehouse in Chelsea (Fall 2009). Benz’s clothes are classic items with a quirky, playful twist on color and proportion. While many Benz’s clothes are not meant for a wallflower, many women can find pieces within his collections that can be added as staples, such as tuxedo jackets, peplum dresses, and anoraks, albeit, these staples are created in jacquard, fire engine red, and trimmed with fur. While some Seattle-based designers may get frustrated with the lack of national recognition, Benz offers sound advice to his peers: immerse yourself in fashion and constantly be aware of what is occurring in the world of fashion. Also, utilize social media to get your name/brand out there and most importantly, never give up on your dreams.
Chris Benz: Spring 2011 (http://open-thread.com/)
Coco Rocha never really dreamt of modeling growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia; however, she has undoubtedly left a mark in the world of fashion. Spotted by a modeling scout at an Irish dance competition in 2002, she quickly relocated from Vancouver to New York and signed with an agency. Few years later, Rocha landed the cover of Vogue Italia and began appearing on runways for designers such as Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Miu Miu, just to name a few. Rocha further cemented her supermodel status by what fashion insiders have dubbed a “Coco Moment.” Rocha opened the the Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall 2007 runway by Irish dancing. The entrance became the talk of the town and bolstered the red-head’s fame in the fashion industry. The 22 year-old beauty has been in advertising campaigns for luxury labels Lavin, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, as well as, retail store, The Gap. Coco is proud of her Vancouver, BC roots and often discusses her support for the local fashion industry.
Coco Rocha (http://agirlsgottaspa.com/)
Coco for Dior (http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/)
Hailing from Vanouver, WA, Project Runway season 7 winner Seth Aaron Henderson is one of a handful of Project Runway contests who hail from the Pacific Northwest. Henderson’s Runway winning collection was inspired by 1940s Russian and German military women, a true reflection of the designer’s edgy and innovative style. While Henderson is quickly gaining national recognition, he has not forgotten his roots and showed his latest collection at last month Portland Fashion Week.
Portland can also lay claim to Project Runway season 5 winner Leanne Marshall. Marshall began her designing career in the city of roses. Marshall discussed with Fashion Network-Seattle her love for Portland and how supportive the city is of the art and fashion industry. Marshall has drawn inspiration from the PNW, by incorporating a nature elements to her designs, as well as, using eco-friendly materials for her collections. Marshall advises PNW designers to not be disenchanted by living in cities that not considered fashion meccas. She states that as long as a designer makes good quality and beautiful clothing, consumers will come.
Logan Neitzel (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Marshall and Aaron are not the only Project Runway contests hailing from the PNW. The Seattle Art Institute alum and season 6 contestant, Logan Neiztel, admits that the disadvantage for Seattle-based designers are limited fabric options; however, designers should not fret and that each designer should be themselves. Blayne Walsh appeared on Project Runway the season prior to long-time friend Neitzel’s appearance. The Yakima-native recently showcased his collection at this year’s Seattle Fashion Week (view collection).
Seattle-native Amanda Brotman has made a name for herself with her Amanda Pearl collections of purses and jewelry. Brotman was a ballet dancer that preformed with the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The ballerina then left the Northwest to attend college in New York. There, she interned for Marc Jacobs. She then began creating evening bags and eventually launching an accessories line in 2008 that has a decidedly vintage feel. The Amanda Pearl collection extended into jewelry, as well as, into bridal accessories. Celebs like Alexis Bedel, Emma Stone and Blake Lively have flocked to Brotman’s collections and it comes as no surprise that Brotman was recently named Fashion Group International’s Rising Star for Accessories. Brotman’s collections can be found at Nordstrom, Mario’s, and online.
Amanda Pearl Clutches (http://blog.oregonlive.com/)
Seattleites have also made a mark in Neiman Marcus and Ann Taylor. Ken Downing is the Senior Vice President, Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus. The Seattle-bred Downing heads Neiman Marcus’ New York office. This past Spring, Downing spoke with FNS about Seattle’s long history with fashion and his love of Seattle fashion designers. Downing admitted to styling his mom from a young age and perusing Seattle fabric stores when younger. Lisa Axelman has made a splash with Ann Taylor after being named the creative director for the brand. Axelman was raised in Seattle and studied at Parsons School of Design. She has made a mark with the brand by creating designs that appeals to a broader audience and designing stylish classics that any women cannot resist.
These Pacific Northwest natives and many more are representing this unique and stylish region on a national and international level. They truly are the Pacific Northwest’s pride and joy!
Thumbnail: Coco Rocha, http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/
Sources: http://www.refinery29.com/, http://www.chris-benz.com/, http://www.style.com/, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/,http://www.amandapearl.com/, http://www.coco-rocha.com/
