Portland’s Fashion Week: FASHIONxt event

The venue

 

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(PORTLAND) During Fashion Week last month, “FASHIONxt” showcased designers’ spring collections at the Vigor Industrial Shipyard on Portland’s Swan Island, at 5555 N. Channel Ave.

According to fashionxt.net, Portland “is unique in its appreciation of aesthetics, loyalty to sustainability and tech savvy.” The event brought uniqueness in style, namely the chance to highlight “the latest in consumer-technology and accommodate these growing industries and entrepreneurs, for which Portland is known, in a high-profile forum,” the website noted. It brought different elements of entertainment, including dances, singers, music, food, and a DJ.

Designer Becky Ross, who was featured on Lifetime Television’s show “Project Runway,” showcased her collection Oct. 11. Asked if she’s watching this season’s show, she said, “I have been, but I think I’m two or three episodes behind because I’ve been so busy sewing.” While working on her biggest collection, she still was able to produce a collection for Portland FASHIONxt. She described her spring collection for the event as, “pretty gritty. It’s tough and gritty.”

Ross completed her fine arts bachelor’s degree in apparel design and attended the Art Institute of Portland. During her time on “Project Runway,” she still hadn’t graduated. She said she’s evolved. “I didn’t have enough experience to do really well (on the show), but I’ve grown a lot,” she said. “ I’ve solidified what my style is now, and I’m pretty excited about it.”

Another “Project Runway” designer featured at Portland FASHIONxt was Michael Costello, a “Project Runway All-Stars” finalist.

Costello’s collection was shown on Oct. 13. At the beginning, dancers performed a French dance related to the French theme of his collection. Costello had different styles of gowns and slick-backed ponytails. “I think (my collection) represents classic silhouettes and classic Michael Costello,” he said.

Costello also had a specific color scheme to match the theme. “I just really fell in love with the blacks and golds and mixing them together,” he said. “I love sparkles, so (they were) all over the runway tonight.” He hasn’t shifted his style since his Project Runway appearance. “It’s still me. I don’t think it’s changed,” he said. “Some of the sewing’s changed because I taught myself and pushed myself to do different things.”

Advocate Staff