Fashion world takes on green hue

By Audrey Van Buskirk

The Portland Tribune, Aug 1, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Anna Cohen, who’s made sustainability a key part of her design philosophy, will show her line as part of a First Thursday fashion show at City Hall.

Courtesy of / Michael Jones

Portland Fashion Week doesn’t begin until October, but fashionistas interested in clothes that look good and do good can check out a preview fashion show, taking place as part of First Thursday.

The actual week of fashion (Oct. 20-27) will have a sustainable focus –which makes sense in a city so famous for it. And if sustainable fashion sounds like dresses made from burlap sacks and necklaces woven from leftover twist-ties, this preview will demonstrate the skill and care so many local designers utilize to make stylish and Earth-friendly products.

Commissioner Sam Adams is hosting the show, which will combine runway fashion and accessories with locally produced photos, painting and sculpture.

Participants include Portland designer Anna Cohen, who describes the look of her line as Italian street couture. She uses sustainable practices wherever possible, from fabrics that are recycled, organic or mill-end pieces to limited packaging and wind- and solar-powered utilities (visit www.annacohen.com for information).

Sameunderneath and Saffrona will provide additional apparel for the models.

Local jewelry company Lucina (www.lucinacompany.com) also will show its wares. The year-old company finds fair-trade imports from artisans in developing countries and then matches them with American designers who craft the final products.

The raw materials include gemstones carved by women in Afghanistan who are recovering from the effects of war, mohair scarves woven by women weavers in Rwanda and silver chains from a fair-trade workshop in Bali.

Other accessories will be provided by Entermodal, Nora Catherine and DoubleCross Belt Co.

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