Chambers Show: Behind the Scenes

Wow!  What a good time!!  It has taken me a week to gather pictures and to just recover.  I just cannot thank everyone enough for all their hard work and contributions.  Mostly, I owe a big thanks to Jillian Rabe and her hardworking team for pulling off an awesome show on a shoestring.  It was such a pleasure to have Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette as our beneficiary.  The event was well attended, fun and for a good cause!  We raised about $2000 for them!  Thank you everyone for coming out and for your generosity!

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

The week leading up to the show was certainly stressful on every level.  With this show, we took on much more work.  Jillian’s team built the backstage area by hanging black plastic and by painting/constructing backstage panels.  Also, her team hung the lighting and ran all the lines themselves.  I think the effect was amazing, mostly because it was unexpected. I cannot state enough how much their commitment, efforts and professionalism made this whole show a success.

Jillian Opening the Show - Photo: Meredith Adelaide

Also, a critical partner in the event, and overall great guy, Crispin Argento, was instrumental in pulling off the silent auction!!  His efforts made the fundraising effort!!  His line Pino didn’t look too bad on the runway either!!  Just cannot thank him enough.

PINO Models Getting Ready - Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Our sexy neighbors, Solestruck, also pulled out the stops in their efforts!  My models were fully outfitted in the most amazing shoes this town has to offer.  Melissa Lachance, the manager at Solestruck, did all the styling for the show.  Couldn’t have done it without her.

Melissa Getting All the Shoes Ready! - Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Another instrumental partner in the show was Prima Salon.  Woot!!  These ladies know how to get it done.  They are probably the most efficient backstage hair and makeup team I have ever seen.  Not kidding, they killed it!  12 female models, a few male models in just a couple of hours.  They were finished well in advance of the show, having time to get a drink and mingle before the show!  When does that ever happen?!  Thanks so much!!

Ladies from Prima - Photo: Erik Sohn

There are so many other partners to thank.  Woodlands, we love you guys so much!!  Thanks for participating.  Tavola catering provided the most delicious treats pre-show.  West End bikes donated that awesome cruiser that we raffled at the door.  Also, Martine made a custom leather saddle bag for it.  Wow, everyone wanted to win that bike.

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Lastly, I want to personally thank all of my beautiful models.  You made the show and looked absolutely stunning.  Libby Boggs, Cora Benesh, Meredith Adelaide, Tiffany Luckcuck, Dayna Wilks, Courtney Bryant, Zoe Sherman, Malene Jensen, Kate Troedsen, Heather Reider, Clarke Flowers, Jessica Smith and Katie Greiner, you made the vision come to life!!!!  Love to you!!  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!  I leave you with more behind the scenes images.

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Photo: Nicolas Wilson

Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Isaac Hers Presents: Chambers – A Benefit Fashion Show.

Portland based fashion line, Isaac Hers presents, “Chambers,” an exclusive runway premier, showing this April.  Featuring both in-store looks for Spring, as well as the reveal of Isaac Hers’ Fall 2012 collection, the evening will be a fun, fashion filled event for all ages.

Special guests, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls presents PINO, will open the show with menswear looks on the runway.   Enjoy the silent auction, shopping and mingling both pre-show and after.

Proceeds to benefit Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette.  Support fashion, indulge your shopping habit and enjoy the party, all for a great cause!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

When:  Saturday April 21, 2012. Doors at 6:00PM, Fashion Show at 8:00.
Where:  610 SW 12th Ave (corner of SW 12th and Alder); Portland, OR 97205.  After party onsite to follow.

Tickets:  $40 for seating, $20 for standing and $15 for students with ID.  Availability is limited. Purchase tickets right here on the blog side bar, or please visit www.isaachers.com.

 Special thanks to our sponsors Solestruck, Prima Salon, Bridgeport Brewing, Tavola, Catering, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls.

Event and fashion show produced by Jillian Rabe, LLC.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Chambers the collection:

The past couple of seasons, Isaac Hers designer, Barbara Seipp, has found inspiration in the world around her, through physical locations that inspire both memories and feeling.  With the Fall 2012 collection, however, Seipp looked inward to channel the psyche and subconscious.  “The Chambers collection rests in a mysterious, unknowable, dreamlike and sometimes haunting place,” states Seipp. Using dreams for inspiration, she chose mostly darker fabrics as the foundation for the collection, and softly tailored classic shapes. By then adding pops of color, tribal and vintage themes, the collection mimics the unpredictability of the subconscious and marries the comfort of a happy memory with the edge of psychological unrest.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Isaac Hers began from designer Barbara Seipp’s drive to create a directional clothing label that still possessed a timeless, classic appeal.  With this balance in mind, she founded the Isaac Hers label in the Spring of 2008. The collection incorporates soft tailoring, directional feminine silhouettes, and a minimalist sophistication.  Seipp’s design aesthetic paired with her keen eye for quality and construction make Isaac Hers a quickly growing and sought after label.  Approaching the 1-year anniversary of the flagship store (this May,) Isaac Hers proudly welcomes shoppers to its brick and mortar location  at 415 SW 13th St. in Portland’s up and coming West End.

Press Contact: Jillian Rabe; jillian@jillianrabe.com; 503 307 8273

Photo Credits:
Photography – Lavenda Memory
Hair and Makeup – Jennifer White Webb, Prima Salon
Model – Meredith Adelaide 
Styling -Melissa LaChance, Kayla Rekofke

Isaac Hers Fall 2012 Photoshoot: Behind the Scenes

About 2 weeks ago I completed the Fall 2012 collection.  It always feels really good to complete a collection and to see the vision realized.  Thanks to my awesome design assistant Jessica Jones, we got it done it record time, 8 weeks.   We put together slightly fewer looks than the last season, but I think we nailed the silhouettes.  The inspiration for this collection was rooted in the psyche, the mysterious, dark and unknowable subconscious.  Fun stuff to make!  Well, you know that once a collection is complete you have to shoot it.  This is where the vision really comes to life fully and you get to tell the story.

Of course, I assembled a team of trusted talent.  Respected photographer Lavenda Memory, in-the-know stylists Melissa LaChance and Kayla Rekofke, gorgeous model Meredith Adelaide and last, but not least, good friend and makeup artist Jennifer White Webb from Prima Salon.

Melissa, Kayla, Olivia and Lavenda enjoy some breakfast.

The location for the shoot was my house.  Any of you who know me at all know that you won’t go hungry as a guest at my house.  Also since we start early and go all day, you gotta keep the troops satisfied.

Jen and her assistant get Meredith ready!

Tools of the trade.

We were going for mysterious, dream-like images and chose my attic as the primary location for the shoot.   The thought behind the attic was that it is a metaphor for subconscious, stored away memories and dreams.  Also, the ceiling angles and light provided great photographic interest.

Meredith and Lavenda in action.

So a long day of shooting takes a lot of work with wardrobe, lighting and, one this day, special effects.  Lavenda brought her smoke machine!  So much fun to make smoke that sometimes we had way too much smoke!  We set off the smoke detectors several times sending my dog into a barking fit!

Melissa and Kayla get the wardrobe ready.

Shoes borrowed from Solestruck, of course!

I need to give a special thanks to my friend Cindy for letting us borrow props from here amazing store Eden in the Pearl District.  We got some great stuff like Uncle Buck!  Her store offers vintage apparel, books, oddities and furniture.  Impossible to walk out empty handed.

Uncle Buck from Eden.

Kayla workin' the smoke machine! Meredith simply workin' it!

It was a long day, but it was really, really good company.  Thanks Melissa for bringing the Mimosa fixin’s.  It was a great way to wrap the shoot!!  Thank you all!  I cannot wait to show you the images.

Goofin'.

Bye Buck!

2011-Isaac Hers: The Year in Photos

What a year!  So much hard work, focus and commitment went into making 2011 such a great year, and not just by myself.  I owe a thank you to many people.  A great year, great memories, great colleagues and GREAT CUSTOMERS!!  Thanks to all of  you, I cannot name everyone, but here is a photo montage of there year – At least most if it!   I am grateful for all the love and support!

Our very cold Fall Collection Photoshoot in Shaniko, OR.  Almost froze our model, Cora Benesh, to death.  She never companied.  Thank goodness our photographer, Kevin Focht, brought the propane heater!!

Isaac Hers Store Buildout!  Seems like forever ago, and at the time I swore to everyone that I would never build out another store.   We’ll see….  A huge thanks to Kyja King for all your hard work.  Couldn’t have done it without you.  Muah!

 

Goldstruck Fashion Show.  What an outrageously good time and GOOD people.  Thank you Jillian Rabe for talking me into it!!   Thanks for believing in me.

 

Blackbox Grand Opening Party Party  What amazing neighbors we have here at Blackbox!!  Love them all, Solestruck shoes, Tanner Goods, Woodland Tranding Co, Dunderdon and Blackbird!  There was a LOT of music and beer!!!

 

Spring 2012 Photoshoot at the beach!  We  had such a FUN time!  The group was a giggly bunch of gals, who collectively produced a beautiful photoshoot.  Thanks to photographer, Lavenda Memory, stylist, Melissa Lachance, model, Cassie Meder and MUA, Christing Shields.  The 6am call time was totally worth it!

 

Content  What a freaking fun time this was!!  Jillian Rabe, you crack me up and are the BEST!  Thanks for helping me with set up, being there and helping drink all those Pacificos!  After party was fun too, we kicked the keg!

Con El Sol Fashion Show!  The show was a great success and it was so much fun!  Not a single thing went wrong. . . can you image?  Nothing.  Backstage was soooo calm during the show.  Wonderful!  A big thanks to Jillian Rabe and her team for pulling off a spectacular production and making it go sooo smoothly.  Also, hats off to her team for making a KILLER Isaac Hers tequila drink! Mmmm.  A big fat thanks to Melissa Lachance for all her styling help, Kyja King for running the retail store, Prima Salon for getting hair and makeup just right and to all the volunteers who helped dress the models, take tickets and seat the guest.  Thank you all for a very memorable night.  XOXOXO (wish I had better pictures)

 There is so much more that happened last year.  It was a year filled with wonderful people, connections and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.  Thank you all for rocking my world and filling my life with light.  I look forward to all the wonders of 2012.

Much love, Barbara and the Isaac Hers team.

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Melissa

This post is an easy one to write, except I don’t know where to start.  Melissa is just so darn awesome!  You may know Melissa because she used to work at Isaac Hers.  In her short tenure here at the store, she really made a lot of great contributions.  In fact, this whole Isaac Hers Style series was her idea.  It has turned out to be one our best monthly events ever!  Melissa’s talents were quickly snatched up by my neighbor, Solestruck, giving her a well deserved promotion as the manager of their flagship store.  Now we work together on this project highlighting not only Isaac Hers apparel, but also Solestruck shoes!!  Everyone I know loves their shoes, you should check them out if you haven’t already.  Melissa has a tough job huh?

 

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

I knew of Melissa before I knew Melissa.  She worked at Bubble Boutique in the Pearl, and I heard through the grapevine that she was a great stylist.  After hiring her as a stylist one time, she was very quickly the only one I wanted to work with.  Even though she isn’t working at Isaac Hers anymore, I am thrilled to have her as a neighbor at Solestruck, a collaborator in her new job and a friend.   Did I mention that she is really funny . . .  and HOT!

Name: Melissa LaChance
Age: 26
Occupation: Solestruck Flagship Store Manager/Wardrobe Stylist
Any pets/kids? a sweet German Shepherd/Rott mix, Myland

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

What are your go-to accessories? A chunky coral YSL ring that I wear almost everyday, a heart ring with my boyfriend & I’s initials that he got me for Valentine’s Day and lots and lots of bracelets and my AK vintage arrow necklace.

What splurge are you saving for right now? Well I work for Solestruck, so naturally I am always saving for another pair of shoes these days.  The Opening Ceremony Bernadette 2 has been calling my name fro some time now…I’ve also been eyeing the Miu Miu glitter booties from the Fall of 2011 show.  Maybe for a Christmas/birthday present to myself?!

Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style? My friends are always influencing my style. They are some of the most beautiful and stylish women I know (if I do say so myself) and always keep me on my fashion toes. But really everyone and everything is always influencing my style, I take tips and queues from everything around me. One of my very favorite quotes sums it all up.  ”Nothing of me is original.  I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known,” -Chuck Palahniuk

 

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often? My thrifted Wrangler cut off jean shorts have been in constant rotation lately. Also a Bush beer t-shirt of my Dad’s from his college days (it’s unfortunately seen better days and mostly gets saved for home if my boyfriend has anything to say about it) and a pair of knee high Loeffler Randall boots that I’ve told myself for the past 3 years I can not wear again until I get them resoled….

What attracts you to Isaac Hers? I love that Isaac Hers suits everybody. No matter your age, size, style, there is always something from the collection for you, and somehow it still manages to be a cohesive collection. Barb’s eye for wearable, timeless pieces that you’ll keep in your wardrobe rotation forever is just amazing.

What are you wearing (in the photoshoot)? The Bachelor Dress (How could I resist a black and camel Long sleeve shift dress?), black American Apparel Tights and the Opening Ceremony Bernadette 2 platforms from Solestruck that I’ve been lusting over along with THE ring, my AK vintage necklace, and my Ms. Wood bangle along with many other random bangles I’ve collected over the years.

To get Melissa’s hot look stop in Isaac Hers and check out the Bachelor Dress (soon to be on the webstore) and Solestruck for the Opening Ceremony Bernadette 2 platforms.

Photos: Lavenda Memory

Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

 

 

Isaac Hers Style: Behind the Scenes

Well, I have to admit that this shoot took place almost 3 weeks ago.  I have been so busy I didn’t get a chance to post the party pics.  Once again, it was a great time with some great women.

Yes, of course, we always have wine aplenty!  Here Kyja is getting warmed up!

Mckenzie is getting all dolled up!  How thoughtful she was bringing some delicious cookies to share!

Estee is another sweetie from Prima Salon.  Here she is busy getting Alisa’s hair ready for her glamour shot.

Our favorite, most bubbly and hilarious photographer, Lavenda Memory gets her outdoor flash all set up.  Being that this post is so late, I have already seen the photos and they are awesome!!  I absolutely love what she did with the nighttime shots!

And, you know these two!  Jen from Prima works on Melissa’s makeup.  Yes, Melissa was is the shoot this time, representing her bad self and her new role as the manager of Solestruck.  Also, starting with the next set of participants, Solestruck will be styling shoes for the shoot!!

And this is my old buddy from Mississippi, Keiran.  So glad she could be a a part of the shoot.   The party was so much fun that some of us keep it going off-site!!   Can’t wait for you all to see the new pictures!

Isaac Hers presents Spring 2012: Con el Sol

Stepping into the fall fashion season, Portland designer line and store, Isaac Hers welcomes guests to join an evening filled with fashion, runway, shopping, and art.

Con El Sol is a showcase of both in-season shopping (available at Isaac Hers flagship location: 415 SW 13th) and a premier peek into what’s to come from Isaac Hers Spring 2012.

The inspiration for the Spring 2012 collection, “Con el sol” came quite literally from the desire (and direct translation,) “to be with the sun.” “I channeled my love of the beach and memories of vacations south of the border into this warm and bright collection. After 16 years of living in the grey skies of Portland, I found myself needing a little beach retreat.” This collection combines the spirit and color of Latin American tradition and the peacefulness of relaxing by the ocean, then marrying it all together in an urban, and sophisticated ensemble.

We look forward to seeing you!! It is going to be a great show and a memorable evening!

Date:   October 6th, 2011
Location:  Really Big Video Studio,525 NW 10th
Time:   Doors 6:30pm, Show 8pm
Tickets:   Front Row/Gift Bag- $40
Seated – $30
Standing – $15
Student(showing ID at the door) – $10

Purchase tickets right here on the Isaac Hers website.

Production Haus: Jillian Rabe LLC
Special thanks to our sponsors including: Solestruck, Prima Salon, Bridgeport Brewing

Photo credits:
Photography: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Christine Shields
Model: Cassie Meder
Styling: Melissa Lachance

Isaac Hers presents Spring 2012: Con el Sol

Stepping into the fall fashion season, Portland designer line and store, Isaac Hers welcomes guests to join an evening filled with fashion, runway, shopping, and art.

Con El Sol is a showcase of both in-season shopping (available at Isaac Hers flagship location: 415 SW 13th) and a premier peek into what’s to come from Isaac Hers Spring 2012.

The inspiration for the Spring 2012 collection, “Con el sol” came quite literally from the desire (and direct translation,) “to be with the sun.” “I channeled my love of the beach and memories of vacations south of the border into this warm and bright collection. After 16 years of living in the grey skies of Portland, I found myself needing a little beach retreat.” This collection combines the spirit and color of Latin American tradition and the peacefulness of relaxing by the ocean, then marrying it all together in an urban, and sophisticated ensemble.

We look forward to seeing you!! It is going to be a great show and a memorable evening!

Date:   October 6th, 2011
Location:  Really Big Video Studio,525 NW 10th
Time:   Doors 6:30pm, Show 8pm
Tickets:   Front Row/Gift Bag- $40
Seated – $30
Standing – $15
Student(showing ID at the door) – $10

Purchase tickets right here on the Isaac Hers website.

Production Haus: Jillian Rabe LLC
Special thanks to our sponsors including: Solestruck, Prima Salon, Bridgeport Brewing

Photo credits:
Photography: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Christine Shields
Model: Cassie Meder
Styling: Melissa Lachance

Isaac Hers Spring 2012 Photoshoot- On Location

Well, you just cannot get a more beautiful location for a shoot.  The Oregon coast is simply breathtaking, full of mood and every changing weather.  We hoped for sunshine, since the spring collection is all about it, and we got some, here and there.  For the shoot, I had the pleasure of working with photographer, Lavenda Memory.  She set an early call time so we could catch the morning light.  We met at her house at 6am, a little groggy still, then carpooled out to the beach.

Since we were outdoors, we had to prep and chow down at the public restroom in Cannon Beach.  Glamorous, right!  Above Melissa Lachance, my trusty stylist, and Stephanie Maul, wake up with some delicious bagels.  Stephanie came along as part of Jillian Rabe‘s team to get some great video for my fall fashion show.

Make up artist Christine Shields works her magic on model, Cassie Meder.  Once Cassie is ready, including an improptu manicure, we make the quick jaunt over to the beach.

I cannot speak for everyone, but arriving at the coast and seeing the ocean just put me in a great mood.  Above Cassie and Lavenda warm up.

Melissa is an amazing wardrobe stylist and came prepared to help complete each look.  Her little bag of tricks should not be underestimated!

We spent at lot of time making sure that the styling was just right.  Melissa will go to any length to make sure we have what we need for each look.  Here she secretly poaches a flower….I didn’t see anything.

At the beach, Lavenda and Cassie worked it!

While the beach was beautiful, it was a little bit chilly, and as usual, our model needed a little warming up during breaks.  Cassie was a trooper!

Ooh, Stephanie, busy taking candid photos and gathering great video.  Thank you for tagging along!!

In any shoot, there is always a big team who really puts everything together making it just right.  This one was no different, and I have to say that I had a really great time with all involved.  We worked well together and all contributed to the final product!!  Love having that kind of synergy.  Also, we managed to laugh our asses off……..always a good sign!

A big fat thank you to everyone!!  Love you all so much.  Until next time!

 

 

 

Isaac Hers Spring 2012 Photoshoot- On Location

Well, you just cannot get a more beautiful location for a shoot.  The Oregon coast is simply breathtaking, full of mood and every changing weather.  We hoped for sunshine, since the spring collection is all about it, and we got some, here and there.  For the shoot, I had the pleasure of working with photographer, Lavenda Memory.  She set an early call time so we could catch the morning light.  We met at her house at 6am, a little groggy still, then carpooled out to the beach.

Since we were outdoors, we had to prep and chow down at the public restroom in Cannon Beach.  Glamorous, right!  Above Melissa Lachance, my trusty stylist, and Stephanie Maul, wake up with some delicious bagels.  Stephanie came along as part of Jillian Rabe‘s team to get some great video for my fall fashion show.

Make up artist Christine Shields works her magic on model, Cassie Meder.  Once Cassie is ready, including an improptu manicure, we make the quick jaunt over to the beach.

I cannot speak for everyone, but arriving at the coast and seeing the ocean just put me in a great mood.  Above Cassie and Lavenda warm up.

Melissa is an amazing wardrobe stylist and came prepared to help complete each look.  Her little bag of tricks should not be underestimated!

We spent at lot of time making sure that the styling was just right.  Melissa will go to any length to make sure we have what we need for each look.  Here she secretly poaches a flower….I didn’t see anything.

At the beach, Lavenda and Cassie worked it!

While the beach was beautiful, it was a little bit chilly, and as usual, our model needed a little warming up during breaks.  Cassie was a trooper!

Ooh, Stephanie, busy taking candid photos and gathering great video.  Thank you for tagging along!!

In any shoot, there is always a big team who really puts everything together making it just right.  This one was no different, and I have to say that I had a really great time with all involved.  We worked well together and all contributed to the final product!!  Love having that kind of synergy.  Also, we managed to laugh our asses off……..always a good sign!

A big fat thank you to everyone!!  Love you all so much.  Until next time!