Making a Wedding Dress for Laura

To date, I haven’t really advertised custom services or taken on many custom clients.  This has everything to do with my already overworked status.  I have only done about 2-3 custom projects a year.  Actually, though, I really love getting to know the client on this level and get a lot of satisfaction from making something that fits perfectly.  So now, since I have hired one of my interns to with the ready-to-wear collection, I am beginning an active effort to promote my custom services.

This video follows me and one of my clients through the process of making her wedding dress dress.  Laura was the bride and what a delight she was to work with.  Not only did she need to ride a bike on her wedding day, but she is very petite.   Both were interesting challenges, but for me, the petite part was the most challenging.  We had to be really careful that the dress didn’t “wear her.”  The design had to highlight her, as a woman, enhance her shape and make sure she didn’t look like the bride’s little sister.  Watch the video to see the process and the final product.

What a great time!  Special thanks to Jillian Rabe for hooking me up with videographer Allan Luebke.  If you have any questions regarding a custom project, please contact me.  I would love to hear what you have in mind!

‘

Making a Wedding Dress for Laura

To date, I haven’t really advertised custom services or taken on many custom clients.  This has everything to do with my already overworked status.  I have only done about 2-3 custom projects a year.  Actually, though, I really love getting to know the client on this level and get a lot of satisfaction from making something that fits perfectly.  So now, since I have hired one of my interns to with the ready-to-wear collection, I am beginning an active effort to promote my custom services.

This video follows me and one of my clients through the process of making her wedding dress dress.  Laura was the bride and what a delight she was to work with.  Not only did she need to ride a bike on her wedding day, but she is very petite.   Both were interesting challenges, but for me, the petite part was the most challenging.  We had to be really careful that the dress didn’t “wear her.”  The design had to highlight her, as a woman, enhance her shape and make sure she didn’t look like the bride’s little sister.  Watch the video to see the process and the final product.

What a great time!  Special thanks to Jillian Rabe for hooking me up with videographer Allan Luebke.  If you have any questions regarding a custom project, please contact me.  I would love to hear what you have in mind!

‘

Goldstruck: Behind the Scenes

It is Monday, the show is over, and I look back with gratitude and respect for all the people involved.  Everyone, I mean everyone, delivered the goods!  This is my opportunity to show you all the important people involved and to thank them publicly.

Let’s start with Melissa Lachance.  Melissa is a wardrobe stylist here in Portland who is a rising talent on the scene.  We worked together on the fall collection photoshoot out in Shaniko, Oregon.  She was instrumental in pulling the looks together.  So, I asked to work with me again on the Goldstruck show.  She was on shoes.  All shoes were generously lent to us by Solestruck Shoes. I know, tough job, right?  Actually, it was a tough job.  We had 10 pair of shoes to be shared across 25 looks for the night.  With all the quick changes there as a  lot of coordination involved.  Not only did the clothing changes have to be ready to go, the shoes needed to get to the right model at the right time.  She handled it beautifully!  Melissa is also really friendly, hilarious and a straight up cool chick.  LOVE her!

Then there was bad-ass Hanna Nissen on makeup.  Seriously people, Hanna delivered the concept, and then some.  This girl really knows what she is doing.  So happy I picked HER!!  Did you know that makeup started at 2pm and that she worked right up until the start of the show without a break?  Take a look at the finished makeup for the fall collection.

GORGEOUS!  Thank you Hanna!!

Another tireless effort from Kellen Eason and his assistant Julie on hair.  This young guy killed it!  He also worked without stopping for 6 hours.  It takes A LOT of time and effort to put on a fashion show.

Kyja, what can I say.  This girl consistently keeps my shit together!  After working all day at the shop, there she was; my assistant, model dresser, quick-change coordinator, and all-round do whatever needs to be done person.  THANK YOU!! While all of that was going on backstage, Jillian Rabe LLC & team were working all the production details, timing every cue for music, lights and video.  She runs one tight ship.  Not one ball was dropped!  That is saying something considering all the details she had to orchestrate.

Time for a run-through, all hands on deck.

Watching the models practice was really great and gave me a sense of what the show would look like.  I spent so much time picking the right music and envisioning the hair, makeup and lighting, that it made me happy to see everything come together so well.  All of us really wanted to “attend” this event.  Ha! I cannot wait to see the video of the actual show.

Also, I want to thank Portland Design Collective for letting us use their space.  It was perfect in every way.  I really appreciate their flexibility.

Last but not least are all the beautiful models!!  You all were fabulous to work with and looked stunning!  You are the vessels upon which I project the concept and tell the story.  Thank you all so much for bringing the right feeling to the show.  Love you all!

Thank you to all involved, from the bottom of my heart!!  Stay tuned, more photos and video to come.

Goldstruck: Behind the Scenes

It is Monday, the show is over, and I look back with gratitude and respect for all the people involved.  Everyone, I mean everyone, delivered the goods!  This is my opportunity to show you all the important people involved and to thank them publicly.

Let’s start with Melissa Lachance.  Melissa is a wardrobe stylist here in Portland who is a rising talent on the scene.  We worked together on the fall collection photoshoot out in Shaniko, Oregon.  She was instrumental in pulling the looks together.  So, I asked to work with me again on the Goldstruck show.  She was on shoes.  All shoes were generously lent to us by Solestruck Shoes. I know, tough job, right?  Actually, it was a tough job.  We had 10 pair of shoes to be shared across 25 looks for the night.  With all the quick changes there as a  lot of coordination involved.  Not only did the clothing changes have to be ready to go, the shoes needed to get to the right model at the right time.  She handled it beautifully!  Melissa is also really friendly, hilarious and a straight up cool chick.  LOVE her!

Then there was bad-ass Hanna Nissen on makeup.  Seriously people, Hanna delivered the concept, and then some.  This girl really knows what she is doing.  So happy I picked HER!!  Did you know that makeup started at 2pm and that she worked right up until the start of the show without a break?  Take a look at the finished makeup for the fall collection.

GORGEOUS!  Thank you Hanna!!

Another tireless effort from Kellen Eason and his assistant Julie on hair.  This young guy killed it!  He also worked without stopping for 6 hours.  It takes A LOT of time and effort to put on a fashion show.

Kyja, what can I say.  This girl consistently keeps my shit together!  After working all day at the shop, there she was; my assistant, model dresser, quick-change coordinator, and all-round do whatever needs to be done person.  THANK YOU!! While all of that was going on backstage, Jillian Rabe LLC & team were working all the production details, timing every cue for music, lights and video.  She runs one tight ship.  Not one ball was dropped!  That is saying something considering all the details she had to orchestrate.

Time for a run-through, all hands on deck.

Watching the models practice was really great and gave me a sense of what the show would look like.  I spent so much time picking the right music and envisioning the hair, makeup and lighting, that it made me happy to see everything come together so well.  All of us really wanted to “attend” this event.  Ha! I cannot wait to see the video of the actual show.

Also, I want to thank Portland Design Collective for letting us use their space.  It was perfect in every way.  I really appreciate their flexibility.

Last but not least are all the beautiful models!!  You all were fabulous to work with and looked stunning!  You are the vessels upon which I project the concept and tell the story.  Thank you all so much for bringing the right feeling to the show.  Love you all!

Thank you to all involved, from the bottom of my heart!!  Stay tuned, more photos and video to come.

preparing goldstruck

Well, now that the Mercury show is over, I can now focus wholly on Goldstruck.  I am really excited about this show.  Not only is it my first solo show but the Fall 2011 collection is the largest and most cohesive to date.    It will be a thrill to show it to you.   As you may have read, the inspiration for the collection is rooted in the Oregon high desert.  This beautiful state of ours has such an amazing and diverse topography.  I spend a lot of time in Central Oregon with my family and it has become my touchstone for emotional and spiritual connection.  It is a place for reflection, communing with loved ones and being with nature.  Ah, just writing about it ignites a craving for the next visit.  Can’t wait.

In the meantime, planning and preparation are in full swing.  I have been lucky to land some wonderful sponsors.  The Portland Design Collective has generously allowed us to use their beautiful space.  At almost 4000 sq. ft. it can hold the expected crowd handily.  Also, Solestruck Shoes, our soon-to-be new neighbor, is supplying shoes!  I am so grateful for their participation.

Probably most importantly, Jillian Rabe is producing the show.  This girl has a remarkable attitude, full of can-do and positive energy.  She is working hard with lighting and audio/visual to make sure we are all set for the multi-media part of the show.  The fashions of course are central, but the mood is tremendously important to me.   Also, having participated in several of the group shows she has produced and seeing her back stage crew operate, I know I am in good hands.  Her hard work and support are what make this whole thing possible.

Also, I am lucky to have the awesome Hanna Nissen on makeup.  She did my makeup for the Boutiques Unleashed fashion show.  I loved what she did with my makeup and could not forget her wonderfully positive and happy personality.  So, I requested her personally.  I am thrilled she is on board.  I am also lucky to have Kellen  Eason on hair.  While I do not know him personally, he comes highly recommended by many.  I will meet him today and I can’t wait!

You can purchase tickets right here on my website.  Standing tickets are $10 and seated tickets are $20.  Seated tickets include an awesome swag bag, 1 complimentary drink ticket and entrance to the after party at the new Isaac Hers store!  That is time you get to chat with me, since I will be too busy at the show.  Seated tickets are limited and selling, so if that is what you want, I suggest getting them sooner rather than later. Standing tickets will also be available at the door for $13, so better to save an buy in advance.  I look forward the post-show socializing! Hope to see you.

When:  Saturday May 21st

Where: Portland Design Collective -902 SW Morrison St.  Portland, OR 97209

Time: Doors 7pm, show 8pm

And, so, I am off to work.  First, Fabric Depot, then Portland Garment Factory, then meetings and model fittings.  Another day, another design.  Warm wishes.

Photography:  Kevin Focht

Hair/MU:  Katherine Ross

Styling: Melissa Lachance

Model: Cora Benesh

preparing goldstruck

Well, now that the Mercury show is over, I can now focus wholly on Goldstruck.  I am really excited about this show.  Not only is it my first solo show but the Fall 2011 collection is the largest and most cohesive to date.    It will be a thrill to show it to you.   As you may have read, the inspiration for the collection is rooted in the Oregon high desert.  This beautiful state of ours has such an amazing and diverse topography.  I spend a lot of time in Central Oregon with my family and it has become my touchstone for emotional and spiritual connection.  It is a place for reflection, communing with loved ones and being with nature.  Ah, just writing about it ignites a craving for the next visit.  Can’t wait.

In the meantime, planning and preparation are in full swing.  I have been lucky to land some wonderful sponsors.  The Portland Design Collective has generously allowed us to use their beautiful space.  At almost 4000 sq. ft. it can hold the expected crowd handily.  Also, Solestruck Shoes, our soon-to-be new neighbor, is supplying shoes!  I am so grateful for their participation.

Probably most importantly, Jillian Rabe is producing the show.  This girl has a remarkable attitude, full of can-do and positive energy.  She is working hard with lighting and audio/visual to make sure we are all set for the multi-media part of the show.  The fashions of course are central, but the mood is tremendously important to me.   Also, having participated in several of the group shows she has produced and seeing her back stage crew operate, I know I am in good hands.  Her hard work and support are what make this whole thing possible.

Also, I am lucky to have the awesome Hanna Nissen on makeup.  She did my makeup for the Boutiques Unleashed fashion show.  I loved what she did with my makeup and could not forget her wonderfully positive and happy personality.  So, I requested her personally.  I am thrilled she is on board.  I am also lucky to have Kellen  Eason on hair.  While I do not know him personally, he comes highly recommended by many.  I will meet him today and I can’t wait!

You can purchase tickets right here on my website.  Standing tickets are $10 and seated tickets are $20.  Seated tickets include an awesome swag bag, 1 complimentary drink ticket and entrance to the after party at the new Isaac Hers store!  That is time you get to chat with me, since I will be too busy at the show.  Seated tickets are limited and selling, so if that is what you want, I suggest getting them sooner rather than later. Standing tickets will also be available at the door for $13, so better to save an buy in advance.  I look forward the post-show socializing! Hope to see you.

When:  Saturday May 21st

Where: Portland Design Collective -902 SW Morrison St.  Portland, OR 97209

Time: Doors 7pm, show 8pm

And, so, I am off to work.  First, Fabric Depot, then Portland Garment Factory, then meetings and model fittings.  Another day, another design.  Warm wishes.

Photography:  Kevin Focht

Hair/MU:  Katherine Ross

Styling: Melissa Lachance

Model: Cora Benesh

Isaac Hers Fall 2011 – On Location

It just doesn’t get more beautiful than this.  After rescheduling once due to really nasty weather, the photo shoot actually happened.  Myself and the crew drove out to beautiful Central, Oregon – Shaniko, to be exact.  This was a 3 hour drive out to the middle of nowhere to get the perfect location.  We got really lucky and had GORGEOUS weather the whole time, lots of sunshine and a big, glorious sky.

As you know, the inspiration for the fall collection resides in the dusty, undulating desert of  Central, Oregon.  Peaceful, beautiful, rural tranquility.  I spend a good deal of time in Bend, OR with my family and find that all my troubles trickle out my toes once I cross over the Cascade Mountain Range and enter the high desert.  I am so lucky to have a crew willing to go the distance for the perfect location.

Shaniko is a little town out in the middle of Nowhere, OR. That isn’t really a town name, but it should be.  It was a former gold-rush town but faded away.  Several years ago, it was restored by a wealthy patron/developer to an almost movie-set quality.  Perfect!

Above, the esteemed Katherine Ross, the hair and makeup artist on location, gets Cora Benesh all dolled up.  And yes, if you are in the know, Cora works at the shop.  She, however, is also a very talented model/actress/filmaker.  Lucky to have her around!

I also had the pleasure of working with Kevin Focht.  This guy has an undeniable eye for composition and skill with the camera that you just feel completely comfortable in his hands.  I am so thankful to have had such an experienced, talented and professional crew.  A zen trio right here!

This is Melissa LaChance, stylist extraordinairre.  She was instrumental in helping me flesh-out the concept and bring it life on location.  Professional, supportive, and pretty darn hilarious person.  Love her!

Then there is my secret-agent, Jillian Rabe!  (She is squating in the red hat)  Tellin’ ya, this girl can make just about anything happen in the name of fashion.  She came along to get some film footage for our little web-series, On The Bias, and for another secret project, soon to be revealed!  Don’t you love secret agents working on secret projects!

Did I mention it was cold, cold, cold.  Cora, what a professional and clearly the most exposed, was sick and turning blue out there, but managed to keep upbeat and get the shot!!  Even while freezing out butts off, we all managed to have some fun.  I can’t wait to see the final product.  Here are some more pictures from the shoot, enjoy!

Isaac Hers Fall 2011 – On Location

It just doesn’t get more beautiful than this.  After rescheduling once due to really nasty weather, the photo shoot actually happened.  Myself and the crew drove out to beautiful Central, Oregon – Shaniko, to be exact.  This was a 3 hour drive out to the middle of nowhere to get the perfect location.  We got really lucky and had GORGEOUS weather the whole time, lots of sunshine and a big, glorious sky.

As you know, the inspiration for the fall collection resides in the dusty, undulating desert of  Central, Oregon.  Peaceful, beautiful, rural tranquility.  I spend a good deal of time in Bend, OR with my family and find that all my troubles trickle out my toes once I cross over the Cascade Mountain Range and enter the high desert.  I am so lucky to have a crew willing to go the distance for the perfect location.

Shaniko is a little town out in the middle of Nowhere, OR. That isn’t really a town name, but it should be.  It was a former gold-rush town but faded away.  Several years ago, it was restored by a wealthy patron/developer to an almost movie-set quality.  Perfect!

Above, the esteemed Katherine Ross, the hair and makeup artist on location, gets Cora Benesh all dolled up.  And yes, if you are in the know, Cora works at the shop.  She, however, is also a very talented model/actress/filmaker.  Lucky to have her around!

I also had the pleasure of working with Kevin Focht.  This guy has an undeniable eye for composition and skill with the camera that you just feel completely comfortable in his hands.  I am so thankful to have had such an experienced, talented and professional crew.  A zen trio right here!

This is Melissa LaChance, stylist extraordinairre.  She was instrumental in helping me flesh-out the concept and bring it life on location.  Professional, supportive, and pretty darn hilarious person.  Love her!

Then there is my secret-agent, Jillian Rabe!  (She is squating in the red hat)  Tellin’ ya, this girl can make just about anything happen in the name of fashion.  She came along to get some film footage for our little web-series, On The Bias, and for another secret project, soon to be revealed!  Don’t you love secret agents working on secret projects!

Did I mention it was cold, cold, cold.  Cora, what a professional and clearly the most exposed, was sick and turning blue out there, but managed to keep upbeat and get the shot!!  Even while freezing out butts off, we all managed to have some fun.  I can’t wait to see the final product.  Here are some more pictures from the shoot, enjoy!