Our third Sorrento Series GRAY Conversation, in partnership with IDSWest, is tomorrow. GRAY is bringing together some of the region's top fashion designers for a conversation about what's happening in the PNW fashion world. From clothing and jewelry to handbags and shoes, this panel of sartorial all-stars will talk about how we went from sportswear to street chic. We chatted with our panelists about the start of their careers, their favorite garments, and who they dream of dressing.
Join us at the Sorrento for cocktails (cash bar) in Top of the Town at 6 pm. Panel discussion starts at 7 pm.
Tickets are still available HERE.
How would you
describe your personal style?
It’s about merging historic styles with my own modern
designs to create a soulful, authentic expression of who I am. I try to infuse
each of my styles with the perfect combination of inspiration from the past and
something brand-new from my mind. It ends up looking something like buckskin
fringe with modern denim, Chelsea boots with riding pants, or my very favorite
Masonic jacket from 1915 with high-waisted cords… and heaps of hand-woven
scarves and as much jewelry as I can muster.
How did you first get
into fashion?
I started sewing as a child and found that fabric was the
thing I was most excited to work with. Years on stage with a rock-and-roll band
were followed by years in art school that formed a life completely surrounded
by clothing. Every facet of my life today is about the cultural impact clothing
can make. I seek this through my own work as a fashion designer, and also when
I teach art at the University of Washington.
What is your favorite
piece you’ve ever made?
 |
| American Flag prism vest by Michael Cepress; Image by Chandler Coles |
My favorite piece is my American Flag prism vest from my 2013
American Dreaming Collection. This piece is constructed from actual 1940s and
1950s flags.
What is the most
exciting part of the fashion scene here in the Northwest?
What excites me most is Seattle’s interest in knowing where
things come from, and individuals finding a way for fashion to express who they
truly are. While mass-produced box-store fashions exists, there is a culture of
people interested in knowing the true origin of the things they bring into
their lives—their food, their clothing, etcetera—and doing it in a way that is
particularly in touch with their lifestyle and personal philosophies.
What fall trends are
you looking forward to most?
I look forward to the cultural trend of people ditching fast
fashion in exchange for the much more meaningful and powerful designs of
independent artists and craftspeople.
In my world, I am getting into this even more deeply through
my new role as Guest Curator at the Bellevue Arts Museum. This fall we will be
making a great splash with an exhibition,
“Counter-Couture: Fashioning Identity in the American Counterculture,” a
large-scale exhibition devoted to the best and brightest handmade styles from
the 1960s and 1970s. These clothes show you how to pack amazing amounts of
style, politics, and personal identity into every thread on your back.
If you could design
an outfit for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Little Richard.
How would you
describe your personal style?
I dress to feel good. I like to be comfortable while feeling
feminine. It’s more important to
wear what you like and what looks good on your body rather than what’s trendy.
How did you first get
into fashion?
In 7th grade we made boxer shorts in our home
economics class and that was it. I loved sewing right away.
 |
| The Compassion dress by Nicole Bridger. |
What is your favorite
piece you’ve ever made?
The compassion dress, from my Spring 2012 line. It comes
back season after season and people still love it. The drape is interesting yet
timeless. It has a modern romantic feel to it.
What is the most
exciting part of the fashion scene here in the Northwest?
The innovation around sustainability. It’s a newer industry
for the West Coast; we don’t have old traditions that we are struggling to
change. We can create it however we want.
What fall trends are
you looking forward to most?
I don’t believe in trends. We need to have a deeper
relationship with our clothing than allowing someone else to tell us what is
hip to wear. That said, I love fall; it is a fun time to get out the sweaters,
scarves, boots, and hats and layer them all together.
If you could design
an outfit for anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
My mother’s mother. I never got to meet her; she died when
my mom was 12. She was beautiful and had great style. It would be lovely to
have a conversation with her.
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