Portland Sewing

Paris blog 1 aout 2010: La mode de Paris

Sharon — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:22:51 +0000

Designers may come up with fancy flourishes but retailers are playing it safe this Fall. A walk through Paris’ four major shopping areas — Faubourg, Avenue Montaigne, Bon Marche and Printemps/Galeries Lafayette — shows some basic facts:

Flourishes and flounces are dead. Let’s keep it simple and classic. Pleats, of a Catholic schoolgirl kind, are fine.

Black and white are the favorite colors. Some subdued browns, navys and beiges, and some touches of color in the black and white. But when money’s tight, let’s stick to the safe tried-and-true.

Shoulders are strong for the younger set, whether cowled, draped, pleated or gathered.

If you are going to open your wallet, you must have one of three things:

– A leather jacket. In white or black of course.

– A bulky sweater. Nothing better to keep you cozy and warm when the times outside are dreadful.

– Slim pants. Skinny pants still are going strong. Even cargos are close to the body. But no jeggings, leggings or tights in evidence — with one exception (see below).

And if you don’t have a personal stash of gold, then put some on a clunky necklace to wear with your clean white blouse.

So where can we break loose from this puritanical simplicity? In the shoes, of course! Look at these things! Heels are higher than ever, whether stilettos, wedges or boots. Six inches and skinny as nails at Christian Louboutin — which killed my planned buying spree at their little store on the Faubourg. Who can walk in these things?

Okay, so I bought some anyway — but from Costume National instead of Christian. At last I can fulfill my dream of being 6 feet tall!

And to balance things out I got these cute kitten heels from Miumiu. I mean, I do have to walk.

Now for the exception to the leggings. One designer showed laced up leggings at the July RTW shows. Took the dressers one hour per leg to get them on the models. So now we have the pull on kind with fake lacings, writing, crochet, dots and, yes, zippers up the back.

Je t’aime le mode! Je t’aime Paris!

Flourishes and flounces are dead. Let’s keep it simple and classic. Pleats, of a Catholic schoolgirl kind, are fine.

Black and white are the favorite colors. Some subdued browns, navys and beiges, and some touches of color in the black and white. But when money’s tight, let’s stick to the safe tried-and-true.

Shoulders are strong for the younger set, whether cowled, draped, pleated or gathered.

If you are going to open your wallet, you must have one of three things:

– A leather jacket. In white or black of course.

– A bulky sweater. Nothing better to keep you cozy and warm when the times outside are dreadful.

– Slim pants. Skinny pants still are going strong. Even cargos are close to the body. But no jeggings, leggings or tights in evidence — with one exception (see below).

And if you don’t have a personal stash of gold, then put some on a clunky necklace to wear with your clean white blouse.

Okay, so I bought some anyway — but from Costume National instead of Christian. At last I can fulfill my dream of being 6 feet tall!

And to balance things out I got these cute kitten heels from Miumiu. I mean, I do have to walk!

Je t’aime le mode! Je t’aime Paris!

Paris blog 31 juillet 2010: Paris style

Sharon — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:07:55 +0000

No doubt about it. French women have style. Something about them makes them stand out.

Could be the cigarette.

There is somewhat of a standard uniform. A silk knit topped with a thin cardigan. Or a belted chiffon smock and light leather jacket. Then nice slacks, high-heeled sandals, a large purse, an I-phone — and a cigarette.

Slender body, long hair, well-manicured hands and painted toenails (red, coral or tangerine please!). The sandals of choice this year: Espadrilles.

You can spot these young women from a block away whether alone, in a pack or with male colleagues heading to and from the office.

The men are well-groomed with hair slicked back whether long or short. Their uniform: Oxford shirts, no tie, well-cut suits and long-toed shoes.

Older women are easy to spot, too. But they wear dresses, tweedy suits and much more sensible shoes. Think Ferragamos. And they don’t smoke.

Cigarettes and walking. Is this the secret that keeps the French slim? Believe it or not, we saw them exercising this morning, running around a track, kickboxing and cross-training in our neighborhood park, Park Monceau!

Outside of the park, however, only the tourists were wearing running shoes, graphic Ts and shorts (including cutoffs — ugh!).

No doubt about it. French women have style. Something about them makes them stand out.

Could be the cigarette.

Slender body, long hair, well-manicured hands and painted toenails (red, coral or tangerine please!). The sandals of choice this year: Espadrilles. Though as we move into fall, short boots and closed toes are replacing the sandals.

You can spot these young women from a block away whether alone, in a pack or with male colleagues heading to and from the office.

The men are well-groomed with hair slicked back whether long or short. Their uniform: Oxford shirts, no tie, well-cut suits and long-toed shoes.

Older women are easy to spot, too. But they wear dresses, tweedy suits and much more sensible shoes. Think Ferragamos. And they don’t smoke.

Outside of the park, however, only the tourists were wearing running shoes, graphic Ts and shorts (including cutoffs — ugh!).

Paris Blog, 3 aout 2010: Yves the King

Sharon — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:30:10 +0000

Today’s visit to the Yves St. Laurent show brought me pain in two ways:

#1 — That I could never be as good a designer as he. Face it. He invented everything: Sportswear (Ensembles don’t have to match). Leather jackets for women (inspired by Marlon Brando and beatniks). Pants suits (Yes, Dietrich and Hepburn wore them in the movies but Yves brought them to everyday life.) Power suits (Remember those soft bowties as a substitute for a man’s tie when women were trying to break through the glass ceiling?) Safari jackets (An anti-war, anti-hunting statement). Transparency (Today if you see a bra or a brastrap through a chiffon top, no one cares.) Tunic and tights (His contribution to the youth culture of the 1960s. And we’re still wearing them today). Jumpsuits (Ditto.) And my personal favorite — Art in clothing (I made and wore a Mondrian dress in high school and had no idea it was a YSL knock off).

#2 — That he is dead. He died in June 2008, a month before my last visit when I also saw his private studio. We will not see the like of him again. Today’s designers are mostly corporate prostitutes. Yves was his own man. And a beautiful man too. From his youth to when he was old and sick.

We could only examine his garments without touching them. Looking at them as closely as I could without tripping the alarms brought me new insights and gave me two vows. I vow to plough new ground and not borrow from what he already created. And to make clothes that women want today. And I vow to continue perfecting the skills his atelier did so well whether in couture or ready to wear. I bought the 300+ page show catalog. You’ll love it.

Today’s visit to the Yves St. Laurent show brought me pain in two ways:

#1 — That I could never be as good a designer as he. Face facts. He invented everything: Sportswear (Ensembles don’t have to match). Leather jackets for women (inspired by Marlon Brando and beatniks). Pants suits (Yes, Dietrich and Hepburn wore them in the movies but Yves brought them to everyday life.) Power suits (Remember those soft bowties as a substitute for a man’s tie when women were trying to break through the glass ceiling?) Safari jackets (An anti-war, anti-hunting statement). Transparency (Today if you see a bra or a brastrap through a chiffon top, no one cares.) Tunic and tights (His contribution to the youth culture of the 1960s. And we’re still wearing them today). Jumpsuits (Ditto.) And my personal favorite — Art in clothing (I made and wore a Mondrian dress in high school and had no idea it was a YSL knock off).

#2 — That he is dead. He died in June 2008, a month before my last visit when I also saw his retrospective at the Fondation created by his longtime partner, Pierre Berge. We will not see the like of him again. Today’s designers are mostly corporate prostitutes. Yves was his own man. And a beautiful man too. From his youth to when he was old and sick.

One picture shows 1980s supermodel Carla Bruni wearing a “Picasso” wedding dress. She helped curate the show. That’s because she married some guy named Sarkozy and is now first lady of France.

$1,000 Fashion Design Scholarship!

Sharon — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:30:35 +0000

ElisabethMariepicElisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship 2010

Competition: Portland-area high school juniors and seniors for school year 2010-11 interested in pursuing an education in Fashion Design are eligible to participate in this competition. The winner receives $1,000 to study Fashion Design at Portland Sewing, 2111 NE 43rd, Portland OR.

This scholarship enables the winner to study fashion sketching and illustration, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, patternmaking 1 & 2, draping 1 & 2, beginning sewing 1, 2, 3, industrial machine sewing, portfolio preparation and presentation.

The goal: To prepare the student to win entry and possible scholarships to a higher institute of fashion design of their choice.

Winner will also have the opportunity to intern at Nike and blog about their experience on PortlandSewing.com

Entry Requirements and Criteria

Entries are due by August 17, 2010. Submit your entry to “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” c/o Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218. Selection and notification of the winner will be made by September 17, 2010.

Open to full-time high school juniors (grade 11) and seniors (grade 12) in the Portland area for school year 2010-2011.

Your entry must be in a 2”, 8 ½”x11” 3-ring binder and include (in this order):

• Complete entry and release form

• An original apparel design idea showing your design process from original idea to finished product. You show this by giving:

- A written summary of your overall concept with details on fabrics, trims and construction including elements (collars, pockets, sleeves), seams and closures.

- Sketches, illustrations, photographs or digital images of your project as it evolved from concept to completion. Please include front, back, and side views in either the illustrations or photographs.

- A written summary of people that you contacted for information about your project, including the advice they provided and its influence on you.

- A review of influences on your entry, including fashion designers, music, television shows or movies. Please organize these separately on a single 11”x17” inspiration board.

• Your high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA

• A short essay (800 words or less) outlining why your fashion entry is innovative and explaining your interest and motivation for a career in fashion.

About Elisabeth Marie

Born in 1912, Elisabeth Marie grew up in Vienna, Austria where she studied fashion design. She opened her own atelier, making couture for an exclusive clientele until World War II. Since she was a Jew, the Gestapo confiscated her clothing business and she was forced to flee Austria. In March of 1939, she immigrated to the United States and soon relocated to Portland, Oregon.

She re-entered the world of fashion, creating and selling her custom tailoring to wealthy women. She became the first pattern-drafting teacher at Portland Community College after the school was built in the 1960s. Elisabeth Marie held classes in advanced pattern drafting and tailoring in her home until the middle 1970’s when cancer limited her energy.

Elisabeth Marie died in 1978, leaving a legacy of love of sharing and education. Her daughter, Kathrine Grinnell, founded this scholarship in loving memory of Elisabeth.

How to Enter

Complete the attached entry and release form. Submit the entry materials in one package and write “Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Competition” on the package. Essays and information may be submitted on a CD-ROM. Mail all entry materials in an envelope with proper postage to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218. Entries must be received by August 17, 2010. For more information, visit www.portlandsewing.com

Entry and Release Form

Yes! Please enter me in the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Contest 2010 at Portland Sewing!

Name _________________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________________ Date _______________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________

City _______________________State _________________ Zip __________________

Home Phone (_____) ____________________Email __________________________

If under 18, signature of parent or guardian is also required:

_______________________________________________________________________

Print Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________

How did you learn about this competition?

__ From Portland Sewing

__ From the Internet

__ From a friend

__ From a newspaper article

__From a high school teacher

__From an ad

__Other ______________________________________

Submit this form with your entry requirement materials to Portland Sewing, P.O. Box 18147, Portland OR 97218. Entries will be returned by request only and must be picked up at Portland Sewing.

By signing this entry and release form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the official rules and regulations for the Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship Competition and agree to abide by them. I represent that the attached work qualifies for submission to this competition. I hereby irrevocably give my consent to Portland Sewing and to those it may authorize, to photograph, film, and/or videotape me and/or my work, and to quote and record statements made by me and to use, reproduce, publicly display, distribute, sell, and/or create derivative works from my image, images of my work, and statements made by me (with or without my name) and to identify me by name and/or with school and employment information, in all forms of media now known or later developed, including, without limitation, on the Internet, for any editorial, promotional, advertising, trade, commercial, or other purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.

I understand that Portland Sewing and those it may authorize shall not be responsible for unauthorized duplications/use by third parties on the Internet or otherwise. I hereby release Portland Sewing, those it has authorized, and their respective successors and assignees, from any and all claims and/or damages that may arise regarding the use, reproduction, display, distribution, and/or sale of my image or images of my work, or statements made by me as consented to herein, including any claims of defamation, invasion of privacy or infringement of moral rights, rights of publicity, or copyright.

By signing this form, I certify that any work submitted is original and mine alone and that I have the right to grant the permissions herein granted. I have read and understood this form.

Rules: Winners may not substitute, assign or transfer prize or redeem prize for cash. Portland Sewing reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. All prize details are at sponsor’s sole discretion.

Sponsor reserves the right to film, photograph and otherwise record all levels of the competition and use said photographs and recordings in any and all media now known or hereafter created throughout the world in perpetuity for any use whatsoever. Individuals present during any aspect of the competition may be required to execute and return a liability/publicity release which release shall include a grant to Portland Sewing and its designees of the right to use of their names, likenesses and performance for publicity and advertising purposes.

General Conditions: Released Parties (as defined below) are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, stolen, inaccurate, misdirected or undelivered entry materials; or errors or problems of any kind whether human, printing, typographical, mechanical or otherwise relating to or in connection with this competition, including, without limitation, errors or problems which may occur in connection with the administration of the competition, the processing or judging of entry materials, the announcement of the prizes or in any competition-related materials.

Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the competition, as solely determined by Portland Sewing, will be disqualified. All associated entries will be void.

Should any portion of the competition be, in Portland Sewing’s sole opinion, compromised by non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of Portland Sewing, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play, or submission of entries or entry materials, Portland Sewing reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the competition (or any portion thereof) and, at its discretion, determine the winners from all eligible, non-suspect entry materials received prior to action taken using the judging procedures specified herein.

Entrants (and, if eligible minors, their parents or legal guardians), by participating, agree that Portland Sewing, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, prize suppliers, and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability whatsoever for, and shall be held harmless by entrants against, any liability, for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including death, to persons, or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prize or participation in the competition, including any travel or activity related hereto.

Each winner, by acceptance of prize, except where legally prohibited, grants permission for Portland Sewing and its designees to use his/her name, address (city and state), photograph, voice, performance and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further compensation, in all media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Internet and world wide web, in perpetuity, without notice or review or approval. All decisions made by sponsor and judges at all levels of the competition are final and may not be disputed.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010, 5 PM.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Contact: Sharon Blair

Sharon@portlandsewing.com

(503) 927-5457

PORTLAND, Ore. — You have two more weeks to launch your fashion career.

That’s the message from Portland Sewing to Portland area high school juniors and seniors.

Students have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, 5 pm, to submit applications for a scholarship competition that gives the winner $1,000 worth of fashion design classes. The goal: To build a portfolio so the student can gain entry into a fashion design college.

The original deadline was today, Aug. 17. “We have several applicants already,” says Sharon Blair, director of Portland Sewing. “But we wanted to give students two more weeks as they finish their summer vacations and start heading back to school.”

Portland Sewing is a sewing and apparel design school in northeast Portland. The scholarship winner would study such things as fashion illustration, patternmaking, draping, sewing and portfolio preparation.

“Most fashion colleges require a portfolio as part of the application,” Blair says, “and even if you aren’t required to have a portfolio, these classes will give you a jump start for your fashion career.”

The winner also would have a chance to intern at Nike and blog about their experiences at PortlandSewing.com

The scholarship is named for Elisabeth Marie, an Austrian fashion designer and Holocaust refugee who moved to Portland and became one of the first pattern drafting teachers at Portland Community College.

The winner will be announced Sept. 17. To apply, go to http://www.portlandsewing.com/elisabeth-marie-fashion-design-2010-scholarship/

Q. I have a few questions about the scholarship. I am wondering if you are looking for the design and concept of one piece or a collection. Also, when you say “finished product” are you asking for the design(s) to be turned into physical pieces?

Your design and concept could cover one or more pieces. That’s up to you. We’re not looking for anything to be sewn up into physical pieces — we would teach you proper construction.

We’re just looking for your ideas — from the first photographs and pencil doodles to the final “how it would look” drawing. And the drawing doesn’t have to be a polished fashion illustration — we would teach you that.

We’re just looking for the quality of your thought, how you got the idea(s) and how you would put it all together.

———-

Elisabeth Marie Fashion Design Scholarship 2010