FashionNXT Day 2 Preview

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Kemea Smith, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Amy Sim design Photo Credit: FashionNXT facebook page (image cropped)

Northwest designers and Up/NXT emerging designer contestants show their collections at Station Place tomorrow for the second night of FashionNXT.

Each night before the shows, check out FashionNXT Plaza, a showcase focusing on brands that are leading the frontier of fashion, accessories, and technology. Meet some of the designers, grab a cocktail or two, and dance to the music before the shows at FashionNXT Plaza, beginning at 6 p.m.

Northwest Designer Showcase

Amy Sim, winner of FashionNXT’s emerging designer contest, Up/NXT, and contestant on "Project Runway: Under The Gunn," will be showing a full collection on the runway this Thursday. The local, up-and-coming designer showed polished and high-end silk, cotton, and hemp garments on the runway during the Up/NXT contest last year. Prepare to see quality pieces with clean lines and classic, all-American prints and styles.

Originally from Mumbai, Swati Padmaraj, founder and designer of fashion house Àtiz, mixes traditional eye-catching fabrics and classic Western silhouettes, creating modern looks for the woman who is on the go, traveling the world. Expect flattering silk trench gowns, vibrant maxi dresses, and tailored peplum jackets to stroll down the runway during the showing of Àtiz’s Spring/ Summer 2015 collection.

Sonia Kasparian, designer of Urchin ReDesign, recently wowed Portland Fashion Week attendees with a collection of sexy lingerie and hand-dyed dresses. The collections are tailored to perfection and include romantic vintage, heirloom, and modern fabrics, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.

Art Institute of Portland alumna Stephanie D debuted her couture bridal and evening wear collection at the 2009 Portland Fashion Week. She will be bringing a Parisian Chic-inspired collection of silk, French lace and a touch of masculine edge to the FashionNXT runway.

Photo Credit: FashionNXT facebook page (image cropped)

Up/NXT The Emerging Designer Contests

Up/NXT Emerging Designer Competition finalists present their collections to the judging panel and audience members this Thursday. The winner of the Up/NXT competition will win prizes from Kuni Lexus of Portland, a computer system from INTEL, and a photo-shoot with David Bently, publisher of About Face Magazine.

Wendy Ohlendorf of Magenta showed her amazing Metropolis-inspired collection to Portland Fashion Week attendees last week. The collection features a music and dance performance, with elaborate headpieces and geometric-printed dresses. The collection is one you don't want to miss this year, and will be presented by FashionNXT.

Myriam Marcela prides herself on using sustainable resources whenever possible to create effortlessly chic clothing. Bold floral prints and classic separates will dominate Marcela’s ready-to-wear Spring 2015 collection.

Cyndi Koon, designer of Olive Clothier, is the final designer showing her collection as a Up/NXT finalist. Koon got a degree in Costume Design at Penn State University before going back to school at the Art Institute of Portland. Her “Cold Blue” collection, showing at FashionNXT, is inspired by the states of water.

The party is not over after the runway show; buy tickets to the after party, starting at 10 p.m. at 1139 NW Couch St. (formerly PF Chang's).

Buy tickets to FashionNXT here.

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