Chorus girls.

I finally stumbled upon these great portraits Lisa shot of all the participating designers at Content. I co-created an installation based on a 1930s backstage dressing room with the lovely Sarah of Lille Boutique. I think I kind of resemble a creepy doll in this picture (compare with Sarah--there's a girl who knows how to strike a pose), but this photo does really capture the scene. You can view more portraits here.

Treasure Chest.

Shannon is a talented photographer who paid the shop a little visit a few months back. She ended up walking out the door with one of my favorite pieces--my Treasure Chest dress, which she planned to wear in a portrait shoot where, she (for once!) was the subject.

It makes me happy when creative people/makers of things treat themselves to something made/done by someone else--it reminds me that the handmade, artisan, one-of-a-kind love really is circling, circling the universe. This sounds a bit grand, but it feels kind of world-changing. Thanks again, Shannon--for loving the Treasure Chest and wearing it so well.

American Gothic.

Customized silk chiffon gown with dotted tulle flounce, silk flower embellishment, dotted tulle ruffle bolero. Congratulations, Christine!

I might freak out just a little bit...

...because I finally have pictures of Robin's totally delightful wedding. I loved making her dress so much. Silk satin and blush organza and vintage pearls and dotted tulle, oh my!
Sunlight cooperating. No mean feat on windswept Orcas Island. I think the dress has magic powers.
I mean, come on.
...and one with the ladies, adorable six times in Simple Silhouettes' Aster dress.

Robin, thanks for choosing me to design your dress, and for your bold sense of style.

{pssst, being a total knockout doesn't hurt}

Taking the plunge.

New photos of Brittni's wedding...she wore the Jenny Yoo "Alana" dress in silk shantung...

...and I embellished the plunging back with silk organza flowers and streamers.
Her mom even added little silk streamers to the back of her wooden peg cake topper.
Pie topper, I should say. Congratulations, Brittni!

A star is born.

Love this photo Kimi Kolba shared with me of Annie's dress (Jenny Yoo's Jocelyn, ordered from The English Dept.) and jacket (custom designed by me). I love how the dress appears to be waiting...this little lady is ready for her debut!

Storyville dress.

The first creation in my new studio! A bit racy, a bit demure. Black and gold stripes look very smart, don't you think? I named it Storyville because the fabric reminds me of this haunting Bellocq photo:

My Brooklyn bride, part two.

Angie just sent me these beautiful bridge-in-the-background pictures of her Brooklyn wedding, wearing this dress. This one was one of my favorites of the year. Lace collage empire bodice with silk organza layered skirt.

Three of my favorite things.

1. Love
2. A pretty girl in a great dress
3. Portland, Oregon

Congratulations, Emily! [pop print hammered silk charmeuse wedding dress]

A little plaid for winter.

Hooded shrug made from vintage Pendleton wool and lined in black silk satin.

Married in wellies.

Loren at her wedding. I love the honest Northwest footwear!

A "Content"-ed sigh.

Polaroids from our Content fashion installation Sunday at the Ace Hotel. We had a fine old time kicking up our heels in our suite, which we staged as a 1930s-era backstage dressing room. Thanks to lovely models Carlie, Bree, Clara, Robyn and Sally, makeup magician Katy, and co-host Sarah of Lille Boutique.

...the details...

Miss Clara and me in Dayna Pinkham hats.

Fine day for a funeral.

It's been a whirlwind of events this last week! I've finally gotten around to posting a few photos of the Procession, a truly memorable fashion show orchestrated by talented milliner Dayna Pinkham. Portland designers were each asked to contribute an ensemble, to be crowned by one of Dayna's incredible hats. This is my piece, entitled Nevermore. Crumpled cotton faille gown with corset bodice and flounce train. Tattered organza bolero. Here are a few more of my favorite designs from the show:
Dresses by Kate Towers.
Dress by Emily Ryan. More gorgeous photos by Lisa Warninger here. I don't know about you, but I'll take a fashion funeral over the regular kind any day.

More Emily...

...because she's just such a dish and these pictures are so great. Thanks, Emily x 2 (the bride and the photographer!).

This Sunday: Content '09

This weekend I'll be participating in Content, a unique fashion event at the Ace Hotel. It's a great opportunity to view the work of Portland independent clothing designers close up, meet the creators, and sashay around a stylish hotel. More info here. Hope to see you there!

Old School.

Emily was just married at the Kennedy School. Custom tea length wedding dress in ivory silk/cotton and with deep pleats, a jewel neckline and pockets (today's bride simply must have pockets). Topped with an ivory ruffle bolero with custom silk flower appliqués. Photo by Emily Garrick-Steenson.

Ready for her closeup.

Custom dress for Loren in ivory silk taffeta with tulle overlay and tulle illusion bodice. Embellished with silver beaded embroidery at waist. Her wedding's happening...right now! Congratulations, Loren. You look truly adorable.

The bride wore blue.

Suzette in the Thread Liddy dress in Dutch Blue silk taffeta. Custom ribbon sash with lace embroidery detail.

Just married...

...with the smiles to prove it. This photo is my very first from Robin, a stunner who wore one of my favorite designs this season. More to come...