We’re tremendously excited to announce an upcoming trunk show featuring three very talented local designers!
On October 4th, to coincide with First Thursday, we’ll be offering first dibs on three incredible and really unique accessory, clothing and jewelry collections: Reif by Lindsey Reif, Ann-Ya by Anja Verdugo and Jesseca Anne by Jesseca McCloskey. Add to that fortune telling courtesy of Psychic Siamese Terror, cocktails and snacks, dance tunes, and of course, a fashion show… it’s going to be so much fun!
You’re invited – please join us to preview these designers incredible fall collections, have your fortune read and welcome the change of season and advent of fall!
***
Previously, we interviewed Jess about her jewelry design and the launch of line Jesseca Anne (which you can read here.) Anja’s photography has appeared on our blog before: she took some phenomenal behind-the-scenes photos for the Eden Look Book we shot last fall; she also designs and sews clothing and accessories for a (semi-) eponymous line, Ann-Ya. Lindsey Reif is a clothing and accessories designer whose designs channel a vintage influence with urban appeal, balanced with a regard to natural landscapes.
We asked each of these talented ladies a handful of questions about inspirations, trends and what they’re looking forward to as we turn the corner into fall:
Eden: In regards to your newest / most recent collection, from where have you drawn inspiration?
Lindsey Reif: My most recent collection was inspired by 60s French Ye-Ye singers, in particular Francoise Hardy. The thing I love the most about these ladies is they appear to be sweet but are really no-nonsense, cool chicks, which is the type of woman I design for. The song that I used for my video lookbook, “Laisse tomber les Filles” by France Gall, is all about a girl who is tired of getting played and she’s telling the guy that he’d better stop breaking girl’s hearts or he’s going to find his broken one day.
Anja Verdugo: The pieces that I am creating for Eden will be unique to the shop, and I am definitely being influenced by the aura of dark beauty that inspires the space. The vision powering this collection is that of an old rose found within a charred, post-apocalyptic environment, preserved but imperfect. A memory of beauty in a harsh environment.
Jesseca McCloskey: My biggest inspiration this season came from watching the 1927 film, Metropolis. I have always been drawn to style of the 1920′s and l instantly fell in love with this 1920′s version of the future! I’m also forever inspired by art deco and art nouveau jewelry and strive to reinterpret those classic styles in new, modern ways.
Design by Reif.
Eden: Can you talk a little bit about the creative process of conceiving and executing this collection?
Lindsey: I usually go through and collect images that I like from the internet and magazines, and then I organize them into categories, like era or mood. Then I just let things develop organically – I’ll usually design one key inspiration piece for a collection, and then the rest just seem to flow around that. Right now I sew everything myself, so it’s a very hands on process – I spend a lot of time with each garment.
Anja: I’ve been inspired by dark textures and shapes, and the way that they can be infinitely combined, working together to create a subtle but powerful aesthetic. I’ve been searching extensively for the right materials, and have allowed them to dictate my design choices.
Jess: This one actually surprised me since I wasn’t trying to design a new collection when the inspiration struck… I was just trying to be lazy and watch a movie! But as soon as I started watching Metropolis I was flooded with ideas (I kept having to pause it to sketch!). The sketches that I made while watching the film are the foundation pieces of the collection and I’ve built upon them as I’ve sourced materials. I chose to use some semi-precious stones this time like labradorite, pyrite and green adventurine and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Eden: What type of style might the person who wears / carries your designs possess?
Lindsey: The woman that wears my pieces isn’t a slave to trends, yet still likes to look modern and relevant. She has a solid idea of her own personal style and isn’t afraid to take a risk and wear something edgy like studded shoes with a vintage dress or bold accessories. Overall her style is classic and effortless, and she buys pieces that she knows will be versatile in her wardrobe and look good for seasons to come.
Anja: They are a person who selects clothing and accessories thoughtfully, but decisively, understanding their own personal talismans and what makes them feel powerful. It’s less about the exact styles and more focused on the idea that aesthetically-driven people can pinpoint certain things that they want to channel and the way they dress can help to draw these things up from within. I want people to wear or carry my pieces when they feel that it belongs with them, working in unison with their existing selves and adding to their personal magic.
Jess: I love the range I’ve seen in the type of women who wear my designs. I think my jewelry appeals to women who possess their own unique sense of style. My ladies pay attention to the current trends but don’t often care to follow them. They like to set themselves apart from the crowd and know that the secret to a great outfit is all about the jewelry!
Design by Ann-Ya.
Eden: What styles are you excited to wear or see as the weather cools down and people start dressing for fall?
Lindsey: I’ve been seeing a ton of galaxy prints and I love them. I am excited to see people rocking that print on leggings and bodycon dresses. Also, VELVET EVERYTHING.
Anja: In the winter I love dressing in shades of black and gray, multi-layers and different textures that work together to make me feel ultimately comfortable and in my zone. In Portland I think it is a lifelong project to create your ultimate winter look, since protection from the rain is so crucial. I’m still working on my perfect suit of armor.
Jess: Fall has long been my favorite time of year and I can’t wait to start layering again! I’m always a fan of over-sized tops and cozy sweaters, wedges and lots of jewels! Anja recently described her style inspiration as “Futuristic Flapper” (a concept that definitely relates to my new collection!)… I would absolutely love to see more people interpret that style!
Mark your calendars for October 4th… see you there!
