AW19 | Editor's Picks
On 19 September, we published our Autumn/Winter ’19 cover story featuring Jeana Turner WEARING selections from Seattle FASHION Houses SCHAI and Akrofi Adjumani. We also FEATURED a variety of designers and Brands whose sense of style exemplifies the Pacific Northwest.
Today we’re taking an expanded look at some of the most ethical, stylish, and surprising apparel and accessories the Northwest has to offer from sources ranging from small-batch independent creators to large-scale international companies you’re sure to love this Holiday season.
— A.M.
November is here, and with it comes the delightful sights, scents, and experiences we’ve come to anticipate all year. Westlake Center is home to the Tree Lighting ceremony, fireworks, carousel, and holiday market. Enchant Christmas at T-Mobile Park and Garden D'lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden offer acres of installations and activities. There are dozens of holiday bazaars and pop-up markets to attend. Restaurants serving seasonal menu additions to entice our palate.
And charitable NGOs are preparing for freezing temperatures and the need for basic living essentials like food, clothing, showers, shelter, and healthcare for families in crisis.
We want to see fashion make life better for everyone in the Northwest. Because fashion is everywhere. And shopping local supports both our local and global communities.
Have a look at our Editor’s Picks for a selection of garments and accessories that are not only stylish, fun, and seasonally appropriate, but make a positive impact on our future together.
Luly Yang has a long list of accolades, though none more celebrated than her work raising funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital Strong Against Cancer, Art With Heart, Camp Korey, Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and many others.
Lisa Marie creates custom bridal, evening, and formalwear for all occasions, having founded her studio after a 6-year tenure with Luly Yang. Lisa has partnered with F-Factor Seattle to raise awareness for youth and teens experiencing homelessness and crisis in King County.
Sarah Alexandra produces their garments with the best luxury cotton, linen, and cashmere textiles they can responsibly source. Each collection is designed in Seattle and constructed in scalable quantities in partnership with a shirting specialist in Canada.
S C H A I was founded in part as a reaction to the devastating effects of the global fashion supply chain, in addition to an exploration and expression of ungendering women’s fashion. Collections are deeply storied and reflect the incredible design and personality of Founder and Creative Director Suk Chai, and are designed in Bellevue with luxury textiles sourced from Italy that are then constructed in New York.
Crescent Down Works has been a Seattle staple since 1974. A multi-generational family business, they’ve employed dozens of people in Seattle and construct each garment in their studio in Pioneer Square. While many products feature the latest styles and innovations, they still create signature pieces based on time-honored patterns dating back to 6 May 1988 for a vintage vibe with authentic origins.
Outdoor Research has been an innovator in outdoor garments and technologies since its beginnings in a basement in 1980 by its physicist and mountaineering founder, Ron Gregg. After a tragic mountaineering accident claimed the lives of Ron and a friend in 2003, Dan Nordstrom took ownership and steered the company into its current successes, employing dozens of local people across multiple disciplines in their Seattle corporate offices, and letting user feedback directly influence their latest product offerings.
TomboyX shares fashion’s greatest agenda—creating space for everyone to embrace who they truly are while managing their supply chain responsibly and with integrity. Their latest appearance as official sponsors of the DapperQ show during New York Fashion Week presents an inspirational and compelling vision that includes representation previously stifled in the world of fashion.
Joy Egbejimba created the Nuciano Scholars program to educate women in Nigeria, as well as the Hope Bag which donates 100% of proceeds to Cancer Aware Nigeria supporting their mission to raise awareness and create programs in communities that need them most.
Fuchsia is a Seattle company that uses technology to bridge the gap between creator and consumer. All of their footwear is made by hand in Sangla Hill, Pakistan providing local artisans with living wages and access to healthcare.
Alexis Devine makes each piece of Squirrel Vs. Coyote jewelry by hand in her Tacoma studio using recycled materials wherever possible. And with a message of radical acceptance, her custom work also graced the DapperQ show along side TomboyX with a delightfully ferocious dignity and grace.
Metamorphic Gear produces beautiful and durable totes and accessories by upcycling discarded sails and donating a portion of all proceeds to support ocean health initiatives.
Seattle fashion is more stylish than ever. There’s something for everyone. And all are welcome. This season is filled with beautiful expressions of understated style, comfort, and activism. The Northwest makes great things. Fashion is no exception. And we do so for the right reasons. Because that’s who we are. And it’s what we do.