french curve

first glimpse of Spring 2010, Totem Coast

2009-09-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is the first sample of the Birch Tank from the Spring 2010 Collection. It's a sateen pima cotton printed with small black brush strokes, and reminds me of birch trees. It needs some fine tuning with the fit, which I'll take care of as soon as my fit model Heather gets back from Greece (yes, I AM jealous!) I have a few other pieces done, and I'll snap shots of them at the studio today. But this one i really love! it's so simple, and so beautiful. The fabric is amazing! I'll be showing it at CONTENT at the Ace Hotel on Sunday, October 18th, in room 225. i hope all who reads this comes to the show!!! I'm sharing a space with a jewelry designer named Andy Lifschutz- he creates mystical, moving, ultra-modern pieces from reclaimed wood and metals... so far i want EVERY piece he's shown me! It's going to be gigantic- tons of supremely talented Portland designerns will be showing all across the second floor of the hotel. Speaking of which... i need to get to work!!!

out and about, north portland

2009-09-10T07:39:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots I took walking around recently. The train cut me off on the way to the studio, I usually cut across the tracks. There were three trains, one after the other, miles long...

Day Look solution

2009-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here is another therapeutic solution to my wardrobe problem. If only...

paper leather jacket by Vince

resin pendant by Missoni

cowl neck sweater by Rick Owens

Legging by Sass & Bide

boot by Yves Saint Laurent

solution number one

2009-08-30T23:39:00.000-07:00

I've known for a while now that I need a complete d0-over in my closet. I really have no essentials, except for a black trench that I was recently given. I live my life in jeans and tee-shirts, which is completely uninspiring, yet comfortable as hell and convenient to boot. The root of my problems is that I don't have money to spend on clothes, much like the rest of the world right now. I realize that fashion can be had at a bargain, and I believe I have an eye for finds, but it's hard for me to spend five bucks right now. On a global scale, this can hardly be considered a problem, especially when one considers that state of the world and the plethora of crises we are on regarding hunger, education, disease, quality of life, economic stability, and so on. Yet, I find myself battling these wants... I want new boots, I want a new cardigan, I want to buy a house someday, I want to get a kitten, I want to get that Ikea book case and sofa. Where is the need, and the satisfaction of needs being met? As they are on a daily basis, because even without expendable income, i still manage to live a notably comfortable life... iPods and iPhones everywhere, an apartment with a washer and dryer, trips to the beach... Anyway, I guess the boundary between the realms of Want and Need are being more clearly defined on the map of my life. I was raised as a consumer, and the desire for THINGS is strong in me. Especially as a designer, when I am attracted to a thing it's usually because it appeals to me on several levels, and I see it as a beautiful form that says something about how I see the world, instead of just as a cute shoe. Maybe it's that I filter my way of seeing through things, like I am building a museum of my life. That is what i strive for, at least. Intent is one of the most important element of design for me... Anyway...

I went shopping on Net-A-Porte.com tonight, a little virtual pick-me-up. God, I didn't actually BUY anything. Gotta pay rent, you know. But! If i could have, I would have started with this little day look. Very comfortable, versatile.

Necklace: Dannijo

Sweater Dress: Helmut Lang

Leather Jacket: Doma

Boots: Church's

all at net-a-porte.com

I heart iPhone

2009-08-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

OOOOOOOOH LA LA! i got myself an iPhone finally! Business expense, you know...

(actually I can't imagine daily operations without it, after having it for a day and a half.) So i took a teency-weency break today and took some pics around the studio. I know, weak blog... I'm just not that good at this :) But i do enjoy it, and I do love these pictures :)

My first boutique!

2009-08-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, the day has arrived. I just dropped off an arm load of pieces today at Radish Underground, a lovely boutique in downtown Portland that carries the lines of several local designers. The store is great- it's adorable inside, and has a well curated selection of clothing for men and women, art work, and accessories. They even serve drinks on First Thursday (tomorrow, people!) which is when my pieces should be available for sale. I starting with 7 styles, and will be working on more new stuff everyday. So thanks, Gina and Celeste, for carrying my work! Ok people now go buy it all up.

The store is at:

414 SW 10th Avenue Portland 97205 503.928.6435

http://www.radishunderground.com/index.html

Resort 2009: Alexander McQueen

2009-07-25T08:24:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure if this collection could be more amazing. Sharp as a tack. Bold colors. Extraterrestrial geometry. Mirror symmetry. Perfection of the cut. My jaw was on the floor looking at these pieces. I have been in the Alexander McQueen store, and the experience is transformative. There are ideas wrapped in ideas in his work! It's all so very modern... anyway, i hope you enjoy it as much as i do! Please, visit the whole collection here:

2024: Autumn/Winter 2009

2009-07-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

At long last. These photos are from my fall collection, 2024, and shot by the wunderphotog Ben Pigao (gotta love him). He really captured the mood of the collection in these images- there is something solitary and distant about them, which i love. Anyway, I am already to work on my Spring Collection, and hope to have some new work out soon. Pieces from the 2024 Collection will be available through custom order. Enjoy the images!!!

ps- my website, www.janeanemarie.com, will not have this collection up for awhile... i need to have my website re-done since iWeb discontinued their damn service!!!

Preview! Fall 2009

2009-06-08T22:31:00.001-07:00

This is the first edit back from the shoot we did YESTERDAY of my fall 09 Collection: 2024. Seriously, yesterday! Ben Pigao is on fire. He shot the collection, and put my beautiful friends Kacy and Heather close to trains, heavy machinery, and plenty of other dangerous/dusty things. But it was great! And it didn't rain.

Tiffani Patchett created the incredible make-up looks, and Madi styled hair.

Model: Kacy

Yeah, Howard Petrella Shot that..

2009-06-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

A little dream of mine just came true!

I have admired the work of Seattle photographer Howard Petrella FO'EVAH, and finally this weekend an opportunity presented itself! Stylist Elianna Barel asked to borrow some of my pieces for an editorial she would be collaborating on with Mr. Petrella. So she came to the studio and picked out some things... I wish i had more time to make something especially for the shoot, but i've just been a tinge overwhelmed these past few weeks. Anyway, I hope there will be another chance to work with them again!

from the West to the East and back again

2009-05-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago, my friend Jillian asked me if she could borrow some pieces from me for a project she was working on. Now, Jillian is an amazing, dynamic, creative, and wildly energetic woman and I will always be happy to be a part of whatever ideas are brewing in her brain. So i let her take some things... and her project became China Bound, in which she flew to China with the work of several Portland Designers and met with several important figures from the Henan region in China, where much of global garment production happens. It was an idea exchange between Portland and China- they work mostly in mass production, with almost no independent designers, and Portland is brimming with independent design talent. Anyway, it seems like this may transform the future of both Portland and Chinese fashion industries!

The pictures were taken by Leah Nash, who travelled with Jillian and documented the trip. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Fashion Farm

2009-05-26T23:11:00.001-07:00

These are the first few images to come back from LUCAS COOK, and amazing photographer who is fresh fresh FRESH.

The dress is an italian cotton shirting, with a subtle chevron weave. It has a bustier foundation with boning, and A-line flared skirt, and an inset piece at center from with chevron knife pleats. Very simple, yes?

Morayma, the fearless model, deserves some kind of award, or trophy, or SOMETHING! I mean, look at those cows! she is completely surrounded! I can't even imagine what the ground around her must be like... But, she comes off beautifully, and naturally. There is something epic, yet quiet, with these images...

More to come!

oh, this made me LAUGH

2009-05-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

I know this has nothing to do with fashion, or design, or anything else... but when this skit came on SNL last week... i really, really, really laughed my ass off! it takes a second to get started, but when Kristen Wiig appears, oh my god it made me cry! so WEIRD!

2009-05-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

The third issue of Antler Magazine is out. And I'm in it! I was contacted a while back by Andi, who edits the mag. It's a carbon-neutral, online mag with TONS of cool stuff, great design, and artwork. She has great taste! Anyway, you should check it out!

www.antlermag.com

Jene DeSpain JEWELRY !!!!

2009-05-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

The past two days have been wonderful. This is mainly due to the fact that on both days, I received earrings by Brooklyn jewelry artist Jene DeSpain. She hand makes all of her pieces and uses fine materials such as gold and stones. The details of her work are so intricate and lovely! The Canary earrings, at top, are so much fun because they are so feminine and flirty, and the red/gold style at the center and center bottom are STATEMENT pieces. So modern, with an art-deco inspired design. I urge everyone who reads this to check out her site and look at her collections. Jene was so cool to do a trade with me for the Canary earrings, and my friend Alyson Clair got me the bottom style as a thank-you for some help with her spring production (she's got a great line of vintage inspired fashion, called Clair).

ahhhh... i love jewelry!

Viva Seattle!!!

2009-05-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today, tomorrow and the next day I'm in Seattle. And it's BEAUTIFUL! i've never been to the city and have it be so pleasant- the sun is shining, the people are out, and it's pretty warm. I didn't really spend that much time outside today, but tomorrow, that will change. I'm going to leave the hotel early (ish) and walk around the city, get some coffee and breakfast, go to the market and the piers... all that. I'm looking forward to a little mini-vacation (all I ever wanted!).

The pics above are of a new dress and jacket that i made. The dress is a 3-ply creped silk, in navy that sometimes looks purple, with a braided/looped/roped detail at the neck. the original sleeves were longer, but i had to cut those off... and the jacket is a wool sateen, a sample of my upcoming fall collection.

Yay! new bits!

2009-05-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

guess what fluttered into my mailbox this afternoon? A cd! with pictured on it! These photos are from a shoot I did months ago with Trevor from Spirion Photography, and model Hiromi Laron (who has the most AMAZING hair i have EVER seen... it's been quite a while and i still feel the pangs of hair jealousy...) anyway, they came out verrrrrrry nicely, i believe.

Has it really been a MONTH?!

2009-05-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, i am a bad, bad, bad little blogger! I have let a month slip between my fingers with nary a snippet or picture here... but, this month has been, well, interesting. The good news is that spring may be here after all, finally, and even got my first tan lines of the year. At the moment I am putting together my fall collection, called 2028.

It's the year 2028: all of the coasts have fallen into the sea, the ice caps have melted, the equator is on fire. There are established bases on the moon (as projected by NASA), and people have to leave the earth and try life someplace new. So now the landscape is barren, pock-marked, and we are constantly reminded of home as the earth rises and sets on the cold horizon.

I want to have structured pieces, with lots of curved seaming juxtaposed with sharp angles. There will be as many double knits and chunky knits as I can find, as a reminder of comfort. Anyway... I'm really excited about the collection- i think it will be lovely...

(now i just have to make it! in a month!!!)

lovely lavenda

2009-04-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

here is a shot of lavenda, who is a delightful combination of lovely and talented. She is a photographer/model in portland, who shot my senior collection. here she is wearing my pleated bustier and linen skirt lined with silk organza.

Big time with JUKI

2009-04-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

The day has arrived! I bought an industrial sewing machine! Motor, single needle lock stitch, KNEE LEVER (oh yeah!), I even have a teflon foot with which to sew knits smoothly and evenly.... my life is just somehow brighter for the last few days.... It's a Juki (made in Tokyo), and I got an insane, out of this world deal on it, too. About a third of the price as I should have paid, but the circumstances were in my favor, and i think the starts were aligned, too. The machine is kind of dirty, but i cleaned it up and now it lives the good life in my studio. I'm a very happy designer!

Works I bought on Etsy.

2009-03-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finally had enough in my account to make my first etsy buys. i have been curating a group of lovely favorite items, from furniture to art to jewelry to clothes. these are on the top of my list, and i'm happy to say that they are on the way to me now. the top is a painting by italian artist Vincenzo Rizzo, and I encourage you to view more of his work here. The portraits are beautiful, frantic, and dark. Very moody and beautiful. The ring on the bottom is by a Turkish designer by the name of Star of the East, and the work is greatly inspired by elements of the sea, which i love and am forever am attracted to.

I am planning to post soon about more of my Etsy favorites. there is some really incredibly original art and design to be found there, outside of the cutesy-crafty stuff.

more more!

2009-03-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

ok, ben pigao has done it again. i just received these latest images, and.... sigh. i'm lucky to be able to collaborate with these people!

top: silk/hemp blend tiered ruffle dress with reclaimed leather bodice and straps.

bottom: pleated linen bustier, linen skirt.

photos: ben Pigao

Model: Kacy owens

hair/MUA: Ambrosia carey

two more, why not?

2009-03-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

These are from a shoot that i weaseled myself into. At the first shoot with ben, he mentioned that he was planning on working with Ambrosia Carey, a stylist that i've been a big fan of for a while. so i asked... 'need any wardrobe?' (I've been wanting to collaborate with her for some time!), and alas, they did! So, for the shoot I made 2 new looks and brought the silk jersey dress (top) which i needed a full body shot of still. These are two edits that I've got back, I'll post an image of the third as soon as it comes back. The bottom photo is of a linen bustier with shaped pieces made of knife pleats, sewn together at opposing angles (sigh!) and a linen skirt (see blog below with close-ups). Kacey modeled, and she is the best. she's so FUNNY (and kind of a goofball) then she just HITS a pose and it becomes this amazing fashion shot. i believe the bottom look will be on my etsy site soon, the dress on top is no longer available... the fabric has tragically sold out at the store and i can't get any more. it's enough to make me cry! i am on the hunt for it somewhere else, or to at least to find something similar.

the third dress is crazy.

Spring 09 Editorial

2009-03-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

These are the rest of the edited photos taken by Ben Pigao. The results, i believe, are lovely! Thanks to everybody involved... it was a long, cold day! Anything from the collection can be ordered via etsy or by contacting me.

MUA: Tiffani Patchett and Aimee Jadore.

Models: Megan, Sutton, Kelsey, Courtney.

new space, new work

2009-03-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Adam and i moved into our studio space... yessssssssssss. it's so nice! and big! and affordable! it's great to be able to wake up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and then go to work. when i'm done and tired, i come home to a clean apartment... my kitchen isn't my studio space anymore!

it's been a busy week. ive had a few etsy sales, and i did another shoot with ben pigao. i made 2 new looks for the shoot, one of them included about a 1,000 yards of intricately pleated linen that ended up being condensed into a teeny bustier. i love the effect, but, damn. what a process!

Fashion Show! Spring 2009

2009-03-02T20:26:00.001-08:00

the alec martinez benefit show took place this past saturday at the benson hotel in portland. it was a long, beautiful evening. we raised over 15,000 for the family!!! there were some last second scares (zippers being ripped out on accident, skirts worn backwards) but the team backstage sent out the looks amazingly! thanks to everybody involved!

there has been no rest since, and will be none in the near future. i sold three more items on etsy, and have a photo shoot to prepare for, and i need to actually get some of my work in boutiques. Adam Andreas and i are planning on having a sample sale/champagne party at out studio later this month, which is going to be a powerful combination. the Spring collection can be viewed partly online (the rest coming soon!) or by appointment. as always, selling on etsy!

again, thanks to the portland fashion crowd for doing something amazing for an incredible family.

love love love!!!

the LATEST

2009-02-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

So, I did a shoot last week with the magical Ben Pigao, a photographer and graphic designer here in PDX. We had over 10,000 chilly square feet to work with at his studio. We shot the spring collection, which has a core of about 7 looks, which i added some fancy dresses to for the show this saturday.

The models were Courtney Cornett, Megan Marie Hodge, Kelsey McCurdy, and Sutton S. Aimee Jadore and Tiffani Patchett did hair and make-up, and made the girls look gooooooood. Perfect. Anyway, we came away with some amazing fashion photography!

top:Megan. in the black widow top, 100% silk taffeta

middle: Kelsey in the Treasure dress. 100% silk brushed taffeta with beading/stone/glass detail

bottom: Courtney in the Playa top, 100% silk twill, and Panama pant, 100% linen

Wrap me up in Lacoste, send me out in Daryl K

2009-02-17T06:24:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, things seemed to soften up a bit at NY fashion week. The stand out for me was Daryl K, who gave a static presentation against a clay-colored monochromatic set of his super cool, super streamlined fall collection. His cuts were straight to the point, modern, and deliberate. On the other hand, Lacoste (from the day before) was just COZY. I would love to be wrapped up in any of those soft knit pieces, from head to toe. In a dream world, I'd start out my day in Lacoste, have morning coffee, read the paper in a sunlit kitchen in Brooklyn, check my email and blog. Then, i'd have to get serious, get working, and change into my new Daryl K. I could hit the streets, feeling confident, and get things done. (by the way, i'm writing this in my pajamas, and then i'll just change in to the same pair of jeans and tee shirt that i've been wearing for the last 6 months... boring...)

FALL 2009, the first two days in NYC

2009-02-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

I was a little surprised at the overall tone of the collections coming down the runways. The designs seemed angry, a little chaotic, and hardened. Maybe they were mad at the fact that their friends could not show with them because of cuts, or that sales are down because the economy is in the toilet, and the world is in a recession. There has been a notable change in silhouette recently that is reminiscent of 1930's styling (oh, the Great Depression...) but fall seemed a little more post-apocalyptic than that. I think I was expecting something more forward thinking, a little positive reinforcement of what life will be like after we get through this little disaster. Instead, there was LOTS of black (no big surprise), lots of asymmetry and wild cutting, and hard shine. My favorite looks are posted above. Top: Koi Swannagate, Victoria Beckham (that collection is surprisingly good), Herve Leger, Elise overland Preen, Ohne Titel, Diane Von Furstenburg, Alexander Wang

Workspace/dining room

2009-02-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Until a few days ago, I have been cramming all of my samples into the back corner of my closet (my small closet). Then, Jordon bought me a rolling rack! I should have had one for a while now, but since I've moved my studio back into OUR studio apartment (where we live, eat, sleep, cook, and do all the things people do in their homes- i now drape, pattern, cut, sew, store fabric, etc.) it's been a little cramped.

Happy Valentine's day... sewing machine.

2009-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

MMmmm. Morning coffee.

Today is Valentine's day. Hoorah? It's slate grey outside, and i have a whole hell of a lot of sewing to do. That's not a complaint, since I love to sew. The fitting for the show is tomorrow, and I've got some bits that are more a twinkle in my eye than something hanging on a hangar. But today will be productive! Cross my heart and kiss my elbows.

Here are some more shots from the Aaron Galleotti shoot. I am SOOOO happy with the results, I can't even begin to say. I think it's apparent from the the images how thoughtful and artistic the photographer is. He should do very well with the picture-taking thing!

real quick!

2009-02-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

I only have a minute, i just wanted to post a picture of the top i've been working on. It's part of the spring collection, made of black taffeta.

New images from the Aaron Galleotti Shoot

2009-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

This is one talented photographer. I saw some of Aaron's photos of some local bands on Model Mayhem, and i loved the portrait style and vintage textures of the photos. I immediately wanted to work with him, so we set up a shoot with one of my favorite models, Heather Lusia. These are just a few from the Pre-Spring shoot, a "teaser," as the rest are on their way. As an indication of what's to come, I'm very excited about the rest! I'll post as they come. As a reminder, I'm showing my collection at the benson Hotel in Portland on Saturday, February 8th... so i hope to see you there! get some fashion on and help a family dealing with cancer. Find more info here about the Alec Martinez story and benefit show!

Photo: aaron Galleotti. Model: Heather Lusia. Make-up: Kendra Stanton

first image

2009-02-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

this is the first image from a recent shoot i did with some of my Spring Collection. the shoot was to build the portfolio of the model, Hiromi Laron, and i provided wardrobe. We shot at the photographer's home, and came away with some amazing shots.

Photography: Trevor Warren , Spirion photography. make-up, Christy Lynn Scott

I did a shoot on feb. 2nd with a photogrpaher from Battle Ground, and as soon as i get those pics, i'll post'em all!

good news, bad news

2009-02-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Two things happened today. One was good, the other, bad.

I woke up this morning, tired and unsatisfied with a restless night's sleep (I was designing in my mind while trying to fall asleep, bad idea). So I drove to my sister's apartment in the morning to leave the car. As i got out, my husband noticed a bird that seemed to be injured. In the parking lot, the little animal was flapping wildly on the ground, traveling in small frantic circles. I got close to it, and realized that it's neck was tucked unnaturally in a curve, almost under the wing. It was broken! it must have flown into a window. I tried to calm it, placing my hand behind it, but it was understandably scared of me. I found a shoe box in my trunk and covered the poor thing, and went into my sister's apartment. We called the vet- they could euthanize it, that was all. It would have died in that parking lot, slowly, alone, and in pain. I just wish i could have explained to it, you need to be still, you need to stop flapping your wings, i am trying to make you comfortable and take care of you. Anyway, it was really very tragic. the bird and i looked each other in the eye, i wish i could have helped more.

The good thing that happened is i finally made my first sale on etsy. A nice woman in London bought the pink/white/red Radiant skirt, and i will be sending it out soon. Just in time for Valentine's day! I'm happy that somewhere out there will be a girl wearing a lovely skirt that i designed and made. It's also pretty sweet that it's in London, my favorite city!

NOT what tax returns are for...

2009-02-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

The first week of February! I am ready for warm weather. Sandals. Skirts. Going to the market and buying fruits and vegetables. A tan face. Riding bikes. Reading in the park. ALL OF THESE THINGS! I am always surprised when the season changes, as if there was a chance it would not have actually happened, that the leaves would not come or go and the length of the day would stay the same. So of course, on a grey northwest morning watching Vicky Christina Barcelona in bed, I find these shoes on Net-a-porte and dream of being in the Mediterranean. Even though we are getting a nice little ball of cash back on our taxes, the money will go to more realistic things... but i can still dream!

Top to bottom: Celine, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta, Fendi. All at Net-a-Porte

Ports 1961...

2009-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

This a kind of disclaimer. As I am working away on my Spring Collection, the Tropics of Love, i am thinking ahead about my fall Collection. I already have my concept, drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest Coast Indian cultures. It's been swirling around in my brain for a few months, I even submitted a group to Adidas with the concept last fall to apply to the Y-3 design Academy (didn't get it! sigh... I guess I never really FULLY applied, though... not enough time with school and graduating!) Anyway, the collection will be called Totem Coast, and I have accumulated some beautiful images of art and designs from many of the tribes.

ports 1961 is one of my FAVORITE lines. The design is modern, interesting, and super chic. So I was excited to see their new collection is also inspired by the same thing i've been thinking of. It's happened before, as I'm sure all designers are aware. Your idea is realized by someone else before you have the chance to make it! But I'm still planning on creating the Totem Coast collection, because it's mine. Okay, back to work!

So close yet so far away

2009-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday i was walking down the street with my twin sister. It was sunny and warm, and we were in shock/heaven. Passing under a tree, we looked up, and saw... a little bud... on a branch! The sun is rising earlier, and setting a little later each day. Temps are up in the 50s now. It only takes one or two days of sun and warmth to make me a believer. But... there is still the rest of February, March, and April to get through before it's going to be cotton dress weather! I really wish I didn't cut my hair. Anyway, this is where I am in my mind:

Don't go into the light!!!

2009-01-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

My my my... it's been a while since my last post. Hmmmmm... I was considering just shutting down the whole operation, but instead I won't because I enjoy blogging as an outlet. Anyway, I've been very busy! The biggest thing on the horizon is that I will be showing my Spring Collection 2009 on Saturday, February 28th at the Benson Hotel in Portland. It's a benefit show, and will help the family of 2 year-old Alex Martinez, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. He's in treatment, and doing well, but his mom has recently been through ovarian cancer. Anyway, it's a chance to help do something good for a wonderful family. I'll be showing with some other Portland designers, including my friend Sarah Seven. My collection includes 10 looks, and i'm calling it "the tropics of love." I wanted a tropicalia-noir feel to it, and i believe it is going to turn out wonderfully! I'm about halfway done. I'm posting my original sketches and a (bad) pic of one of the tops.

Okay, i'm gonna be on top of this blog. Well, a little more on top of it anyway! I still have to get my work done!

Please come to show if you can make it, it's going to be a fun evening of runway and socializing, and it's a great cause!

Bye Leanne!

2009-01-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

For the past five or six weeks i've been interning with Leanne Marshall. And it's been so great! She is a wonderful person and a great designer- it's amazing to see her at work and all her ideas materialize. I've been doing some sewing and some patternmaking, but with the new year comes her departure for New York- so I've been helping her prepare for that. I have a feeling that she's going to love NYC, and that this is going to be an amazing year for her! Anyway, here are some pics from the last day at the studio (packing day!). Also shown is Erin, who was also interning, working on sourcing.

now selling at etsy.com!

2008-12-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

I finally did it! I've opened a store at www.janeanemarie.etsy.com. At the moment I've only posted 5 items, but there will be more after the first of the year. I won't be selling a collection, just random pieces that i make as i go. My plan is to have a mini collection this fall, and then have something a little more established by spring. Some of the looks on my website are available online now, though. I've also got the knit dress from the previous post and the pieces in this post for sale. So stop by!

my sister, christa, wearing one of her christmas presents!

2008-12-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

I usually make my sister dresses for Christmas. Last year it was a white silk noil A-line dress, which was recently ruined at a party when a drunk guy spilled his tobacco juice on it. Yuck. Anyway, this year I made her a white knit sweater dress with a turtleneck collar, a hot pink mini-skirt, and this black knit dress here. It's really lovely, made out of wool jersey. Today I signed up on etsy, and this dress is listed for sale! So if you are interested, check it out! (www.janeanemarie.etsy.com) I'll get pics of the other dress later. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays... and if not, they're almost over!

Fashion Photographers of the PACIFIC NORTHWEST!

2008-12-25T21:35:00.001-08:00

The pacific Northwest is not known for fashion. I do believe, though, that things are changing, and there is a lot of great design happening here. We've got Leanne Marshall, Adam Arnold, The Seaplane women (Kate Towers and Holly Stalder), May Tee, Elizabeth Dye, etc. Anyway, there is a new story unfolding, and I'm happy to be a part of it.

Along with the impressive design comes powerful photography. My previous blog showcases the work of Lavenda Memory (who shot my senior collection). I have scanned Model Mayhem and chosen a few shots that really stand out to me. The top two shots are the work of Eric Rose, the third is an image by Howard Petrella, and then finally we have a pic by Christopher Murr (the models, Kristen and Jillian, are wearing 2 dresses I designed last spring). Anyway, I plan to come back to this subject again, because I am very taken by the work of these incredible photographers.

of magic patterns and super coolness:More Pre-fall

2008-12-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm getting the feeling that this is going to be an exciting fall. It seems like designers are going back to basics, but in a magical, creative way. Silhouettes have been simple with emphasis on details to keep pieces interesting. This method is very akin to my own design approach, so of course i'm taking to it well.

the top three looks are by Missoni (duh!) and the super-chunky weights are reading super-cozy! It's hard to understand how they re-invent the knit pattern every season, and these pieces are absolutely modern and gorgeous.

The bottom two are by Diane Von Furstenberg, who has gave home to an amazingly fun and chic oversized tiger print on a mini-shift dress. Yay! Anyway, it's the coolest dress i have probably ever seen.

All images from style.com

of monochromatism and easy wonder: pre-fall 09

2008-12-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Still snowing in Portland. And I'm sick. Ick. But I've pulled a few images from my favorite pre-fall 2009 collections. Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez are proving that simple is better, and forever chic. I apologize if i don't go into the depths of my opinions, but i feel like my head is going to fall off.

top 3: narciso rodrigues bottom 2:vera wang. from style. com

S.N.O.W day

2008-12-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

Portland is a funny city. It rains most of the time (not as much as Seattle!) and people are kind of used to it. But, once it's cold enough, and that precipitation freezes and the snow starts to fall, the city goes on this weird state of panic/emergency/fascination. All of the schools shut down, and any sort of national or international news takes back seat to the three new flakes that fell on Mt. Tabor.

Anyway, I opens up the opportunity to dream about the snow bunny gear of my dreams. Like the dopo sci boots (Moonboots!- I've wanted a pair for years), Monclear coats, and hot chocolate. So, wherever you may be out there where snow is, i hope you are warm!

My oh my....

2008-12-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

Alright. It's been a while. Just over a month.

The good thing is- I graduated! Today was my last day of classes, and graduation will be tomorrow afternoon. Finally, my BFA in apparel design! i really am excited and quite happy... These last few months have been so intense, working from 6 in the morning until 3am sometimes.. my intention was to record the progress of my senior collection on here, but i just never did.

The pictures posted are of my collection, Extremadura. I had a great team of models and stylists, and the photographer, Lavenda, was a dream come true. More can be seen on my website, janeanemarie.com (if it doesn't work, try web.mac.com/janeanemarie- i've been having hosting problems).

Wang is the Winner

2008-11-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wang has won the CFDA award, along with twohundredthousanddollars. I'm happy about that... I was just looking at a few of his pieces today at the new-ish Portland boutique Francis May, which, I must say, is a wonderful place (Clu, opening ceremony, Vena Cava, Alexander Wang.... mmmmm). Anyway, what I saw was so simple and so beautiful- if I could have afforded it I would have bought it then and there. His was one of my favorite collections from fall, although all the pics above are from spring (I'm still not sure what happened with spring, pretty much across the board. It's like every designer in the world forgot that it was coming, and then they all woke up from the same nap and made a collection over shots of espresso and cinnamon scones and voila, runway show... with some exceptions, of course).

Oh- And I saw the new james bond. mmmmm.

Bling Me!

2008-11-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, these days have been frantic. I'm sewing my senior collection (pics to come) and suddenly the days run away like wild horses over the hills. So, for a pick me up, I've been looking at jewelry. It seems to be working, and it reminds me why I'm doing all of this anyway (which is a question that bears an expansive answer that currently exists outside of my vocabulary on hand). I suppose being a design means that somewhere in you lies an ever unsatisfiable need to create things which are always better, always improved, and just beyond what the rest of the world is able to see and understand. The horizon is the only place that matters, and life is lived six months in the future. It's weird, because that means the present is in the past. Anyway, whatever it is, I love it and I need it. And hopefully, someday, it will afford me fabulous accessories. Unfortunately, I've lost the credits to the pieces... I downloaded them a while back. i think they are mostly from shopbop. com...

oh Joy!

2008-11-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Last night, at 8:02 pm, I looked up from my computer, and there it was. OBAMA ELECTED 44th PRESIDENT. I knew it would happen in my heart, but there was still that fear lingering that had dug there way into my conscience after what happened for the last two elections. First Gore, then Kerry. I was a little damaged. In the end, we made it happen. There is something to believe in again! If i had to listen to Palin's voice for the next four years, I probably would have considered moving to a cave somewhere in Patagonia, or maybe setting up residence on an inflatable raft and just drifting around at sea until it was safe to come back. Anyway, YAAAAYYYY! if he only supported gay marriage... that's the only issue that i ahve with Obama. Other than that, I AM SO HAPPY HE WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

oh, and the new first lady wore a dress by my favorite designer, narciso rodriguez!

Come on, rain!

2008-10-28T14:08:00.001-07:00

Today is a beautiful day. It is golden outside, the perfect temperature (no jacket necessary), I need my sunglasses, and the leaves are turning the classic fall colors. They blanket the ground, muffling the sound of footsteps and decorate the streets. It's Oregon, and the rain has yet to start. When it does, it won't stop until June. The daylight will be perpetually gray, the leaves will turn to mush, and i'll have to give up on my hair entirely. But, on the bright side, I'll need rain shoes. Last year I got excited about tall rubber boots, but this year I'm excited about CHIC RUBBER SHOES. The Melissa collection is so wonderful, and their are some big name teaming up with the design efforts (Vivienne Westwood? Ok!) As for me, I've got my heart set on the Dutch clogs. They also come in red, oh baby. So, I'll be stomping around town, sans clunky boots, in little red clogs and a clear plastic umbrella!!

(items found on melissaplasticdreams.com and umbrellasusa.com)

Antwerp, Heaven

2008-10-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at the 2008 senior collection show from the Royal Academy in Antwerp. It happened a while ago, in June, but the levels of super-creativity are astounding. The construction is record-setting, and fashion is approached as a system, not simply as garments. Every peice seems to be alive, almost. Anyway, it's really inspiring, especially since i'm working on my senior collection. But the work here is in a realm not found in this hemisphere! Everyone should check out the work, which can be found at www.antwerp-fashion/be

tonight i saw

2008-10-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight I saw the Felice Brothers at the Mission Theater. It was so amazing! I am not apt in the least at writing about music, but please watch out 'her eyes dart around' on the videos... it is the song that put its little hands around my heart and made me believe. oh, and i met them, most of the brothers, and they shake your hand and look you in the eye. Simone is a writer, and I bought his book Mary Full of Holes.

Hair is the new yarn

2008-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've been a little fascinated by the use of hair in jewelry lately. Even in high fashion, designers seem to be using more long-hair furs in coats and accessories. It's a little morbid, but completely interesting. A company called Saltalamacchia (top pics) uses long horse-hair in otherworldly necklaces that I would love to wear. And there is a history behind all of this: In the Victorian era, jewelry was made from the hair of loved ones when they died as a kind of relic, called memento mori, to rememeber them (bottom pic). Anyway, I've been seeing these modern takes and there are some pretty great design ideas happening.

paper or plastic? uhm, plastic paper, thanks.

2008-10-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

As I've said earlier, I'm i-l-l-u-strating again. I went to the art store, and found a watercolor paper made out of PLASTIC. Maybe I'm naive, but i didn't even know it existed. it's called yupo, and I decided to try it out. The sales woman said it wouldn't do anything weird, as I had my apprehensions since plastic isn't the most absorbent material in the world. I made these quick sketches with india ink and gauche tonight, and I think I like the effect.

back in the habit

2008-10-22T15:04:00.001-07:00

So, I can't remember how to draw. Art school has killed my instinct. Well, maybe that's not true, but I sure haven't had any time to draw in the last few years. So I'm getting back in the habit, and I am ambitiously trying to re-do my whole portfolio, because I don't think the illustrations are ANY good... i got really caught up in photoshop for rendering. and that takes the life out of everything! It's okay to be messy, I even used to LOVE getting dirty when I was working - like being up to my elbows in watery clay or riding the bus home with charcoal smears all over my face.

This is a first attempt, a little warm up. It needs more work, but blah blah blah, i'm still posting it! I wish that sleep wasn't necessary, and one could stay up twentyfourhoursaday- just doing all the things we love to do but can't squeeze into waking hours.

Dear Juan Carlos Obando, YOU HAVE MY VOTE!

2008-10-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

The cfda/Vogue fashion fund is again looking for an amazing new designer to give a pile of money to. Well, I say, give it to J.C.O! I love his collection: it is so light, barely there even, and still manage to created a powerful statement of determined style. The clothes are beautiful, but he allows the woman to shine through. He's really not trying to say everything at once: just concentrate on a detail here and there, and let he rest speak for itself. I believe I'm going to need that middle-left dress in the near future. Tonight, perhaps, in my dreams. I'll wear it to the opera, in Russia, and then I'll go dancing in it... I think i would actually know how to dance if I wore that dress.

the very first one

2008-10-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

hello and good morning!

first of all, I'm not quite sure what this is all going to be about. I imagine it will be lots of fashion images and projects that I'm working on, such as garments I'm sewing or drawings and the like. At the moment, I'm putting together my senior collection. So there will probably be quite a bit about that as well.

Ok- here's a little about me:

1. I live in Portland, Oregon.

2. I'm about to graduate from the Art Institute with a B.F.A in apparel design.

3. I love to sew, I love books and I love fashion.

4. I have a twin sister, I'm five minutes older.

5. I hate writing about myself, so from now on I'll stick to other topics.

Alright then... this is just to get started, because I've had an empty blog for several days. What's to come will be decidedly more interesting. And Fun! bYe for now...