Eden Dawn Apparel to be series finale for Portland Fashion Week.

—BEGINS—

This month Portland, Oregon embarks upon its first grand fashion week in an attempt to create their own style mark outside the Mecca’s of New York and L.A. The week commences with a grand opening showing Sofada by Alice Dobson who managed to make an East Coast splash last year while debuting in New York’s Fashion Week. Before the models begin strutting down the magic white runway the city’s mayor, Tom Potter, will be there to give a speech about the importance of fashion and designers in Portland. Potter has even declared fashion week an annual civic event effectively validating fashion as a viable industry in the city.

The week will run from Friday October 20th to Friday the 27th, with shows the 20th-23rd and the 25th-27th. All runway events will take place on the 43rd floor of the skyscraping U.S. Bank Tower, proving that a dramatic event deserves a dramatic venue. The 27th will feature a multi-designer line up with city favorites Adriana Couture and Magali Corzo before culminating with Eden Dawn Apparel (www.EdenDawn.com).

When asked about the decision to have Harrington’s as the finale Fashion Week creator Tod Foulk stated, “Like a Maraschino cherry and whipped cream on a sundae, the sexy and flirty looks of Eden Dawn Apparel will close this years’ series of events like none other can.” Harrington’s casual line has already been widely received in the past year, with press ranging from ElleGirl to Instyle.com and, of course, the obligatory celebrity gift bags with recipients like Lindsay Lohan and Renee Zellwegger. However, this show will be a new direction for the line as it debuts its first couture collection for Spring 2007. A range of 1950’s inspired skirts and dresses it’s yet another incarnation of Harrington’s ability to mix a vintage muse with modern comfort.

The Eden Dawn buzz is beginning to rumble in her hometown with new boutiques picking up the line and locals beginning to take notice of the designer in their own backyard. Portland businesses Kalista Salon & Spa (www.kalistasalon.com) and alternative radio station KNRK 94.7fm (www.947.fm) have signed on as Eden Dawn’s fashion week sponsors, showing that the community has rallied around its emerging designers. With Harrington’s line poised for success, Portland Fashion Week may be the catapult needed to shoot her to the stars.

—ENDS—