“Fashion forward” is not the first attribute that comes to mind when considering Seattle culture. Nerdy, Nirvana, polar fleece, flannel, fish market, Microsoft, Amazon, billionaires, liberals and lumberjacks are sure to top that list. There are stylish people here, but what they wear is a point of view that reflects changing times and changing minds rooted in flexible West Coast thinking that rewards the rule breaker.

Seattle is the land of outliers who seek that intangible sense of boundless possibility. It’s a kind of hope that fuels us, our social struggles and all manner of creativity. We are lifelong learners and risk takers in this damp, northwest corner of the nation. “Seattle Seen” aims to feature the brave, beautiful and defiant creators who wear exactly what’s on their minds.