Food & Culture
Fashionable Seattle: Seven Designers Wear their Own Creations
For spring 2020, we're spotlighting local designers whose work embodies the evolving aesthetics of Pacific Northwest style
By Andrew Hoge April 6, 2020
This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of Seattle Magazine.
This article appears in print in the April 2020 issue. Click here to subscribe.
Jennifer Charkow
Stone Crow Designs
While talk of sustainability is just now gaining momentum in the fashion industry, Charkow, founder of Stone Crow Designs, has been ahead of the curve. In 2010, the Project Runway Season 18 contestant launched her brand, defined by looks inspired by punk rock and made with eco-friendly textiles. On Charkow: “Cocoon” jacket made from an upcycled parachute, unisex basic T-shirt, paneled high-waisted pencil skirt.
Gustave Apiti
Gustavo Apiti Couture
Apiti’s sparkling personality has a way of lighting up a room; the same is true of his clothing. Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the expert tailor has graced the Pacific Northwest with some much-needed color since founding his namesake brand in 2014. Apiti’s custom creations can be made for men and women (there is talk of a ready-to-wear line down the road), with wool, linen and silk being his preferred fabrics. On Apiti: Double-breasted made-to-measure wool suit.
Nin Truong
Maiden Noir
Truong is the designer and creative force behind Maiden Noir, an elevated street-style brand for men and women based in the Chinatown–International District. What started as a side project for the former landscape architect 15 years ago has turned into a full-fledged endeavor that takes Truong around the world as he sources textiles, collaborates with manufacturing partners in Japan and meets buyers at international fashion weeks. On Truong: Cropped “Harrington” houndstooth jacket, “Marble” zip blouson black shirt, pleated suit trouser.
From left: Lisa Marie, Camilla Eckersley, Davora Lindner, Madison Leiren
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