Banchong Douangphrachanh

Line: Banchong Douangphrachanh
Available at: banchongdesign.com

The creative spark: A vivacious ball of energy, Douangphrachanh takes an imaginative, somewhat nautical approach to her men’s suit wear, utilizing unconventional materials like neoprene and Gore-Tex for a sleek upshot. “I was inspired by the regattas in Seattle. I pictured a swarthy, ultramasculine boat captain wearing my water-friendly designs, big waves spraying the bow of his ship. [The collection] is, in its essence, representative of a true Northwest man.”

The collection: From the frosted sheer button-down (inspired by local glass blower Dale Chihuly) to a nontraditional waterproof neoprene blazer and Gore-Tex slacks, the Capitol Hill resident’s garments are off the wall yet polished. “I wanted the Regatta line collection to fuse traditional with modern, so I used inorganic materials that were practical for our dreary climate. I used organic shapes with rounded edges that lacked bluntness. It resulted in minimalistic, classic pieces that are cutting edge yet comfortable and practical.”

Mission statement: “When form and function work together, the right clothes give you the freedom to perform.”

Claim to fame: “One of the outfits I co-collaborated on was sold to Lady Gaga. It was the sculptured acrylic dress she wore in her “Poker Face” video. No one told me, and I only found out because I saw her wearing it on TV. I was so shocked and pleased!” 

First garment ever created: “I created a skirt for class [in fashion school]. The skirt looked identical to everyone else’s in my class, and I was a little disappointed. That day I learned a valuable lesson: I hate sewing.”