September 2012
Cuong Vu: Horn of Plenty
Avant-garde composer Cuong Vu’s trumpet playing sits on the cutting edge of music.
When Cuong Vu plays trumpet, it can sound like he’s underwater, or facing gale force winds or maybe contacting us from another dimension. The unique sounds he gets out of the horn range from spooky to sputtering—long, haunting notes that waver like seagrass, and staccato runs that leap off the standard scale, becoming syncopated gusts…
Matthew Smucker: Maker of Small Worlds
All the stage is a world for this local scenic designer
A set designer’s job is about overcoming a series of paradoxes: First, transform a familiar room into a completely new universe, without blowing the budget. Second, reconcile thematic relevance with physical limitations (and hurry up already). Finally, create something that both surprises the audience and feels totally appropriate within the context of the play. No…
Ben Kasulke: Lens Crafter
The Local cinematographer turns filmmakers’ vision into reality.
If you’ve seen any recent indie films set in Seattle, you’ve likely watched them through Ben Kasulke’s eyes. The cinematographer has been behind the camera on an astonishing number of local movies of note, including major success stories such as Lynn Shelton’s Your Sister’s Sister, Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed and Megan Griffiths’ The Off…
Stacey Rozich’s Animal Instinct
At the Capitol Hill Block Party in July, musicians on the main stage had special accompaniment: a tiger, a dragon and several lime green, bat-like imps. The creatures, drawn in a vivid folk style and emblazoned on 23-foot-tall scrims flanking the stage, added a bit of reverence and danger to the proceedings—an aura of myth…
Sondra Elizabeth Colburn: Best Summer Party Dresses
The line: “I focus on using bold prints, colors and design details to bring a fun twist to dresses that have classic silhouettes,” says the Seattle Central graduate, who adds playful touches with darling bustier tops accented with vintage coral buttons, dainty peplum designs and demure open back accents. Creative spark: The 22-year-old Kirkland designer…
Krista Marie Kelly: Best Modern Urban Wear
The line: The Capitol Hill-based designer’s line is synonymous with tomboy chic, focused on relaxed separates that pair sand-washed silk charmeuse tops with silk/wool twill bottoms. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, the line’s renegade attitude harks to a historical moment in women’s wear. “Pants at one point were liberating,” Kelly says. “They were about…
Suzy Fairchild: Best Everyday Frocks
The line: Formerly a women’s wear and accessories designer at Nordstrom before opening her Frock Shop boutique in 2006, Fairchild lets both the pattern and originating era of the fabric breathe life into her exceedingly wearable skirts and girly yet refined day dresses (often offered for less than $125). “I love the silhouettes and styles…
Alicia Czerwiec: Most Artistic Line
The line: Czerwiec unconventionally combines print, color and texture to create a strong sense of personality and promote a lifestyle anchored in creativity. “I want to…push the boundaries of using basic materials in an interesting way—like the use of strips and remnants of knit jersey to create braided medallions as appliqués for coats and outerwear,”…
Sonia McBride: Most Innovative Line
The line: The Central District-based designer (who works for a Ballard biking pannier company by day) describes her line as “urban cycling clothing for the professional woman,” as seen in garments like a violet pencil skirt that unzips on the sides to give more leg room to pedal. Other thoughtful details: reflective satin fabric on…
Erin Roby: Best Student Designer
The line: The Ballard-based designer, who also holds a master’s degree in urban planning, uses one word to sum up her debut line, “edited.” It’s a well-chosen adjective: Roby’s jackets contain simple yet strong details such as cowl pockets or shoulders, leather collar work to accent her copper wool duster and the dramatically flared tuxedo…
Christine Chaney: Best Emerging Designer
The line: “I want my line to be timeless, but almost separate from ‘fashion’ per se, which can tend to revolve around trends and seasons,” says Chaney of her creatively crafted scarf frocks with sly peekaboo panels and asymmetrical hemming, cozy crochet sweaters and avant-garde coats made from army surplus wool blankets. “I want to…
The Gerald: Mid-Western Comforts and Cocktails
In the midst of hopping Ballard Ave., this bar distinguishes itself with a classic Americana menu.
The MiddleWhile The Gerald sits on the western edge of the country, it boasts a very Wisconsin-in-the-1970s chic design, especially in the front room, where co-owner Kevin Rothrock (a restaurateur returning home after stints in Wyoming and Manhattan), along with food marketer Elliot Westwater, has upholstered booths in orange tweed, with a stretch bar belted…