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Seattle Culture

Seattle Spring Fashion: Gray Is Giving Way to Season of Color

Step inside the newly renovated Hotel Theodore for our spring fashion photo shoot

By Nia Martin April 17, 2018

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This article originally appeared in the April 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the April 2018 issueClick here to subscribe.

Styling by Darcy Camden | Photographs by Hayley Young | Photographed at Hotel Theodore

The season’s runways boasted sophisticated minimalism coupled with the new neutrals: blush tones, golden browns and a spectrum of blues, to name a few. We mixed and matched these staple hues, adding texture and light layers that are just right for a Seattle spring urban adventure.

Past, Present, Future
As our city evolves and embraces cutting-edge technology and design, there’s still a yearning to retain the cultural icons and haunts of days passed. Built in 1929, Hotel Theodore (downtown, 1531 Seventh Ave.; 206.621.1200), previously the Roosevelt Hotel, is the perfect backdrop for locals and newcomers who want to experience Seattle’s charms, both old and the new. The hotel recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation, opening its doors late in 2017 with a fresh aesthetic (goodbye, floral granny print lounge sofas; hello, chic café tables) while also giving a nod to Seattle’s historic past (the original “Roosevelt” sign still glows atop the building). 

Best Seat in the House 
On her (above): Silvae “Sola” denim shirtdress, $350, online at Silvae.co. Susanna Galanis wooden necklace, $755, from Butch Blum. Jimmy Choo “Edina” etched cork ankle-wrap sandals in natural/gold, $695, from Neiman Marcus. Jamie Joseph square meteorite ring with scrimshaw detail in sterling silver and 14K yellow gold, $1,115, from Twist. Kacy Yom “Bo-Ah” Italian pebbled leather tote in Aegean blue, $1,100, at kacyyom.com. 
On him: Thom Browne unconstructed wide lapel sport coat in navy, $2,200, and Valentino Garavani “Rockrunner” nylon sneaker in lipstick, $595, both from Nordstrom downtown flagship. “Bigflo” flower print cotton shirt, $155, and suede micro-perforated belt in dusky pink, $95, both by and from Ted Baker. Theory “Haydin” straight slim-fit pant in khaki, $195, from Neiman Marcus. Miansai M12 Swiss gold watch on cognac leather, $355, and Miansai tan leather “Boho” bracelet, $95, both from Sharply. 

Local Flavor
No Seattle hotel would be complete without a coffee bar. Located on the lobby level—just on the other side of Rider, the hotel’s restaurant—is Made Coffee, which roasts its beans in a 1949 wood-fired roaster.

Today’s Special 
On her: Wilfred “Mayrac” merino wool blend wrap sweater in roebuck, $135, from Aritzia. Brunello Cucinelli wide-leg denim skirt-pants, $1,275, from Neiman Marcus. Lewit “Liliana” ankle-wrap velvet sandal in blush metallic brocade, $245, from Nordstrom downtown flagship. Sea and Pattern “Mono” clay earrings in pink, $62, from Pipe and Row. Pat Flynn hand-forged iron nail, 18K palladium and 1-carat total weight diamond necklace, $8,400, and Jamie Joseph 14K yellow gold and sterling silver ring with rectangle Indian blue opal stone and .03-carat diamond, $925, both from Twist. Ellen Truijen green suede cross-body purse, $298, from Butch Blum. 
On him: Brunello Cucinelli “Safari” jacket in olive, $2,495, Vince navy twill pants, $195, and Magnanni for Neiman Marcus retro leather running sneaker in gray, $450, all from Neiman Marcus. Eleventy ivory sweater vest, $345, from Butch Blum. “Lost” geo print polo in yellow, $119, by and from Ted Baker. Luis Morais 14K yellow gold and enamel beaded bracelets, one shown in black glass, $198, the other in black onyx and hematite, $435, both from Twist. 

Shape Up
You’re not imagining it: Octagon and hexagon shapes are one of the uniting elements of Hotel Theodore’s interior design. From the atrium carpet to the door knockers affixed to the 153 guest rooms, these shapes lend a sense of modernity to the hotel’s new vibe. 

Grand Entrance 
“Pierced Printing” blue-pattern sweater in blend material, $288, by and from JNBY. Schai “Drappo” lean dress in clarion blocks, $695, online at schaischai.com. Lacausa V slip dress in panna cotta, $59, from Pipe and Row. Stuart Weitzman “Clinger” low shaft stretch ankle boot in snow plonge, $598, from Nordstrom. Brunello Cucinelli gray leather and brass chain necklace, $525, from Neiman Marcus. Ten Thousand Things 18K gold and amber earrings, $1,880; Julie Cohn bronze, black spinel and blue glass bead necklace, $495; Rosa Maria brown quartz and icy yellow diamond halo ring set in sterling silver, $1,240; and Silvia Furmanovich “Marquetry” clutch with 18K gold, ebony scarab and champagne diamond details, $6,800, all from Twist. 

View From the Top
The entire 19th floor, or The Residence as it’s known, is a spacious 2,000-square-foot suite with bedroom and bath, entertaining space, catering and kitchen space and wraparound views. Step out onto one of three decks to take in views of landmarks such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. 

Woman About Town 
Lacausa “Court” chiffon dress in panna cotta, $132, from Pipe and Row. Viscose cami jumpsuit in black, $298, by and from Eileen Fisher. Aquazzura powder puff floral-print flat slides in rose jacquard, $650, from Neiman Marcus. Verso “Lily” brass and cast paper necklace, $245, from The Handmade Showroom. Carolina Bucci 18K yellow gold long beaded earrings, $1,800, and Polly Wales 18K yellow gold and 3.09-carat total weight multicolor diamond shield ring, $13,600, both from Twist. 

Keep It Casual 
Topman faux suede Western jacket, $130, from Nordstrom. “Loveless” twill mélange shirt, $125, by and from Freeman. Cooper Jones cotton T-shirt in marine, $60, from Butch Blum. J Brand “Tyler” deconstructed slim jeans in abalone, $248, from Neiman Marcus. Common Projects “Achilles” leather low-top sneaker in black, $420, from Nordstrom downtown flagship. Black infinity band (worn as a necklace), $38, by and from Do the Extraordinary.

Restoration Story
Previously closed off to guests, the hotel’s atrium has been restored and opened up. It’s now an inviting gathering spot with cozy seating—the perfect place to enjoy a light cocktail during apertivo hour. 

Lounging Around 
On her: Paloma Wool “Leonarda” button up blouse in white/ochre, $131, and Pipe and Row “Staples” yellow aviator sunglasses, $40, both from Pipe and Row. Men’s Tellason Stock jean jacket, $159, from Freeman. JNBY belted crepe wide-leg pants in navy, $240, and Jianhui London layered black cord and wooden square bead necklace (six layers), $20, from JNBY. Saint Laurent “Loulou” crinkled metallic slides, $795, from Neiman Marcus. Graf Lantz orange wool and leather tote, $186, from Butch Blum. 
On him: Eleventy silk navy coat, $1,195, and cashmere ivory and gray stripe sweater, $495, with Cooper Jones black cotton polo, $80, all from Butch Blum. Zanerobe “Salerno” drawstring jogger chino in gray, $99, and Cole Haan “Zerogrand” Stitchlite oxford in ironstone, $180, both from Nordstrom downtown flagship and Westfield Southcenter. Boarding Pass “Flight Brief” waxed canvas carry-on in midnight, $195, from Freeman. 

Finishing Touches 
Private White V.C. “Mayfair” drawstring overshirt jacket in tan, $549, from Nordstrom downtown flagship. Half-zip funnel neck sweater in navy, $175, by and from Ted Baker. Railcar Fine Goods “Flight” trouser in khaki, $148, from Freeman. Isaia blue cotton button-down shirt, $475, Mimi Fong “Lotus” tie in gold, $220, and Salvatore Ferragamo suede “Gancini” braided loafers in brown, $775, all from Neiman Marcus. 

Shopping 
Aritzia, University Village, University District, 2685 NE University Village St.; 206.523.1210; aritzia.com 
Butch Blum, downtown, 1332 Sixth Ave.; 206.622.5760; butchblum.com 
Do the Extraordinary, downtown, 1810 Sixth Ave.; dotheextraordinary.com 
Eileen Fisher, University Village, University District, 4610 26th Ave. NE; 206.525.0046; eileenfisher.com
Freeman, Capitol Hill, 713 Broadway E; 206.327.9932; freemanseattle.com 
The Handmade Showroom, Pacific Place, downtown, 600 Pine St., No. 301; 206.623.0504; thehandmadeshowroom.com 
JNBY, Pacific Place, downtown, 600 Pine St.; 206.623.0753; jnby.us 
Kacy Yom, kacyyom.com
Neiman Marcus, The Shops at The Bravern, 11111 NE Eighth St., Bellevue; 425.452.3300; neimanmarcus.com 
Nordstrom, downtown, 500 Pine St., 206.628.2111; Westfield Southcenter, Tukwila, 100 Southcenter Mall, 206.246.0400; Bellevue Collection, Bellevue, 100 Bellevue Way SE, 425.455.5800; and other locations; nordstrom.com 
Pipe and Row, Fremont, 611 N 35th St.; 206.632.0720; pipeandrow.com 
Schai, schaischai.com
Silvae, silvae.co 
Sharply, Capitol Hill, 500 E Pike St.; 206.258.2881; shopsharply.com 
Ted Baker, The Bellevue Collection, 141 Bellevue Square, Bellevue; 425.453.5582; tedbaker.com 
Twist, Pacific Place, downtown, 600 Pine St., No. 130; 206.315.8080; twistonline.com 

Credits: 
Photographer: Hayley Young 
Stylist: Darcy Camden 
Hair and makeup: Tiffany Troiano 
Editor and writer: Nia Martin 
Art director: Matt Cole 
Assistant art director: Gina Mills 
Stylist’s assistant: Kayla Downs 
Photographer’s assistant: Alex Crook 
Models: Gregory DeAnda and Sofia Tveter for Seattle Models Guild 
Venue: Hotel Theodore, downtown, 1531 Seventh Ave; 206.621.1200; hoteltheodore.com

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