October 27, 2013

Stand by your Brand: The Portland Collection by Pendleton


THE PORTLAND COLLECTION began in 2011 with a  fresh perspective of iconic textiles as seen through a group of talented young Portland creatives with an emphasis on both Pendleton heritage and USA manufacturing.


The independent design team of Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk, and John Blasioli have developed a fabric story for 2013 that uses desert tones in solids, plaids, and three jacquards drawn from Pendleton archival blankets. With fabrics woven exclusively in Pendleton’s Northwest Mills, The Portland Collection continues to support the resurgence of domestic production with apparel made in the U.S.A. This year also marks the appearance of the first Made in U.S.A. bag.

P i n y o n   S t r i p e
This print was inspired by the traditional Navajo Chief Stripe blankets.  The designers appreciated the irregularities of some original hand woven designs so they created this layout to be slightly asymmetrical.  This print was named Pinyon Stripe because pinyon pitch was originally used in Navajo blankets to make the black dye they used.  This print is striking, iconic and a strong graphic. 
C h i e f   J o s e p h
Designed early in the 1920's, Pendleton's Chief Joseph print is one of the oldest patterns in their collection. This iconic print honors the Northwest's great Nez Perce leader, Chief Joseph.

D e s e r t   S o n o r a 
 The Sonora design, based on diamond and arrowhead motifs, is likely Pendleton's most recognizable pattern. Found in the Pendleton archives, dated 1916, the designers slightly altered the original to a look that felt more relevant for today.  

B l a c k   S o n o r a
The Sonora design was created in two different color palette's, one more bold in hue and the other in soft neutrals.  This iconic graphic is a timeless beauty.

N a m e s a k e   P l a i d
Pendleton is known for their iconic shirts...and possibly now for their shirt dresses.  A classic style made from 100% virgin wool, cut short and slightly fitted for a flattering modern feel.  Blazer style bust seam,welt pockets, zig zag stitch and curved hem details are inspired from Vintage Pendleton shirts.  A fresh update on a classic and best yet is their signature namesake plaid fabric.

P i l o t    R o c k
The jacquard patterns of the late 1800's and early 1900's were limited by loom capabilities, at that time looms were unable to weave diagonal lines such as those present on the Sonora print.  The designers wanted to present a different jacquard direction than what has been so prevalent in the market over the past few years.  Pilot rock is a town in Oregon named after a large basalt rock formation used for navigation on the Old Oregon Trail.