Riding high after last night's episode I feel like Gretchen Jones just might take over the world, but I also really admire the way Seth Aaron handled his win last season. He didn't chuck it all and move to New York to try to capitalize on the sudden, dubious fame the show affords, he just incorporated it as a boon to the business plan he already had in place and took it in stride, designing clothing for pet galas and posing as parade marshall with that signature good humored grin. And so the fact that he's still haunting the local shops is unsurprising, it's just that now it's never just Seth Aaron, it's always Project Runway's Seth Aaron! So be it. After all, his decision to partner with SolarWorld at this year's Portland Fashion Week has already garnered the event a nod in USA Today and Treehugger, and his presence there will more than likely be a boon to the exposure of other designers participating.
And now for a lengthy aside: Content is canceled. It seems the higher participation fee (which covered the rooms for two nights instead of just one) gave too many people the yips, and the application process did not yield enough participants to move forward. Note to designers: If you still want to show this fall and do not want the added stresses of producing your own show, consider Portland Fashion Week's very similarly conceived opening night, where designers will be able to install a standing installation representing their brand, and be included in a trade show day, all at no participation cost. Additionally, they are continuing the Emerging Designer Showcase event, now called "Catapult," and I again will be on the submissions board (because you can't get rid of me), along with—wait for it—that's right, Seth Aaron! (Send all questions about PFW participation here please, not to me, please.)
In other Seth Aaron news, he will be making an appearance at Anne Bocci for August's first Friday (a week from today, 6-9 pm), where you can say hello over refreshments and the latest from his collection.