True Collaborative Fashion

True Collaborative Fashion represents independent designers. We appreciate contemporary craftsmanship, handmade artistry and things made in America. You can find us at major tradeshows, our showrooms in Portland and Los Angeles, or out on the open road visiting boutiques.

A fantastic video of the triumph of one of our favorite Portland, OR boutiques - Shop Adorn. In January, the store caught fire - destroying everything inside. Catch an interview with owner Nicole Whitesell as she talks about the customer loyalty that pulled her though that tough time and inspired her to open her doors again. She received 150 emails the day after the fire with concerned friends, fans and customers. I love how she says, “It’s all about relationships .. that is why I am here today”.

The interview includes Shop Adorn’s mission of every day wear for all women. A true boutique for all ages and bodies - carrying sizes from 0 - 16. Featuring styles from Prairie Underground such as the resistance vest owner Nicole is wearing; and items like the long cloak hoodie & draper jean dress.

We adore you Nicole - and are so happy your beautiful store is back & more fabulous than ever. You inspire us!

Stewart+Brown featured on magnifeco blog

A lovely post on Karen Stewart & Howard Brown of the Stewart+Brown collection. The post details the values and passion that encompasses the California made company. Be sure to check out the entire post over at the magnifeco blog here.

The Portland Collection by Pendleton - spotted in the wild on the North shore of Minnesota! (photo courtesy of The Portland Collection’s facebook page)

The Portland Collection by Pendleton - spotted in the wild on the North shore of Minnesota!

(photo courtesy of The Portland Collection’s facebook page)

We just love the KOCH collection and their fabulous employees! Photo taken at FIG show Dallas, TX - home of KOCH.

We just love the KOCH collection and their fabulous employees!

Photo taken at FIG show Dallas, TX - home of KOCH.

Prairie Underground featured in Spring 2012 photo shoot for Branch Out boutique in New Orleans, LA. We love NOLA & Branch Out!

What a gorgeous photo of The Portland Collection by Pendleton in Zurich. (Mai Lynn Miller shot by Clarissa Striker)

What a gorgeous photo of The Portland Collection by Pendleton in Zurich.

(Mai Lynn Miller shot by Clarissa Striker)

Prairie Underground in Paris

A holiday trip to Pendleton Woolen Mills

Over the 2011 Holiday Season, True Collaborative Fashion owners Tracey & Tyler Forrest and agents Erin Glanz and I had the pleasure of touring the Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal, Washington. For 6 generations, since 1863 - the Bishop family has owned and operated the company. We were lucky enough to get a tour from none other than Charlie Bishop.

Pendleton Woolen Mills owns the last two remaining Fabric mills in the United States, located in Pendleton, Oregon & Washougal, Washington. The Washougal location is the second location that has been there since 1912.

Our tour of the mill included the entire production process. From the raw virgin wool being laundered in natural soap from Hood River, Oregon to the entirely custom dye process. All the way to the spinning of the yarns and fabric production on the looms.

It is evident the pride that goes into the fabrics produced at the mill. The workers are unionized and it is not uncommon to see multiple generations of families who work together in the organization. The longevity and employee retention speaks volume to the rich brand equity that is Pendleton Woolen Mills.

Our inside look into this family company further deepened our pride in representing The Portland Collection by Pendleton - what an amazing opportunity and truly fun way to spend the day!

You too can tour the facility by visiting their site here.

We spy a Prairie Underground short cloak hoodie! (photo borrowed from Arcadia Boutique instagram)

We spy a Prairie Underground short cloak hoodie!

(photo borrowed from Arcadia Boutique instagram)

The Lovely Katie & Cindy of Bliss Boutique in San Clemente, CA in their Prairie Underground long cloak hoodies! The ladies stopped by the True Collaborative showroom to place their Fall 2012 Prairie Underground orders today, we just had to snap a photo!

The Lovely Katie & Cindy of Bliss Boutique in San Clemente, CA in their Prairie Underground long cloak hoodies!

The ladies stopped by the True Collaborative showroom to place their Fall 2012 Prairie Underground orders today, we just had to snap a photo!

The hardworking team over at Prairie Underground headquarters in Seattle, Washington! Packing and shipping Spring boxes, a rainbow array of hoodie strings & a plethora of their signature patterns! 

The hardworking team over at Prairie Underground headquarters in Seattle, Washington!

Packing and shipping Spring boxes, a rainbow array of hoodie strings & a plethora of their signature patterns! 

Haute Americana

A fantastic blog post featuring Pendleton, The Portland Collection.

Haute Americana only features USA designers focused on heritage, craftsmanship & the return of fashion manufacturing inside the United States. 

Read the entire post on Haute Americana here - and be sure to check out the rest of the site; 25-year-old blogger Alexia Cameron posts about up and coming designers throughout the United States.

An inside look at Stewart+Brown’s Spring 2012 production - Made in California

Everyday casual luxury to layer & love - custom prints inspired by nature

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