Putting that creativity to the test, 2010 event organizers charged Henderson with creating a concept centered on solar energy. SolarWorld is among Portland Fashion Week’s major sponsors, so this year’s theme is “Solar Is the New Black.”
The runway will be made from SolarWorld’s black laminate solar panels, and that’s just one way the event promotes sustainability. Portland Fashion Week uses LED lighting and features several eco-friendly designers who work with green fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo.
Henderson sees Portland Fashion Week as a way to encourage collaboration between the energy and fashion industries.
“There’s the solar, techie world, then there’s the fashion world,” he said. “How can we join forces to better the environment?”
Henderson and his wife, Tina, have always recycled, but now that son Aaron, 14, and daughter Megann, 12, are more aware of environmental concerns, the family is ratcheting up its efforts. They recently purchased a home in the Uptown Village area, and it will be solar powered.
Besides the upcoming move, Henderson has a lot of work and travel keeping him busy. He sewed all his designs for Portland Fashion Week himself, and is working on his fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection. He’s also making public appearances at department stores throughout the region and is in talks to sign on as creative director of an international upscale handbag and accessories manufacturer. In March, he’ll travel to China to show at Beijing Fashion Week.
“I want a lot of stuff in the works,” he said. “I’m taking all the opportunities that are right.”
But no matter how busy he gets, he makes time to watch every episode of “Project Runway,” currently in its eighth season.
This go-round, Portland designer Gretchen Jones has rubbed fellow contestants the wrong way with her penchant for giving unsolicited advice, and designers Ivy Higa and Michael Costello have made enemies, as well.
“A lot of drama this season,” Henderson noted.
He said fans of the show keep coming up to him and saying how much they dislike Jones, though he thought she seemed nice the few times he’s encountered her.
Henderson helped with casting for season eight and has met all the contestants. He doesn’t want to make predictions or choose favorites, but two competitors do stand out to him.
“I like Mondo (Guerra),” Henderson said. “He’s just a good guy. Andy (South) is great, too. Also, I think they think outside the box.”
(source:columbian.com)
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