This past week was the senior collection fashion show for the Art Institute of Portland. I checked out everyone’s collection and was blown away by the amount of talent and hard work that I saw but one person in particular really stood out to me. Caroline Onzik created a collection based on utilitarian work-wear from the 1930′. The collection was both beautiful and functional. She stated that her inspiration was from the outdoors and always wanting what the boys had. “I really just wanted it to be utilitarian, something that a woman can put her hands and all of her tools in the pockets, and she won’t blow out the knees because they’re reinforced, but she also looks really good with all that functionality,” says Onzik. “For some reason women have had to make that choice between good-looking and functional since the beginning of time.” The looks were created with recycled denim which was an important aspect of Onzik’s collection. Caroline stated that protecting our planet was a big focus for her and that doing something sustainable was necessary.
Onzik’s collection was filled with reconstructed denim that looked effortless and fresh and jumpsuits that were reminiscent of Carhart work wear but for a fashion forward young woman. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of western inspired fashion, I was in love with the styling that made the looks more downtown and less hoedown. The camel colored jumpsuits with leather details were absolutely beautiful and the ankle boots tied the looks together in a way that made them seem like I could see a number of women wearing these looks while hanging out around town. Caroline Onzik created a stunning collection that embodies what functional fashion is all about. I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us.
Images courtesy of Portland Fashion Week.
Quotes courtesy of The Oregonian.
Dani in Wonderlust 