October 12, 2007

To Bee or Not to Bee

Emily Katz Debut Collection

Your Outlook calendar makes you break out in hives. You’re so buzzed by day’s end, only Ambo does the trick.

It’s safe to say you’re as busy as a bee.

Ecodesigner Emily Katz feels your pain. Not long ago, the Portland-based eager beaver’s mile-long to-do list included designing snowboard jackets for Grenade Gloves and delivering embroidered loveliness for her first label, Bonnie Heart Clyde.

Now she’s launched a line of darling Pacific Northwest-perfect coats, tops, and dresses made with rescued fabric remnants from large textile companies.

Water-resistant fleece becomes flouncy, sea blue coats and Jackie O-inspired capes; nubby hemp finds a home in the aptly named Perfect Trench. The collection has already found its way to Seattle boutiques and L.A.’s Fred Segal.

Yeah. She’s earned her stripes.

Available at Last Waltz, 1406 18th Avenue, at Union Street (206-328-5512); online at thegreenloop.com. To see styles, go to emilykatz.com.