FASHION ISSUE
OUTRAGEOUSCool Stuff
BY ANNA DORL
While the fashion industry is one of the most notorious for doing harm to the planet, several fashion brands have made commitments to sustainability on a corporate level. This dedication can make a huge impact when major companies not only promise, but actually deliver conscious construction of their products. The response from consumers has encouraged sustainability to grow beyond a fad, cementing ethical shopping choices through continued practice. Additionally, many brands combine functional fashion with environmental responsibility beyond the clothing they’re known for, making their mark in the home and travel spaces, as well. Here are a few for your consideration.
ReNew Transit Backpack by Everlane
Sustainably minded clothing line Everlane also carries a collection of eco-friendly accessories. The ReNew Transit Backpack packs a punch with purpose, as it’s constructed from plastic bottles – 29.2 per bag, to be exact. According to the brand, the only new plastic used is for the zipper coil (teeth), which is not made from recycled material – yet. Available in multiple neutral colors, this backpack includes a 15” exterior laptop pocket, plus multiple inside and outside pockets and water bottle holders. www.everlane.com
Patagonia Worn Wear Repair Roll
Patagonia is regarded globally for its purposefully made outdoor clothing, high-quality gear, and commitment to sustainability. Meet the brand’s Worn Wear Repair Roll — a sturdy yet flexible solution to organize and carry tools for on-the-go gear repairs. The Fair Trade-certified roll is made from 100% recycled polyester with a recycled TPU coating. Sustainability is about versatility and repurpose, so use this convenient vessel however you see fit — we think it's got the perfect construction to hold makeup brushes and similarly sized accessories. Whatever use you may dream up, this handy-dandy item should serve you well. www.patagonia.com
Stella McCartney Ryder Zip Cardholder
Within the fashion community, Stella McCartney has become renowned for her dedication to cruelty-free production utilizing non-animal products. Her brand’s iconic Ryder cardholder is created with polyamide, a vegan leather alternative. The material is grained to achieve the look of real leather and lined with recycled materials. Featuring a main zippered compartment, it also sports five card slots and an exterior slip pocket with engraved metal plaque detail. If you’re on the hunt for a wallet that will last forever without using animal products, this selection has you covered. The Ryder zip cardholder is available in Black, Dark Olive, and Brandy. www.stellamccartney.com
L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket
L.L.Bean’s positive impact on the culture of outdoor lovers has seeped into regular fashion and everyday living with a focus on environmental sustainability. The brand’s Puffer Blanket is filled with recycled polyester, ensuring warm insulation for people and less plastic impact on the planet. Snap closures on two corners of the blanket allow for creative cape-wearing, perfect for your kids or for your inner child. Available in nine colors, the Natural National Parks pattern supports the National Park Service, which has recently been on the receiving end of major federal budget cuts. This particular blanket style features tan and rust colors with outlines of American outdoor landmarks, symbols, and animals. www.llbean.com
Waste No More Studies by Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is widely regarded for its level of elegance and class in women’s wear, led by the renewable light of sustainability. The company furthers its eco-friendly initiatives with a regeneration of discarded fabric upscaled into artwork. Abstract expressions on canvas emphasize overlapping neutrals with unique patterns, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Waste No More Study 37 is pictured here, featuring layers of wool, linen, silk, and cotton styled into a stunning piece. Custom wallworks are also available. www.wastenomore.com/studies
Frayed Needle
Ripping up
the
rules, saving the planet – one pair of denim at a time
BY BRIAN HILL
FFashion isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about what you stand for. In a world where fast fashion pollutes at record pace, Boston-based fashion designer, Brian Antonevich is ripping apart the old rules and stitching a new narrative through his brand, Frayed Needle.
According to Levi Strauss & Co. and the United Nations, it takes more than 1,800 gallons of water to make just one pair of jeans, largely due to cotton cultivation and dyeing. That same pair can also produce over 33 kilograms of CO₂ emissions, as reported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. But what if fashion could reverse that damage? What if rebellion could be responsible?
That’s exactly what Antonevich is doing. Through Frayed Needle, he transforms iconic designer denim — think Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Calvin Klein, and Levi’s — into one-of-a-kind, upcycled pieces that scream attitude and sustainability. He’s not only making jeans better, he’s making the planet better, one pair at a time.
As Frayed Needle prepares to launch its newest collection this October on the runway at Phoenix Fashion Week, and as a featured brand in the Fashion Rewired Showroom, we sat down with Antonevich to talk premium denim, circular fashion, and how rock stars helped turn his passion project into a movement.
Q: What is Frayed Needle, in your own words?
Brian Antonevich: Frayed Needle is fashion with an edge. I take premium vintage denim and resurrect it into something bold, artistic, and sustainable. These aren’t just jeans, they’re statements. I don’t massproduce. I deconstruct luxury denim by hand and rebuild it with purpose. If it doesn’t make someone say “whoa,” it’s not done yet.
Q: How did your journey from engineer to fashion designer happen?
Antonevich: I was a career engineer, but I always had this creative side pulling at me. I used to rip up shirts just to make gym outfits look cool. Friends noticed. I started customizing pieces after work every night. When COVID hit, I had this moment: Life’s short, do what you love. So, I left engineering and went full throttle with Frayed Needle.
Q: Why denim? What drew you to working with it specifically?
Antonevich: Denim has soul. It wears you and tells your story, while being one of the worst offenders in fashion waste. That challenge pulled me in. I love taking a pair of forgotten jeans and turning them into something that demands attention again. It’s about giving iconic denim a second life, creatively and environmentally.
Q: Sustainability is clearly part of your brand DNA. What impact are you hoping to make?
Antonevich: Big brands burn through water, chemicals, energy, you name it. By upcycling, I’m saving that waste from ever happening again. And according to WRAP UK, just extending a garment’s life by nine months reduces its carbon, water, and waste footprint by 30%. That’s massive. So, imagine doing that with every pair that I design.
Q: You've already caught the attention of some major names. Who’s wearing Frayed Needle?
Antonevich: It’s been wild. Music stars [like] Post Malone, Quinton Griggs, Keith Harkin, they’ve all worn Frayed Needle. Artists who understand individuality. Edgar Allan Poets, a killer noir rock band, said it best: “If you want to dress like a real rock star, look no further than Frayed Needle.” That blew me away.
Q: What makes your approach to design stand out in today’s fashion market?
Antonevich: I don’t sketch collections; I build them with my hands. I work piece by piece. Each jacket or pair of jeans is made with zero machines, just raw fabric, stitched vision, and hand crafted. I add oneof-a-kind touches that break the rules with my needle and thread. The end result? A premium denim piece that nobody else in the world owns.
Q: You're showcasing your latest collection at Phoenix Fashion Week this fall. What can we expect?
Antonevich: Expect energy. Edge. Revolution. I’m creating pieces that honor Frayed Needle’s roots — gritty, upcycled, one-of-a-kind, but with
more runway polish. It’s the first time I’ll be showing this full vision on a big stage, and being part of the Fashion Rewired Showroom in Phoenix will take Frayed Needle up another notch. I want people to see that sustainable doesn’t mean soft — it can be loud, bold, and unstoppable.
Q: What’s your message to other creatives who want to combine fashion and purpose?
Antonevich: Don’t wait. Start now. Be original. Don’t follow trends — literally tear them up. Always lead with intention. Whether you make ten pieces or ten thousand, make sure they mean something to the world.
Frayed Needle isn’t here to blend in, we are here to disrupt, reconstruct, and reshape what sustainable fashion can be.
As Brian Antonevich preps his fall collection for Phoenix Fashion Week, one thing is clear: denim’s not dead, it just needed a new stitch of life. Rip it. Stitch it. Wear it. Save the planet! Learn more about Phoenix Fashion Week at www.phoenixfashionweek.com and follow Frayed Needle on Instagram @frayed_needle.
SAVORRecipes
Tipsy Egg’s AZ Citrus Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
7 cups baby arugula
1 grapefruit
1 orange
1/2 cucumber
2 radishes
1 cup pepitas
½ cup citrus dressing
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Citrus Dressing:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 ½ cups neutral-flavored oil
Orange and lemon zest
Directions
Citrus Dressing: Zest the lemon and orange before slicing and juicing. Combine all citrus zest and juice in a bowl, adding Dijon, honey, and rice wine vinegar and whisk together. Once incorporated, slowly whisk/ hand blend the oil into the mixture until it is fully emulsified.
Salad: Bake pepitas in the oven at 325 degrees for eight minutes. Set aside to cool.
While the pepitas are cooling down, peel the citrus and cucumber. Slice peeled grapefruit, orange, and cucumber into thin rounds. Slice radishes as fine as possible.
Add all ingredients together in a bowl and toss gently to fully incorporate the dressing into the fresh ingredients. Pro tip: Customize your salad by adding other fresh, seasonal ingredients from your pantry.
Portland's Perfect Fall
Discover Oregon’s quirky city at its best
BY MISTY MILIOTO
PPortland, Oregon, truly shines in autumn thanks to vibrant foliage throughout the city's many parks and tree-lined neighborhoods. Fall is perfect not only for exploring the outdoors, but it's also prime time for discovering an array of wineries in the nearby Willamette Valley. Farmers markets are bursting with local produce and restaurants feature seasonal menus that showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest's bounty.
Fall is also an ideal time to enjoy Portland's famous coffee culture with occasional pit stops at cozy coffee shops across the city. Or, for something stronger, many craft breweries release seasonal fall brews that pair perfectly with a sunny outdoor patio. However, Portland has so much more to offer — from food trucks and vintage shops to unique
neighborhoods and outdoor adventures — that it's impossible to mention everything. However, be sure to add these ideas to your itinerary for your next trip to Bridgetown.
WHERE TO STAY
CASCADA Thermal Springs + Spa, which opened this spring, is located in the Alberta Arts District with plenty of art galleries, restaurants, food trucks, and shops to explore. This ultra-sustainable luxury hotel features guest rooms with balconies, all-natural kingsized beds, floor-to-ceiling glass and tile bathrooms, and full kitchenettes. For true relaxation, book a spa treatment and explore the mineral pools, sauna, steam room, thermal springs, and 82-degree conservatory filled with rare plants from around the world. The
Hawthorne Bridge at night.
Courtesy of Travel Portland
hotel also features a coffee shop and Terra Mae restaurant, which blends Portuguese and Japanese cultures. 1150 N.E. Alberta St., (503) 227-2232, www.cascada.me
DINING & COFFEE CULTURE
For a lively night out and a fantastic meal, book a table at Nostrana. This seasonally influenced Italian restaurant, celebrating its 20th anniversary in October, blends rustic charm with elegant vibes. The main dining room features rooster decor collected over the years, while tablecloths designed inhouse are etched with Umbrian lace patterns and inscribed with Italian proverbs. The menu changes daily to spotlight fresh and sustainable ingredients from surrounding farms and the restaurant's kitchen garden. Nostrana's pizza recently ranked No. 29 for 50 Top Pizza USA 2025, and chef/owner Cathy Whims recently released her debut cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita . Follow dinner with a glass of wine or a cocktail at the restaurant’s adjacent bar, Enoteca Nostrana. 1401 S.E. Morrison St., (503) 234-2427, www.nostrana.com
of late chef Naomi Pomeroy. Now guided by Chef Mika Paredes, it elevates French comfort food with Pacific Northwest ingredients, serving dishes like steak au poivre, pomme frites, and rabbit pâté. 4537 S.E. Division St., www.lechellepdx.com
Portland's evolving food scene includes L'Échelle, a cozy neighborhood bistro that honors the legacy
Memoire Cà Phê, which opened in summer 2024 as a collaboration between pastry chef Lisa Nguyen, chef Richard Le, and coffee roaster Kim Dam, offers family favorite recipes with modern touches, including gluten-free chicken and pandan waffles, Vietnamese egg coffee, and pandan soda with espresso shots. 1495 N.E. Alberta St., memoire-ca-phe.square.site
For a quick jolt, be sure to visit Shroom Coffee & Bar, which blends bold espresso with wellness-inspired mushroom and adaptogen infusions. They offer everything from seasonal espresso tonics with local marionberry syrup to ashwagandha lattes. 1306 E. Burnside St., www.shroomcoffeebar.com
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
The Portland Japanese Garden features five original gardens from its opening in 1963, plus the 2017 Cultural Crossing Expansion. Curated by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and curator Sadafumi
A plate of pasta at Nostrana. Photo by John Valls
Nostrana dining room. Photo by John Valls
Uchiyama, the addition includes LEED-certified buildings and seven new garden spaces. There’s also a Cultural Village (with tea café, gallery, classrooms, workshop space, and gift shop) and the Chabana Garden & Oregon Basalt Terrace for tea ceremonies. 611 S.W. Kingston Ave., (503) 223-1321, www.japanesegarden.org
Meanwhile, in the heart of Portland’s historic China Town, sits the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou (Portland’s sister city) and encompassing an entire city block, it is considered one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Be sure to check out the gift shop for some fun treasures. 239 N.W. Everett St., (503) 2288131, www.lansugarden.org
The Portland Art Museum, the seventh oldest museum in the United States, houses more than 42,000 objects in 112,000 square feet of galleries. The museum will unveil the Rothko Pavilion in November, a major renovation project designed with the highest levels of environmental considerations and energy efficiency. 1219 S.W. Park Ave., (503) 226-2811, www.portlandartmuseum.org
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
With 80 miles of trails, Forest Park provides a popular escape for runners, cyclists, equestrians, and hikers. This seven-mile-long conservancy situated along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains covers almost 5,200 acres, supporting a wide variety of birds and mammals. 2960 N.W. Upshur St., (503) 823-4492, www.forestparkconservancy.org
For a fun outdoor adventure, book a rail bike at Mount Hood Railroad, located about one hour outside of Portland. Introduced after new ownership by Scott Webster, who purchased the
railroad in 2022, the 13 rail bikes (each seats two passengers) can be powered via the pedals and/or the electric engine. Three tours operate daily (April through October) and journey through a scenic valley in the Columbia River Gorge. The tours also include a stop at The Fruit Company and Mount Hood Winery. 110 Railroad St., Hood River, (541) 387-4000, www.mthoodrr.com
Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are among the most breathtaking destinations in Oregon, thanks to plunging waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, dramatic river views, and snowcapped mountain peaks. The Columbia Gorge Express, Gray Line Tours, and America’s Hub World Tours all offer eco-friendly options for exploring the area with guided half- and full-day Gorge tours to Mt. Hood and even wine-focused excursions through the valley. If you go on your own, be sure to stop by the biodynamic Analemma Winery for a picnic with ingredients that are sourced no farther than 20 miles from the winery. 1120 State Road, Mosier, (541)478-2873, www.analemmawines.com
Portland marquee sign at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Courtesy of Travel Portland
Japanese Garden. Photo by Roman Johnston
Sept. 23, 2025
