Alice in Portland (er, Wonderland) fantastical spring fashion

By Karen Vitt, NEAT editor in chief

We’re mad as a hatter over “Alice in Wonderland” buzz, and we’re not alone.

As Tim Burton’s take on the classic Lewis Carroll fantasy adventure tale tumbles into theaters Friday, it’s evident that fashion designers, jewelry makers and artists on a local and national level have been whipped into a creative frenzy.

Drawing inspiration from the whimsical world in Carroll’s beloved story, spring fashion is filled with loopy tea party references, cornflower blue dresses and all the things of wonder Alice stumbled upon throughout her fantastical journey – late-running rabbits and vintage timepieces, girlish ribbons, teapots, roses, giant mushrooms and talking cats, to name just a few.

“There is such a vast amount of imagery and characters to draw inspiration from,” said Portland jewelry designer Brehan Todd, who has included several “Alice” references in her Spring 2010 jewelry collection. “It’s a natural, especially for the independent design scene, to capture these ideas and interpret them in creative ways that rival the generic things mass market corporations produce. More and more people are always looking for unique ideas, products and gifts, and this story is so popular it all makes perfect sense.”

Bringing the tale to life through fashion and design also lends adventure to our daily lives, and brightens up some downright grey days. “Living in Portland, it is a necessity to work with bright colors and fun, flirty designs,” said local designer Julia GaRey, who also incorporates a quirky, colorful garden party theme to her spring designs (pictured top and right). GaRey said she’s had Alice on the brain thanks to the new movie, and we can see it in her playful yet refined designs – bright turquoise topcoats, darling jackets and delicate dresses. “I am really inspired by history and how people used to always dress up and look nice,” GaRey said. “I think by having a few key pieces in your wardrobe, especially jackets, it is really easy to look put together.”

Whatever kind of wonder you’re seeking, here’s a few fun “Alice” inspired things we found for Portland gals to take along down the rabbit hole adventure of life:

Brehan Todd Jewelry – Local jewelry designer Brehan Todd says “Alice in Wonderland” has inspired her work for years, but she rediscovered it again when she heard about Tim Burton’s new movie. Todd’s current collection includes a Mad Hatter Ring (right), and coming soon charm bangle bracelets (by the way, Stella McCartney also has a new Alice in Wonderland charm bracelet, by the way) and necklaces made from recycled bullet casings that feature illustrations form the original “Alice” story. The pieces can be found locally at Narcisse, Cielo Home, Flutter and at the Brehan Todd Jewelry store on etsy.com.

Freshy Fig – Local sustainable jewelry line Freshy Fig by Amanda Senten also offers many quaint  spring pieces that fit the “Alice in Wonderland” theme. This adorable locket has a black and white scene featuring the rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland,” displayed on a vintage 1970’s basketweave locket that looks reminiscent of Carroll’s late-running rabbit’s timepiece. The locket dangles along with a wire-wrapped glass bead from a 27-inch chain. Senton also offers an array of charming necklaces with whimsical charms, including old fashioned keys for letting yourself into secret places, hot air balloons, owls and all kinds of neat things that Lewis Carroll apparently forgot to include. Find the piece at the Freshy Fig shop on etsy.com.

Elizabeth Rohloff Goodman hat – Local mad hatter Elizabeth Rohloff created her gorgeous Goodman Hat before “Alice” hit the screen, but the color and shape couldn’t be more perfect for a fantasy tea party. We also love her fantastical brocade Party Top Hat with brilliant purple feather. Find more Rohloff headwear and handbag designs at local shops including Bonnet Boutique in the Pearl District, and on Rohloff’s shop at etsy.com (Is there a designer left who doesn’t have an Etsy store? Hooray, we think not!). We also love Rohloff’s Also, watch The Neat Sheet in May, when we’ll be giving away one of Rohloff’s designs to a lucky reader! www.elizabethrohloff.com

Beauty in Wonderland – Did Alice wear lipstick and blusher in Wonderland? No matter, so many of this season’s cosmetic confections are prettily packaged to coincide with the film and inspire us to play with our spring look. We found sparkly blue and purple OPI nail polish in shades of Absolutely Alice and Mad as a Hatter; Urban Decay offers its Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows eyeshadow palette, which opens to 16 shadow shades and is festooned with forest mushrooms; and there’s an entirely adorable Paul & Joe Alice in Wonderland beauty collection packed in pretty pink and blue with classic Disney Alice illustrations. The Paul & Joe collection is available in Portland exclusively at Fez Studio, where they’ll celebrate the line’s arrival with a tea party tomorrow from 5-7 p.m. Fez Studio, 205 N.W. 10th Ave.; 503-227-2226. www.fezstudio.net

Christa Taylor – If you’re seeking the perfect little blue “Alice in Wonderland” dress to wear to tea parties this spring, visit local online retailer Christa Taylor and fetch this fetching Azure Letizia Dress (right, as seen on the lovely Jillian Rabe). The perfectly 50’s inspired piece can be dressed up or down with a big floppy hat, heels or sandals, and looks so pretty peeking around hedges in the garden while you wait around for Tweedledum and Tweedledee (who pretty much sound like characters you’d meet on Match.com). www.christa-taylor.com

Julia GaRey Designs – Portland designer Julia GaRey incorporated a perfectly “Alice” garden party theme in her spring collection (shown top), which includes vintage looking soft dresses in muted shades, bright topcoats and belted jackets, a stretch-cotton jumper dress aptly named “Alice,” mod mini dresses and sexy sheaths, all in a pretty palette of greens and blues. GaRey also designs gorgeous floral hair pieces, crafted from interesting fabrics and pearls. View her coming collection for Spring 2010 on Facebook now. The pieces will soon be available at Mink Boutique on Hawthorne, Sofada on East Burnside, deL*ght in Grants Pass, Ore., and on the Julia GaRey shop at etsy.com.

Walt Disney Pictures “Alice in Wonderland”
Opens Friday, March 5
Rated PG for scary situations and a smoking caterpillar
Regal Lloyd Center Cinemas (first show at 11 a.m.)
1510 N.E. Multnomah Blvd.; 503-287-0338
Find more theaters + showtimes here

The gorgeous images from Julia GaRey’s spring collection were were taken by Grants Pass photographer Nikita Lee.

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