New world techno-fash.

COLUMN
He-Bot and Ladytron: Techno Fashion Has Landed

by ELIZABETH DYE
243-2122 ext. 335

Like the pseudo-Luddite skeptic with pretensions of simplicity that I am, I resisted technology. I eschewed email, pooh-poohed the Palm Pilot and sneered at the NASDAQ day traders and the early adopters and those cheeky little shits at Wired. I even came late to the Napster feast (though I've been gorging myself stupid ever since the Ninth Circuit ruling, and you should too). Wireless and web have inexorably wormed their way into our urban lives' most intimate nooks, have roosted in our hearts and homes like so many shrilling bionic bobolinks. What does it all mean? Too many cultural consequences to canvass here, so I'll pick one: fashion (surprise!).

Technology, by which I mean (a) computers and (b) the Internet, will alter the way we dress more than any other cultural trend--more than globalization, nostalgia, climate change, Temptation Island, guns in schools or Lil' Kim. Right now most of the attempts are unfun and literal--we all saw the gadget-loaded Frankenjacket designed by Levi's and Philips (called the ICD+, it comes pre-loaded with a cell phone and MP3 player). But peel back the hype--technology is wreaking lasting havoc with our wardrobes.

Why? Because we love tech. We're besotted with it. The idea that messy human interaction can be replaced by an arid and wholly predictable system of cues, commands and imperatives has Some People so tickled they're dressing the part. And designers have risen to the task of garbing our Brave New World.

Though they differ in execution, designers reference the same index--clothes should reflect new habits and occupations, offer versatility and comfort to the overworked, travel-weary and screen-bleary, utilize lab fabrics and have many compartments. Seattle's Houston, a gallery and design firm started by erstwhile Microsofteur Matt Houston, describes its fashion venture as "a unique, cut-and-sew clothing line intended for computer users." For the moment, this mission boils down to a microfleece long-sleeve shirt with a specialized mouse-hand sleeve. One arm terminates in a sculpted fleece forearm pad and a knuckle-length cuff with a satin thumbhole. Available in a range of gender-neutral colors and left- or right-handed varieties, the Houston shirt won't literally cure carpal tunnel, but it has a pert specificity that speaks directly to the repetition and toil of the McJob. Find it at wehaveaproblem.com.

Remember a few paragraphs back when I said I resisted technology? Well, I also thought Skim.com wouldn't (couldn't!) last. One-dot-five years later, the Zurich-based company now places its digit-dotted garments in stores all over the world (our nearest outlet is in L.A., but there's always the Web). Here's the vision: Each ripstop skirt and microfiber pullover is tagged with a unique number, which corresponds to an email address on the Skim.com web site (the email service is free). "We do this to link people together worldwide, to build an open network for participate [sic] both offline and online," say Skim founders (how Swiss of them, huh?). It's a bold experiment, due a capful of respect. Still, given the price and exclusivity of these clothes, Skim is mostly linking
globetrotting sceneheads and style editors, who can probably find each other at the bar.

Back to Earth, then, to applaud a crazy idea that just...might... work. Messenger bags have crossed the cycler-chic barrier because they're durable, expansive and handsome in a butch/indestructible way. Sound like your dream date? San Francisco's Timbuk 2 now offers a Flash Bag Builder on its site (Timbuk2.com), which is so duh-intuitive you can construct a custom messenger bag in about 40 seconds. Select fabric, colors and as many extras as your futuristic fantasy demands (waterproof liner? exterior zipper pouch for keys and cards? cell phone holster? laptop sleeve?). This is the kind of tech fashion I hail and endorse--responsive to people's actual preferences (pink is available, thankyouverymuch), flexible (all extras, except the liner, detach) and affordable (bags start at 50 bucks).

Closer to home, offline local designer Kwai Toa of G-Spot churns out multicolored Lycra dresses that may be the acme of supermodern simplicity. "Once you put on these dresses, you don't want to take them off," she muses, a blend of designer's pride and wearer's languor in her voice. The dresses are modular, sewn simply of fabric tubes whose edges have been raw-finished to minimize bulk and interruption to the drape. No pockets, no fasteners--just tug, wriggle and board the Concorde. The designer buys her stretchy, breathable fabrics from sportswear suppliers and sews everything herself (each dress takes her less than two hours to make). The resulting garment is an Everygown--elegant, body-hugging and comfortable, not fussy, restrictive or slatternly. Perfect for the graveyard shift Intel DBA with a breakfast date at Stepping Stone.

It's enough to make you stop worrying and love the bomb.

Dress Listings

To let us know about special events or sales, send information to Elizabeth Dye, WW, 822 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205 (fax 243-1115), at least 10 days prior to publication.

Scent Scholars Unite

Lake Oswego's Australasian College of Herbal Studies will offer "Spring Cleaning: Natural Scents for Your Body and Home," a classroom workshop devoted to enhancing well-being with aromatherapy. The college's newly expanded retail Apothecary Shoppe has all your school supplies.

530 1st St., Lake Oswego. 2:30 pm Saturday, March 3. Call 635-6652 for more information.

Look Good in Daylight

Dosha's "Currents" Spring Makeup Clinic is here to help blunt winter's ravages to your visage. Aveda-trained professionals teach the shortcuts and secrets to luminous skin and flawless makeup.

2281 NW Glisan St.; call 228-8280 to reserve a spot. 1-5 pm Wednesday, March 7. $30.

Yes, Let's

Theresa's Boutique and Monique's Shoetique present "Let's Talk Shoes," a First Monday independent fashion event. Learn how to recognize and procure comfort, quality and style below the knees.

Monique's Shoetique, 1122 SW Morrison St., 294-0094. 6 pm Monday, March 5.