A review of the 2011 GEAR Con fashion show with designer Laura Hagen’s ‘Taken By The Sky’ collection.
Today, the 2011 Portland GEAR (Gaslight Explorers, Adventurers and Romantics) Con wraps up its three-day weekend affair at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland. More than 100 guests participated in workshops, enjoyed musical and side-show circus performances by regional talent such as Vagabond Opera and Wanderlust Circus, shopped at fascinating vendor tables, and enjoyed lectures by local experts and authors. I was tapped earlier this year to coordinate the Gear Con fashion show, held on Saturday afternoon in the hotel’s ballroom. 
The event kicked off with an “all-comer’s” showcase where more than a dozen conference guests were invited to flaunt their own costumes and wardrobe on the runway, showing off pieces they had created themselves or otherwise put together through vintage findings. As MC, I provided introductions and descriptions provided by the participants while playing lively jazz selections.
Fashion designer Laura Hagen proudly presented her fashionable ‘Taken By The Sky‘ collection of enchanting women’s costumes, corsets and ballgowns. Laura’s collection is strongly influenced by not only Victorian and Scottish elements, but also a myriad of pleasing color combinations such as bright turquoise with purple, and vibrant teal with pale yellow, in addition to more formal autumn tones such as burgundy, gold, and black. Avery Milieu’s fine millinery hats were also showcased with the models’ outfits, as well as Heather Teakell’s “Kricket’s Creation” line.
Lively, sparkling models of all shapes and personalities swayed gracefully down the ballroom’s runway, many finding
opportunities to interact theatrically with the audience along the way. I was honored to provide music for the show ranging from tribal Middle Eastern selections by Niyaz and Celtic folk siren Loreena McKennitt, to swingy jazz songs by classic musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Cab Calloway.
Various photographers captured stunning photos of each outfit. Photographer Melissa Toledo was among them, and you can peruse her photos directly on her website at this link.
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Next year’s Portland Gear Con will undoubtedly be an even bigger affair, with the intentions of including menswear into the show. Pre-Registration for the soon-to-be scheduled 2012 Portland Gear Con is currently offered at a generous discount. Please email admin@pdxgearcon.com for more information.
written by Bethany Moore
Hello my name is Heather Teakell of Krickets Creation. I thoroughly enjoyed your article about the 2011 Gear Con Fashion Show. It has made me even more determined to be there in person next year. I am a great fan of Taken By The Sky’s designs. Laura’s vision brings a unique and flattering option to ladies of all shapes and sizes. I completely agree that she has an amazing eye for color. I was honored to be asked to supply her with some of the hats. Three are beautifully displayed in your photos paired with the black and burgundy; turquoise and gold; and sage and brown dresses. I am looking forward to seeing Gear Con grow and cannot wait to see what next year has in store for us. Thank you for the lovely article.