Notable Local Fashion Designers

Wraphabillement
Though less than a year old, former Microsoftie Elizabeth Roberts outerwear line has already been picked up by Nordstrom, a testament to the Madison Park designers thoughtful approach. The Royal Danish Ballet is also smitten: Wraphabillement makes the troupes official cold-weather garb. The sleek jackets employ a technology that lets fabric expand or contract with temperature changes. They also include fascinating details like built-in mitts to keep hands warm.

Banchong Designs

Photograph by AllKlier
Designer Banchong Douangphrachanh can rattle off some exceptionally famous clients on her resume (Lady Gaga, anyone?), but she blissfully finds inspiration in hometown Seattle. Drawing on the boating culture here, her Regatta collection blends conference room cool with nautical flair, flush with wool suit jackets, slim-cut trousers and cozy knit sweaters.

Suzabelle

Photograph by Cindy Apple
Ravenna-based designer Suzanne Jaberg is the queen of frocks, cranking out sophisticated, tailored looks with a regularity akin to Old Faithful, along with breezy womens tops, skirts and impeccable coats.

Built for Man

Manhattan transplant Francisco Hernandezs luxurious garments fly in the face of both prototypical casual mens style (with extremely dapper, dressed-up knit scarves, cravat ties and stylish coats) and convention, thanks to a sustainable sourcing partnership with a Peruvian village where skilled workers are paid a living wage to handcraft his signature ponchos, tunics and shirts.

Prairie Underground

Photograph by Andrew Waits
New Yorks status symbol may still be the power suit, but in Seattle that honor belongs to the Prairie Underground cloak hoodie. Co-designers Davora Lindner and Camilla Eckersley launched the contemporary, casual line of hoodie sweaters, day dresses and leggings back in 2004, paving the way for a slew of other Northwest designers.