Seattle Sewn welcomed a packed house of over 130+ guests last night at The Riveter on Capitol Hill for the 1st annual Fashion Evolution fundraiser. The event helped raise awareness about the current initiatives led by Seattle Sewn and Muses to re-shore apparel production, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and give independent designers access to local manufacturing resources.

"As consumers, we're conscious about the food we eat and advocate for visibility within the supply chain, yet we aren't placing the same emphasis on knowing or understanding where our clothing comes from," said Prairie Underground founder Davora Linder. She spoke last night alongside fellow designer Suk Chai of SCHAI and Muses Co-founder Sandrine Espie who echoed her pledge of support and reiterated the importance of this initiative for the community. Erin Nelson, Executive Director of Seattle Good Business Network also addressed the group to give an overview of the initiative and lay out its vision for the future. 

The event featured a shop-for-a-cause marketplace featuring local vendors who produce goods in Seattle including Freeman (who recently inked a deal with Provenance Hotels), SILVAE (winner of the 2014 Bellevue Fashion Week IDRS competition), Prairie Underground, Nube 9, Muses, and Filson. The marketplace gave guests an opportunity to meet the makers and get a better understanding of what "Made in Seattle" really looks like. Prairie Underground will be producing their 50th collection entirely made in Seattle this fall and continues to be a strong advocate for apparel manufacturing in the city.   

Guests of the event included members of the Seattle Made Collective, long-time members of Fashion Group International including Margaret King, Vivian Miller-Rahl, and Deborah Vandermar, editors from Seattle magazine, Seattle Met, and Gray, Clara Berg of MOHAI, reps from local retailers including Zumiez, Sassafras, MOMO, and Prada, plus members of the fashion community who came out to support the cause.

We want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported this event including the volunteers and sponsors who worked endlessly to make it happen. Full photo gallery coming soon!