FALL IN LOVE WITH CONTRASTS: WHEN GLORIOUS NATURE MEETS SOPHISTICATED FASHION & BEAUTY
By Charis Michelsen
EGW Luxury Magazine Fall/Winter 2024
THE PERFECT COUPLE: NATURE x HIGH FASHION
Sophisticated high fashion may seem contrary to nature; however, a luxurious trip to the lush, green state of Oregon, one of the most naturally beautiful places in the US, proved they’re the perfect compliment.
Like visible electric currents shooting through electronic circuit boards, the glittering sequins on Pacific Northwest fashion designer Anna Flowers’ gowns from her glamorous new collection mesmerize viewers no matter the setting; however, her high-tech creations absolutely stun in nature. A visit to spectacular Portland, Oregon’s Japanese Garden, nestled in the hills of Portland’s iconic Washington Park, overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis for locals and travelers alike, confirmed this.
DESIGN MEETS NATURE: A HISTORICAL WALK THROUGH PORTLAND’S JAPANESE GARDEN
When His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited Portland’s Japanese Garden, he proclaimed it to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.”
Designed in 1963, Portland’s Japanese Garden encompasses 12.5 acres with eight separate garden styles and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. This is a place to discard worldly thoughts and concerns and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe.
GOWN: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Japanese Garden of Portland, Oregon @portlandjapanesegarden
GOWN: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Japanese Garden of Portland, Oregon @portlandjapanesegarden
SHIMMER IN ANY SETTING WEARING TIMELESS, LUXURY ACCESSORIES BY VIVIANA HALIL
Mt. Hood, usually covered with a shimmering blanket of glorious white snow, is another natural wonder of Oregon and a perfect, pristine landscape to shine in an electric gown by Anna Flowers and accessories that gleam. To amplify your shimmer to look stunning in any setting, enjoy accessories by Viviana Halil. Her elegant, timeless pieces showcase the brilliance of premium diamond simulants and are meticulously handcrafted in fine metals using exceptional craftsmanship. Express yourself with Viviana Halil pieces, to tell your story through your unique style.
Mt. Hood, a crown jewel of Oregon, hosts incredible snow sports during winter and a national historic landmark, Timberline Lodge and hotel, which offers one of the most exciting and unique high-alpine mountain experiences in North America.
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Timberline Lodge and Hotel at Mt. Hood @timberlinelodge
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Timberline Lodge and Hotel at Mt. Hood @timberlinelodge
AN OASIS FOR THE BODY & MIND MEETS SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY AT SANTÉ AESTHETICS & WELLNESS
If you think nature can’t be improved upon via sophisticated technology, you haven’t visited Portland, Oregon’s premiere state-of-the-art luxury spa Santé Aesthetics & Wellness which specializes in regenerative medical aesthetics and biostimulation to elevate your physicality on every level. Rejuvenate your mind and body in Santé’s underground cave oasis “under the stars,” where stress melts away and immunity is boosted in a peaceful setting that includes hot and cold pools, a eucalyptus steam bath, and a vitamin D-boosting beach getaway experience. While at Santé, try Emsculpt Neo with Shawn Benson, a noninvasive body-sculpting procedure that builds muscle and burns fat using high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) pulses that can tighten, tone, and strengthen muscle groups to increase muscle definition. And don’t leave without trying Santé’s skin-transforming Aquafirm Brighten XS Facial with Susanne Nail, which exfoliates the skin and delivers nutrients deep into the dermis, to revitalize the appearance of the skin and defend against aging. Another treat with every visit to Santé is the excellent service, thanks to Santé’s staff, Kylie and Amarett.
PORTLAND’S FOGO DE CHAO, A PREMIERE DINING EXPERIENCE WHERE NATURE MEETS CULINARY FINE ART
After a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at Santé Aesthetics & Wellness, slip into something by Anna Flowers, add a dash of sparkle by Viviana Halil, and enjoy the best of Portland’s fine dining and top service, with Valeria James Berrio and Patrick Teixeira, at FOGO De CHAO. This internationally renowned culinary experience, founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, elevates the centuries-old art of churrasco-roasting delicacies over an open flame and offers something for everyone. FOGO De CHAO’s offerings include surprisingly healthy yet delectable options such as a roasted veggie power bowl and seared tofu and sesame black bean pasta with carrot ginger-sesame dressing, beyond the incredible salads, grilled vegetables, and beautiful fruit offered via their renowned market table & feijoada bar.
GOWN: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Sante Aesthetics & Wellness @santepdx
GOWN: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Sante Aesthetics & Wellness @santepdx
BUT FIRST, COFFEE…LUXURY COFFEE WHILE LOOKING SOPHISTICATED IN NATURE, OF COURSE
According to the publication Eater, Portland was named the best coffee city in America. To enjoy the most crème de le crème brew in Portland, stop by Caffé Umbria, which has roots in Perugia, Italy, to enjoy what’s served at the finest dining establishments throughout North America, such as Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton Hotels.
While enjoying the best of what Portland has to offer, contrast the city’s nature-infused surroundings with an effortlessly chic high-tech look, such as a metallic foiled Xenia halter maxi dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA from the RENTstyle x CHARIS MICHELSEN luxury collection. Compliment your high-shine look with other gleaming, luxury touches, such as a sterling silver, rhodium, and white zirconia Glorenza ring and Glorenzo Piccolo earrings by Sif Jakobs. To max out your glamorous look, throw on a pair of Toms’ handcrafted sunglasses such as their Madison oversized tortoise and pink fade-brown sunglasses with pink gradient lenses.
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS & RING: Glorenza Ring and Glorenzo Piccolo Earrings by Sif Jakobs @sifjakobsjewellrey LOCATION: Caffé Umbria of Portland, Oregon @caffeumbria
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS & RING: Glorenza Ring and Glorenzo Piccolo Earrings by Sif Jakobs @sifjakobsjewellrey LOCATION: Caffé Umbria of Portland, Oregon @caffeumbria
WHERE GREEN MEETS GLAM: PORTLAND FASHION WEEK AT MERCEDES BENZ OF WILSONVILLE
Oregon isn’t only green in appearance, it’s home to “the world’s only carbon negative fashion week,” according to Huffington Post, and the most conscious cruelty-free and plastic-free celebration of high fashion which was lauded by Vogue: Portland Fashion Week. It’s easy to see why Time called this exciting melding of high fashion and conscious care for nature “the best indie fashion week in the USA.” With its location at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville’s luxurious headquarters and its founder and CEO Emmy award-winning Executive Producer Tod Hunter Foulk, who’s produced fashion shows for Lady Gaga, this week-long event elevates high-fashion in the glory of gorgeous Oregon nature like no other. This year’s lineup included top regional designers such as Anna Flowers, swimwear designer Dillon Scott, and Natalie Friesen, a painter and knit expert whose husband, legendary musician David Friesen, deemed one of the top twenty most influential jazz bassists in the history of Jazz and one of the top one-hundred greatest jazz bassists of all time, performed during her show. No aspect of luxury is overlooked at Portland Fashion Week, as this prestigious event included a celebrity VIP lounge complete with a private bar, decadent charcuterie table, which offered the most lavish treats to nosh, and glamorous gift bags courtesy of Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville.
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
TOP FALL BODY CARE THAT MELDS SCIENCE WITH DELICIOUS NATURE
It’s common knowledge that when temperatures drop, skin can become dry. To keep skin moist and supple, and to preserve the skin’s natural biome during the fall and throughout the year, look no further than Dionis Goat Milk Skincare, a wonder of science and nature. Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, this rich, creamy, and clean line is not just luxurious, it’s powerful enough to help skin retain moisture to create a beautiful glow that comes from within. For one of the most delicious moisturizing experiences you’ve ever had, enjoy Dionis' Goat Milk Skincare’s Nutty Vanilla Hand & Body Goat Milk Cream, a sweet & spicy vanilla cream layered with warm nutty goodness that’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, dermatologist tested, and great for all skin types.
To keep your face and neck fresh and glowing, try Nilceutica’s Hyaluron 3D Hydrator, an all-time brand favorite, and a time-saving potent moisturizer/serum that can replace all serums due to clinically tested concentrations of superhero active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Bakuchiol, Centella Asiatic, Niacinamide, and more!
SEE BEAUTIFUL NATURE CLEARLY THIS FALL AND BEYOND
Even eyes can become dry when temperatures drop, particularly when indoor heating is activated. To combat dry eyes and fight age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, dry eyes, low vision, and more, try Optical Rush medicated eye drops, a product that boasts to counter all mentioned issues.
IT’S NATURAL TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SOPHISTICATED HIGH-FASHION
Enjoy beautiful nature, as it changes during the season, and be inspired with creative contrasts and how you might couple sophisticated high-fashion within a setting. High fashion offers many exciting ways to express yourself and enjoy life luxuriously. Have fun exploring styles that fill you with confidence and joy and newer designers that offer fresh takes that may cause you to fall in love with high fashion in a brand-new way.
A very special thank you to Michele Marie PR.
Follow Charis Michelsen on Instagram: @charismichelsen_official
Featured (from left to right): Angel Men Chan, Tod Hunter Foulk, Kiera Brown, Erick Cruz, Charis Michelsen DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville
DRESS: Anna Flowers @annaflowersdesigns EARRINGS: Amira Earrings by Viviana Halil @vivianahalil LOCATION: Portland Fashion Week at Mercedes Benz of Wilsonville @portlandfashionweek, @mercedesbenzwilsonville