Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

The Art Institute of Portland Senior Collection Fashion Show

The esteemed Art Institute of Portland (AI) hosted the “Drawing the Line” Fashion Show at Pure Space Saturday, June 1st. Featuring collections from graduating seniors, the show is perpetually described as one of the most dynamic in the city. This year’s theme “Drawing the Line” incorporated work from the Art Institute’s animation department, in addition to the Graphic Design, Culinary, Advertising, Fashion Marketing, Design Management, Photography, and Digital Film & Video departments. The concept of “Drawing the Line” was inspired by the notion that fashion touches all aspects of life. The collaboration between the fashion and the animation students manifested into intricate paper dresses that were displayed on mannequins down the center of the runway—place savers for what would later be a trail for models adorned with original designs by AI designers. The purpose of the annual show is not only to introduce graduating designers, soon to be recognized as influential and prominent figures in the local industry, but also to support the Art Institute’s Creative Scholarship program through a silent auction.

Planning for the annual fashion show begins six to nine months in advance, as the production requires significant detail and consideration from both the Art Institute, and West Coast Event Productions.  Image magnification, extensive staging, piping, draping, meticulous sound, lighting, and audio visual components, were all executed by West Coast Event Productions, who has been part of AI’s senior collection show for a number of years.

“All elements of a fashion show really go hand in hand” said Art Institute Student Producer, MaryAnn Escutia, when asked which aspects were most pertinent to making the event a success. “If we didn’t have the right music paired with it (the fashion show), it won’t present well. If we don’t have the right lights, the garments won’t show well. If the setting isn’t just right with decor and coverage, then we don’t present ourselves well. Everything has to work together in order to be just right” Escutia continued, which is why West Coast works meticulously to ensure delivery of the best quality sound, lighting, and production possible to show case the talented students work.

West Coast’s successful execution of the annual event has brought the Art Institute back to Pure Space for the past three consecutive years. In addition to West Coast’s exceptional Audio Visual and lighting technicians and equipment, the Art Institute identifies Pure Space as an ideal venue for the Fashion Show, further supporting their consistent decision to collaborate with West Coast for the significant event.

“Pure Space offers us the versatility for the layout that we want, and the beauty of the space speaks for itself. It is the right size for our show and the amount of guests we have. It gives us the availability to separate our event just perfectly—with the show downstairs, and the silent auction and VIP upstairs on the mezzanine. Above all, the atmosphere is what I love about Pure Space” said Escutia, describing the venue. “It creates this energy that is so captivating and welcoming. It gives us that feeling of being with 1,000 of our closest friends in a relaxed setting. Other venues provide corporate settings and don’t give us the energy that a show like ours deserves. The space is big enough to fit everyone comfortably, and small enough to bring us all together. It truly is my favorite venue for this show.”

Like the Art Institute’s aspiring designers’ page, Pure Space started as a clean slate. Preparations for the intricate and sizable production began Thursday, prior to the event, when crews began setting lighting to ensure the most favorable ambiance possible to showcase the designers’ pieces as they flowed down the center runway. While strategic, lighting remained modest compared to the majority of events at Pure Space that take advantage of the venue’s amazing lighting equipment and capabilities. House lights gleamed, in addition to carefully set bulbs positioned to illuminate the models and the pieces by creating an enhancing shadow effect. Décor was kept minimal aside from the pieces created by the fashion and animation students that extended the length of the runway before the show began.

Image Magnification played an integral role in the show. With the runway positioned down the center of the space with guests seated on either side, I mag projections allowed the audience to view the looks coming down the runway not only from a side profile, but on-coming frontals as well. A camera positioned at the end of the runway filmed the models as they sashayed down the runway—feeding the image on screens directly in front of each audience on both sides.  This ensured the audience was able to evaluate and take in each collection and movement of the pieces from all angles and perspectives.

The 700 guests enjoyed cocktails and nibbles, while mingling upstairs on the mezzanine in the silent auction and VIP area. Many of the guests were Art Institute of Portland alumni, while others were Portland fashionistas, and industry professionals eager to see the looks. Three student designers were awarded for their collections by a panel of notable judges, though all designers that presented deserve recognition. Each collection offered innovative and fabulous pieces guests would have loved to take home to their closets.

West Coast Event Productions has unconditionally enjoyed working with the Art Institute of Portland, and housing the fashion that results from the spectacularly talented students that hone their skills at AI each year. Given the collections witnessed at “Drawing the Line”, future fashion shows are sure to ensue from these young designers, and West Coast welcomes them to show case their collections where it all began, at Pure Space.

To see more fashion from “Drawing the Line”, visit #VerizonStyle on Twitter to see what guests’ tweeted as their favorite looks from the evening.

More from the Fashion Show- 

Portland Fashion Week at “Drawing the Line”

Photos Courtesy of The Art Institute of Portland

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New Chic Lounge Products

WCEP debuted several of our newest products at February’s Rocked Bridal Event, hosted by The Nines Hotel. Our design team paired up with Bridal Bliss, Zest Floral and One Divine Party to create an ultra chic room featuring the hottest wedding design trends of 2012.

Thanks to Aralani Photography for the beautiful images of the event.

New Products & Trends:

6′ Mirrored Panel Bar – A favorite trend this season.
Steel Frame and Glass Etagère – A sleek alter or bar-back display.
White Leather Circular Ottomans – A lightweight and clean-lined option for lounge seating.
Colorful Ikat-Patterned Accent Pieces – Eye-Catching runners and pillows.
Head Table Mixed Seating – An eclectic mix of sofas and chairs.

Mirrored Panel Bar

Etagere

Ikat Pillows

Ultra Lounge Furniture

Shaka Sound Joins WCEP

Dave CraftWe are pleased to announce that Dave Craft, former owner and General Manager of Shaka Sound, has joined our team, bringing over 30 years of experience in the sound reinforcement field to WCEP.

As Technical Services Department Manager, Dave will oversee event sound, lighting and A/V services. The addition of Shaka Sound’s state-of-the-art equipment to our inventory includes:

  • World class JBL Vertec Line Array Concert Sound System
    - As the only company in Oregon and SW Washington with this system, WCEP can effortlessly provide concert level sound for up to 7,000 seats at indoor & outdoor venues.
  • Award-winning JBL Mini Line Array Speakers
    - With the largest stock in Oregon, these touring grade speakers can be flown in an array or used individually on stands.
  • Professional grade mixing consoles ranging from 4 to 48 channels
  • Touring grade high power Crown ITech amplifiers

WCEP now has the ability to meet the sound system requirements for any client at any size event. Read more about our Technical Services.

WCEP Discount Coupon at Soiree Boutique This Week

Join WCEP at this month’s Soirée Boutique Party:

Wednesday, April 20
5:00pm to 8:00pm
7080 SE 16th Avenue | Portland, OR 97202

Stop by for wine and beer, and a complimentary gift bag with discounts from Boutique vendors. WCEP will be giving away 15% off linen rentals.

Click here for more about Soirée Boutique.

We’ve Moved!

WCEP is thrilled to introduce our new waterfront location:

1466 N.W. Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97209
(Map & Directions)

We have consolidated three warehouses into one space that will also be the site of our new showroom and sales offices, bringing all staff and equipment together under one roof.

Soirée Boutique Event Planning Parties This Week


Soirée Boutique is hosting two event planning parties this week:

Thursday, March 3: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, March 5: 11:00am – 2:00 pm

Stop by and receive a complimentary gift bag filled with deals from event and wedding vendors, including WCEP.

Soirée Boutique: 7080 SE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202

WCEP Makes White House Photo of the Day!

On Friday, February 18 President Barack Obama spoke at the Intel Campus outside of Portland. WCEP provided event support equipment for the President’s visit, including staging, carpeting, décor, seating and custom tenting.

Click here to view WCEP’s backstage lounge (pictured above) featured on the White House’s Photo of the Day.

The WCEP Product Catalog is Live!

Click here to view our entire inventory, from tableware, to linen, to canopies and tents, to lighting and more…

Add products to your favorites, submit our favorites form and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss the details of your next event.


Raffle Prize Winner

We have a winner!

Bride-to-be Brittany Holcomb is the winner of our Portland Bridal Show raffle for a $500 gift certificate to WCEP and deluxe accommodations at Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland.

Congratulations to Brittany and her fiancé Jason!

Brittany and Jason

WCEP is Hiring!

We are looking for a creative, energetic and passionate Artist/Designer to join our team as a Special Event Designer:

Proficient at the Following:
- Event Concept Development for Themes, Stage Sets & Corporate Imaging
- Electronic and Manual Event Renderings
- Construction of Stage Sets & Large Props
- Installation & Execution of Décor Concepts

Experience With:
- Certified Lift Use
- Fabric Treatments
- Stage Sets
- Lighting & Power
- Signage Design & Application
- Product Styling
- Window Displays & Merchandising

Portfolio required. B.A. or B.F.A. in the Arts preferred.
Photoshop and Illustrator knowledge preferred.
This is not a Graphic Design position.

To send a resumé and references, click here.