PACIFIC NORTHWEST FASHION DESIGNER TURNING HEADS, NATIONWIDE
By Becky Moore (originally published in PDX Magazine)
© 2008 PDX Magazine (with permission)

What Amai Unmei Is

In a short time, Amai Unmei (pronounced “ah-mahi oon-may”) has emerged as one of the Pacific Northwest's most promising fashion endeavors in recent years. In October, designer Allison Covington’s high-end women’s line hit the runway on the debut night of Portland Fashion Week 2007, drawing gasps of delight at the range of bias cut dresses and fitted coats that surged with color and personality. Working only with naturally sustainable silks, Allison is all about green fashion—certainly where the future of fashion is headed. And with a name that means “sweet destiny” in Japanese, Amai Unmei, it appears, is spot on.

Who Allison Covington Is

A Reed College graduate, Allison’s future took a different course when she launched her signature clothing line and resurfaced later with Amai Unmei in the fall of 2006. With a young face and active lifestyle, Allison wears her 37 years well—likely because of her time spent gardening, rock climbing and backcountry skiing.

What She Makes

Most notably, Allison’s coats and dresses are subject to a vibrant color wheel and feminine form. “I love to play with color and fit,” she explains. Amai Unmei dresses are ultimately made with high occasions in mind, made from delicate charmeuse, chiffon and dipioni, bias-cut or sheath set with bubble, pleated or ruffle hem. Coats seem to be Allison’s true glory, however, which started with a line of fitted brocade coats in rich, iridescent fabrics and great texture. We were excited to see, in the Portland Fashion Week sneak peak, spring coats made of raw silks, softer pastels and fitted forms with pretty round collars, box pleats and covered buttons.

Why We Like It

Allison calls her styles “polished, clean and tailored,” which is precisely why they are so prized. Cast with unrefined beauty and classicism, her dresses are simple yet deserving, the coats the kind you would wear as an outfit, not an easily shed layer. We won’t deny that we like to stand out, but we like to do so subtly.

Where To Hunt It Down

Find the entire collection of Amai Unmei at the just-launched online boutique: http://amaiunmei.com/shop, or find select styles at these Portland area locations: Mimi & Lena (1914 NE Broadway, 224-7736), Ella’s Boutique (2529 NE Alberta St, 467-4655), Artemisia (300 SW Stark St, 224-5130, artemisiaboutique.com) and West Linn’s Fleur De Lis (1705 Willamette Falls Dr, 557-7700, fleurdelisboutique.com) .. or at specialty boutiques, nationwide.

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