Portland, OR – The vibrant spirit of fashion, art, and conscious living converges once again as Portland Fashion Week (PFW) announces its highly anticipated return for its 24th year. Scheduled to run from September 15th to September 21st, 2025, the event promises a compelling seven-night series dedicated to setting international trends in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. PFW continues its legacy as a beacon in the global fashion landscape, reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices and forward-thinking design.
A Legacy Forged in Sustainability
Portland Fashion Week has long distinguished itself through its unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility, earning accolades such as “The World’s Most Sustainable Fashion Week” from Book Moda and “The World’s Only Carbon Negative Fashion Week” from The Huffington Post. This commitment is deeply rooted in its core philosophy of “Slow Fashion,” which champions thoughtful consumption, quality craftsmanship, and an awareness of a garment’s origin. PFW was among the first fashion weeks globally to implement carbon mitigation programs, initiating tree-planting initiatives that have offset its environmental impact, making it carbon-negative. This dedication extends to practices like being plastics-free and cruelty-free, ensuring that every aspect of the event aligns with its eco-conscious ethos. For 2025, attendees can expect continued emphasis on reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well as showcasing local Oregon-made apparel.
Pioneering Innovation and Embracing Diversity
PFW’s reputation extends beyond its environmental stewardship; it is also a recognized leader in fostering innovation and championing diversity within the fashion industry. The event has consistently pushed boundaries, from showcasing a custom solar panel runway in 2009 to embracing new technologies. For its 2025 season, PFW is set to introduce a Virtual Reality Runway, offering an immersive experience from backstage to the catwalk. Furthermore, the week is celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity, featuring models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and providing a platform for gender-fluid and diverse designers. This inclusive approach ensures that “fashion belongs to everybody,” reflecting the vibrant and diverse community of Portland. This forward-thinking vision has made PFW’s perspectives on sustainable, plus-sized, and gender-fluid fashion international trendsetters.
Celebrating 24 Years with Premier Partnerships
The 24th anniversary of Portland Fashion Week is set to be an even grander affair, held at the esteemed Mercedes-Benz of Wilsonville. This partnership underscores the event’s blend of high-end automotive luxury with avant-garde fashion. For the 2025 series, PFW is proud to announce MAC Cosmetics as its exclusive makeup partner, promising stunning and innovative beauty looks on the runway. The seven-night event will feature distinct themes each evening, including a Public Launch Party, Press Night, Opening Night, Sustainable Apparel night, Ready-to-Wear, Couture and Bridal showcases, and a finale dedicated to Boutiques, Accessories, Hair Styling, and Make-up. After-parties will follow each night, providing further opportunities for networking and celebration.
An Incubator for Talent and a Cultural Hub
Since its inception in 2002, Portland Fashion Week has served as a vital incubator for emerging designers, not only from Oregon but from around the globe, providing a crucial platform to launch careers and generate revenue. The event has been instrumental in identifying talent, with more Project Runway alumni having showcased at PFW than in Los Angeles and New York combined. Beyond the runway, PFW integrates art, culture, and ecology, offering a holistic experience that resonates with the city’s unique identity. This year, the “Fashionista’s Ball” will also highlight important social causes, incorporating victim impact statements to raise awareness for human trafficking. PFW is not just an event; it is a movement that supports local businesses, inspires future fashion visionaries, and contributes to the cultural richness of the Pacific Northwest.
Portland Fashion Week 2025 invites designers, models, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts to be part of an event that is not only about showcasing style but also about championing a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future for the fashion industry.
