Project B’Ham Highlights Northwest Style

By Zoe Fraley, The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, Wash.

Oct. 19–The revolution is coming, and it will be stylish.

Beaded slips, cassette-tape belt buckles and resin-cast jewelry will replace fresh fruit and flowers Saturday night as the Depot Market Square casts off its farmers market uniform and moves into the fashion spotlight.

Project B’Ham, an event showcasing about 15 Northwest designers, 13 local boutiques and several local salons, brings an all-ages night of shopping and style complete with runway show, music and food.

“We’re really trying to put fashion and style on the map in Bellingham,” says Shultzie Fay, owner of the Fairhaven boutique Paperdoll and committee member for the project.

Danielle Starr, of Four Starrs Boutique in Fairhaven, spearheads the project along with committee members, Fay, Michelle Millar, owner of Mi Shoes, and Ty McBride, co-owner of Paris Texas and Frank James, who hope to make the event an annual experience to promote the local style community.

“People will be surprised to find they don’t have to go to Seattle or Vancouver,” Fay says. “They have everything they need here in town.”

The $5 admission pays for a button that allows entry to the event, as well as entry to Rumors Cabaret and the State Street Depot for after-show fun for the over-21 set.

Credit cards will be accepted by some merchants, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for an unimpeded shopping experience.

Reach Zoe Fraley at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2220.

—–

Copyright (c) 2006, The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, Wash.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.