(Photo above: BFQ cover photo by Maria F. Bay)
BFQ reflects the latest in summer style, design & trends for the High Desert.
The third issue of Bend Fashion Quarterly (BFQ) was released by Cascade Publications Inc., headquartered in Bend, Oregon on May 4. As with the first two issues, digital versions of the magazine are available via the site, Issuu. Links and screen shots of favorite sections graced social media before physical copies could reach all distributors.
The publication begins with apparel and accessories, highlighting new and established boutiques, the latest in beauty treatments, locals of note as models and designers, seasonal trends and then branches into articles reflecting community conversations. Available throughout Central Oregon at no cost, locals and tourists will continue to rely on BFQ as their go-to for High Desert style, design and trends this summer.
Contributors seamlessly carried momentum generated from previous issues into summer offerings. After setting the bar for Bend publications in capturing apparel trends, showcasing iconic locals and presenting compelling content for the High Desert, readers shared their desire to see expansion on editorial from interviews and features. BFQ delivered this through articles like Physicians in Philanthropy and profiles on recipients of Bend Chambers’ Women of the Year Awards.
BFQ Founder and Publisher Pamela Hulse Andrews says, “We are pleased to feature the women of The Wilds on our cover, out-fitted by the latest from Wildflower Mobile Boutique. While Portland has several mobile boutiques, having the Fashion Truck in our publication was important because it’s the first of its kind in our region. BFQ was pleased to partner with The Bridal Suite & Special Occasion, Zanté Salon and Spa and two local jewelry designers, Karen Bandy and Waylon Rhoads to create our opera feature highlighting the much acclaimed Vía Láctea by Ellen Waterston. Premier international fashion photographer Maria F. Bay of CasaBay Photography shot the cover and the opera spread and the results are stunning.”
Art Director Tori Youngbauer believes, “I think that our What to Wear to the Opera section really amped up the magazine in terms of layout. The beautiful photography of Bay and the clean, minimalist design really gives an elegance to the fashion being featured in this issue.”
Reflecting on the local designers’ section she spearheads, Youngbauer remarks, “I am consistently surprised at our growing list of local designers. There is so much creative talent in this area, and it’s great to be able to have a space that features their stunning work.”
Andrews adds, “We frequently get positive feedback about our content and models. We draw on locals for everything in the magazine. Many readers immediately recognize local faces in the BFQ. From women entrepreneurs to families, couples, college students, artists, service industry staff, BFQ showcases real people with compelling stories.”
BFQ Marketing Director Krystal Marie Collins is excited about the community partnerships BFQ has formed. “Organizing events and promotions with our advertisers is a real pleasure and benefits everyone involved. Working with Robberson Ford to host our release party drives traffic to their show room. Collaborating with Pedego Electric Bikes to provide transport for the OSU photo shoot and for delivery of the summer issue downtown helps BFQ interact with passersby more while we are creating the magazine and Pedego gets to be noticed as one of the most fun and innovative ways to get around town. BFQ’s commitment to the Central Oregon community is noticeable in every aspect of production.”
Boutique of the Quarter recipient Jennifer Steigman, founder of local fashion favorite, Faveur, captures BFQ’s philosophy perfectly, saying, “Fashion and clothing could be looked at as superficial, but there must be something bigger going on because these things have been a crucial component of culture and society for a long time.”
In addition to BFQ’s print publication, Collins encourages readers to interact with BFQ via their website, Instagram and Facebook. See their Facebook page for day-to-day fashion updates and Youngbauer’s weekly trend pick. Review their Instagram account, @BendFashionQuarterly, to see moment to moment local style updates. For distribution outlets and subscription information visit bendfashionquarterly.com.
