Boulder Path Designs: local fashion designer - Upd. September 2, 2004

Luise Langheinrich (left) with model wearing one of her designs.

Paris-New York-Los Angeles-The Dalles. This is the route the latest colors, fabrics and styles travel via a locally owned business, Boulder Path Designs. Boulder Path Designs is a company where Luise Langheinrich designs and produces clothes. The company was founded several years ago by Langheinrich, who's former life had very little to do with the fashion industry. She came to the area in 1997 after successful careers in geology and aerospace.

"I always wanted my own business where I could combine my creative side with my business side and actually produce a product," stated Langheinrich, "I've seen how other businesses were run and I thought I could do a better job."

When asked why she chose apparel production as her business Langheinrich replies, "Sewing was something that I understood and am good at plus it involves an end product which allowed me to develop the business concept from a manufacturing perspective."

Langheinrich started learning the industry about five years ago.

"It took a while to find reputable suppliers, learn how clothes are constructed using industrial methods, pattern making and sizing, and most importantly the business cycle for this industry," said Langheinrich. "I started out making embellished women's vests. From there I have done a lot of test marketing to get feedback on quality, pricing, what sells. I spoke with numerous boutique owners and sales reps through out the West Coast. This has really helped me develop my products."

She now sells regionally from Pendleton to Portland. She designs two collections a year, which can be viewed at her website BoulderPathDesigns.com. Each piece can be custom tailored and made from a versatile collection of quality fabrics, including wool, linen, silk, and Tencel®.

In addition she's building a contract sewing business, in an effort to employ people locally.

"I am working towards employing people fulltime and so I try to keep a steady flow of work that can be done locally." Langheinrich explains. "For example, right now I'm working with a textile artist out of Portland sewing her samples and coats she sells nationally."

"I also work with people to create custom pieces to fit into their existing wardrobe," adds Langheinrich.

Most recently, Langheinrich began designing and marketing higher-end custom western shirts for both men and women. A couple of these, as well as her fall lineup can be seem mid-September in a fashion show in The Dalles.

The fashion show will be in the Fireside room of the The Dalles Civic Auditorium on Saturday, September 11, 7 p.m. Admission is free along with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a no host wine bar. Models will show several looks ranging from lush textured wools for day to sumptuous velvets for evening. Each attendee will receive a "look book" showcasing the fall trends.

Luise Langheinrich may be contacted at 541-980-3258 or info@boulderpathdesigns.com.

Website: BoulderPathDesigns.com

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