Liza Rietz

Liza Rietz began designing and sewing custom and retail garments in 2001. Captivated by shape, texture and volume, her designs are continually inspired by the sculptural elements of Japanese design, the elegance and exaggerated shapes of the 1920's, and the interplay between body and garment. After nearly 15 years of designing and running a retail boutique that focused on sustainable fashion and participating in dozens of fashion shows, Liza gravitated towards teaching as a means to reconnect with the artistic and experimental side of fashion while engaging with individuals in her community. Her teachings approach garments as soft sculpture and are rooted in innovative concepts that push the envelope of what fashion is. She has taught Innovative Design classes and workshops at the Oregon College of Art and Craft and Nike, participated as a mentor for the Applied Craft and Design program, and currently teaches at Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland State University Fiber Arts/Sustainable Fashion Program and Portland Fashion Institute. Her areas of interest and expertise are Innovative Design, Sewing Construction, Pattern Making, Draping, Soft Sculpture, and Fashion Research and Ideation. All her garments are handcrafted in Portland, Oregon.

www.lizarietz.com