New Avenues For Youth and AKQA Launch Fashion Brand dfrntpigeon

Start-up fashion brand dfrntpigeon officially debuted last week at a launch party during Design Week Portland.

Pronounced 'different pigeon,' the brand gives homeless and at-risk youth an artful chance at employment. Mentored by professional creative and marketing experts, a group of youth ranging from 16 to 25 years of age are paid to brand, market, and design a clothing line that reflects their lives and experiences.

This project has been fueled by local non profit New Avenues for Youth and global ideas and innovation company AKQA.

“The dfrntpigeon brand is based on the idea that some of the most talented people in the city are in our most under-represented populations, and driving long term change requires new approaches,” says Brian Skahan, AKQA Portland's General Manager.

The event was open to the public and will feature the brand’s first collection, created in collaboration with local restaurants Sizzle Pie, Lardo, and Deschutes Brewery. T-shirts will be on display along with screen-printing demonstrations, music, and complimentary food and beverages.