While there’s every reason to be media-savvy culture hawks these days, the fashion world holds evidence that as much as we might be keeping abreast of current events, we’re even more tuned in to television, movies, and pop music. Our favorite examples: Diane von Furstenberg cited the ’80s Melanie Griffith movie Working Girl as an influence on her spring collection; Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs are cashing in on cowboy styles thanks to Brokeback Mountain; and our favorite up-and-coming designer, New Zealand’s Karen Walker, calls her spring collection Karen in TV Land. What pop culture outlets are inspiring local designers, buyers, and boutique owners? Funny you should ask. We called around and asked that very question.
Velouria
Owner: Tes de Luna.
Look: The punk-rock girl who also likes to be pretty.
Pop influence: Independent music that’s more about ideas and less about getting produced.
Pop icon: A collision of Blondie and Audrey Hepburn.
Where to get it: 2205 N.W. Market St., 206-788-0330, www.shopvelouria.com.
Sweetie
Owner:Joeanna Purdie.
Look: Edgy, New York cool with a touch of feminine innocence.
Pop influence:W, People, Women’s Wear Daily.
Pop icon: Sienna Miller.
Where to get it: 4508 California Ave. S.W., 206-923-3533.
Les Amis
Owner:Becky Buford.
Look: Modern and functional, yet seductively feminine.
Pop influence: The styling of Memoirs of a Geisha.
Pop icon: The strong female characters of the HBO series Deadwood.
Where to get it: 3420 Evanston Ave. N., 206-632-2877, www.lesamis-inc.com.
Impulse
Owner:Jill Wenger.
Look: Beautifully constructed classic pieces with a high-style edge.
Pop influence: Diane Keaton in Annie Hall.
Pop icons: Daria Werbowy, Carolyn Bessette, Lou Dillon, and Joan Didion.
Where to get it: 621 N. 36th St., 206-545-4854, www.impulseseattle.com.
Label: Suzabelle; designer Suzie Jaberg.
Look: Feminine, but not too frilly.
Pop influence: The Victorian Gothic era, including the latest on-screen version of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightly.
Pop icon: The designer Balenciaga, also a favorite among Hollywood starlets.
Where to get it:www.suzabelle.com; Damselfly, 5346 Ballard Ave. N.W., 206- 297-8146; Andaluz, 4998 Rainier Ave. S., 206-760-1900; Pretty Parlor, 119 Summit Ave., 206-789-8788; Le Frock, 317 E. Pine St., 206-623-5339; Synapse 206, 206 First Ave. S., 206-447-7731.
Brazillis
Co-owner:Julia Torresan.
Look: Bright Brazilian tropicana fused with Victorian elegance.
Pop influence: Bossa nova music, like Tom Jobim’s “The Girl From Ipanema.”
Pop icon: Torresan isn’t into “the whole Hollywood thing,” but says Salma Hayek exudes the same elegant Latin flavor as her boutique.
Where to get it: 5404 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-297-2800, www.brazilliscompany.com.
Boutique: Tulip; owner Annie Sparrow.
Look: Totally wearable but undeniably chic.
Pop influence: The best fashion publications: Vogue, British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Women’s Wear Daily, W.
Pop icons: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Where to get it: 1201 First Ave., 206-223-1790.
Sway and Cake
Owner: Tamara Donaghy.
Look: Chic and sexy downtown flair.
Pop influences: The glamorous style of Halston, the edgy rock of Blondie, and the risk-taking ideas of Sex and the City‘s Carrie Bradshaw.
Pop icons: Diane von Furstenberg, Halston, and Stevie Wonder.
Where to get it: 1631 Sixth Ave., 206-624-2699, www.swayandcake.com.
Label: Jeepney Clothing; creative director Karlo Reyes.
Look: Funky casual threads with arty hand-drawn designs.
Pop influence: Underground hip-hop culture.
Pop icons: Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and local acts such as Blue Scholars and DJ Scene.
Where to get it:www.jeepneyclothing.com; 35th North, 1100 Pike St., 206-320-1252; Celsius, 12317 15th Ave. N.E., 206-363-3322; Reputation, 1622-B N. 45th St., 206-632-4999.
Fancy
Owner: Sally Brock.
Look: Chunky, space-aged jewelry and eclectic accessories.
Pop influence: ’80s rock classics.
Pop icons: Styx and Simple Minds.
Where to get it: 1932 Second Ave., 206- 443-4621, www.fancyjewels.com.
Boutique: Schmancy; owner Kristen Rask.
Look: Quirky toys and collectibles for eccentric folks.
Pop influence: Japanese pop culture, anything from the Uwajimaya shopping center, and Kinokuniya bookstore in Seattle.
Where to get it: 1930 Second Ave., 206- 728-8008, www.schmancytoys.com.
Pants
Owner: Sally Brock.
Look: Flirty lingerie and nerdy graphic tees.
Pop influence: Old-school Nintendo, Star Wars.
Pop icon: Tron, Luke Skywalker.
Where to get it: 1914 Second Ave., 206- 956-2945, www.fancyschmancypants.com.
Boutique: Olivine Atelier; owner Julie Merriman.
Look: Current trends with a classical undertone.
Pop influence: ’60s and ’70s rock music.
Pop icons: Marianne Faithfull, Edie Sedgwick, Anita Pallenberg.
Where to get it: 5344 Ballard Ave. N.W., 206-706-4188, www.olivine.net.
Goods
Sales Rep: Jay Clark.
Look: Laid-back skate wear with an upscale urban flair.
Pop influence: Skate culture—the music, fashion, art, as well as early ’90s hip-hop and graffiti.
Where to Get It: 1112 Pike St., 206-622-0459, www.needgoods.com.
