Blackbox & Dunderdon

This Thursday October 6th there is an opening of a new storefront/space — Blackbox here in Portland, Oregon. Located in a strangely dead zone that until rather recently was most referred to as either “that weird corner with the American Apparel” or “you know, where the Zoo-Bomb sculpture hangs out.” There are a couple notable shops (actually they are all notable) contained within the Blackbox space including – Blackbird, Dunderdon, Isaac Hers, Solestruck and Tanner Goods.

It is interesting to see something like Blackbox spring to life in Portland, not surprising, but interesting. This one is great because it is so close to having everything…shoes, leather goods, glasses-collaborations and clothes (for men) with that “rough male” exterior that is wont to be associated with Portland right there on Skid Row. The only thing lacking here is the media department (and maybe a bar with a bartender that wears suspenders) by the way of an international magazine stand or a Bookmarc-esque shop (can we not get Diana from Stand up Comedy on the job?) Sure, sure, argue that Powell’s is right down the street, go that route, I understand why you say that. But, I would not mind taking a break from that madhouse to shop for foreign/strange magazines and old sports photographs (can we get Myles from Ampersand AND Diana together somewhere?) in a quiet locale where I can think. Ok, sorry, I shouldn’t push my own agendas on anyone here. I was really just there to see Dunderdon.

I stopped by Dunderdon about a month ago to check out what they have going on over there. This is their first brick and mortar representation in the town that they call home-base for their US operations.

The store and space itself is great. It is sporty enough for the sportsmen in all of us and rugged enough to appeal to the bearded guys that come in off the street looking for tall lace up leather boots (I hadn’t shaved in a few days and found myself strangely drawn to the blue ones pictured below.) Everything was perfectly placed neatly on their shelves and hung high above our heads. That is just the thing though, I asked if I could take pictures (I always do this) but I felt like I was doing it a bit more because it felt more like a library (and I LOVE libraries) than a Sunday afternoon shopping. Am I am just bringing my own personal set of somethings into this too much?

Dunderdon clothing is Fan-fucking-tastic. At least what I have seen of it. My co-worker swears by their pants, and you know what? For black pants that are something like 3 or 4 years old, they still look pretty damn black. Also, while we are going that route, my pal Greg Johnson, who was one of the guys to help this this brand get a foothold in the US. Does anyone else remember when they did those profiles of people around Portland that were making their own goods? Well, Greg has this Dunderdon hooded sweatshirt that I try to steal from him every time he wears it near me, it looks comfortable and like it is going to hold together for ever (which it already has, since it isn’t something new.) The only problem is with me again. Are Dunderdon still making everything for what once was their target demographic (was it?) burly Swedish River Loggers. Apparently. So, I am going to have to beef up for the winter, because you know what, I still want it.

Anyway, the place looks great — the whole setup was designed by Portland’s own OMFG, so it has that going for them as well. Everything that those guys touch turns to gold and no one here is complaining so, carry on with the Midas touchy feely all over everything guys.

See the rest of you Thursday.

Blackbox Party – Thursday, October 6th, 6-9pm – W Burnside and 13th