The People’s Republic of Portland

Specialties

I wanted to create well-​designed, responsibly sourced and stylish clothing line with a conscience and a message: Community makes all the difference. Wearing any of my designs is a way of affirming and promoting everything that makes Portland a haven for artists, thinkers, nurturers and all who want a better world.

We know that social justice, sustainability, and equitable access to health care and nutrition begin at home; that artistic expression and community-​building start here and now, among ourselves. Our goal for 2010 is to give 5% of all profits to Portland non-​profits serving our friends and neighbors. When you wear PROP you are helping to make that happen – and every smile at the «Republic» motif can renew our understanding that we are a community: strong, thriving, beautiful.

Delivering a message through a recognizable brand is in essence what we are doing and the seeds of what makes Portland wonderful can and will be sown around the world.

History

Established in 2006.

We wanted to create a shirt that represented Portland pride. That when strangers encountered each other wearing the shirts, they felt a sense of comradery and felt proud to be a part of their community.

The shirts have been in circulation for 3 years now and since then I’ve become very involved in social awareness and political activism. I want my shirts to deliver the message that we care about the people around us and the environment we live in. I aim to spread this message far beyond Portland into other like minded communities through our common threads. Help spread the word and wear PROP, Portland’s clothing with a conscience.

Meet the Business Owner

Jennifer A.

Business Owner

I was born in Rome, Italy in 1976 where I lived with my mother and Italian born father until age six. I moved with my mother, a native Oregonian, to Portland, OR in 1982 and then on to Marblehead, Massachusetts a year later where I finished my schooling. I went on to study at Alfred University School of Art and Design in New York State (1994 – 1998) where I received my BFA. In 1998 I returned to Portland where I now reside, making ceramic art, dancing with Marchfourth Marching Band and The Good Time GIrls, eating and sharing healthy chocolate, and hoping to spread a positive message through the PROP clothing line.