Inaugural Season of Fashion Week Minnesota in Review

September 20 – 26, 2015 marked the first official Fashion Week Minnesota. 

Before FWMN, there was MNFashion- an organization that provided the local fashion community with a hub of resources and peers, produced fashion showcases such as Voltage and The Shows, and defined the official Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week (MSPFW).   As the fashion community grew, MNFashion was no longer able to do what they were formed to do, and more independent designers produced their own shows.  MNFashion dissolved shortly after I moved to Minnesota, so I am not able to speak to fashion in Minnesota before this.  I can say that it was clear at last summer’s Rally Cry: Fashion hosted by Pollen that this too was becoming unmanageable. 

Among the major discussion points at Rally Cry were how to bridge the disconnect between people who go to the shows and the people who actually buy the clothes, and to encourage designers to treat fashion like a business…because nobody is making a living throwing fun parties. 

Enter Fashion Week Minnesota – an initiative formed by “a collective of independent producers and designers with a goal of engaging the Minnesota fashion community and celebrating the best designers, brands, retailers, stylists, and producers in Minnesota fashion through a series of public events”.

FWMN excites me because there is such a large and talented creative community in Minnesota, that having a central focus week and way to connect everything will hopefully inspire collaboration and strengthen it. 

I had a few work/personal conflicts over the week, but was able to participate in most of the events.  

I AM INSPIRED

I actually won a raffle at a pre-FWMN event for tickets to I Am Inspired and I’m so grateful I did!  Hardt Jewelry and Moth Oddities had a pre-fashion week shopping event/clothing drive with raffle entries for fashion show tickets as an incentive to donate.  I Am Inspired was the only show I hadn’t already planned to attend, so I entered the raffle and ended up winning.  

Event program for I Am Inspired

Event program for I Am Inspired

The event aimed to merge art and fashion, and was in collaboration with The Art Institutes International Minnesota.  Art students had were snapping photos, created animations inspired by the boutiques, and made garments inspired by the art of Justin James Sehorn.

Sarah Edwards in a floral dress by Emma Berg. 

Sarah Edwards in a floral dress by Emma Berg. 

Event mastermind Sarah Edwards said, “We are all artists in some way. We have different jobs and titles, but we are all artists.” to kick off the night.

There was harp music as the sun was setting – it was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday evening. 

Music provided by James Buxton

Music provided by James Buxton

The runway portion included six different boutiques/brands in Minnesota, including My Sister – an organization that works to stop human trafficking and encourage other women to empower each other. 

Feminist sweatshirt from My Sister.

Feminist sweatshirt from My Sister.

#MINNSTAFASHION

A portmanteau of “Minnesota”, “Instagram”, and “Fashion”; the event was presented by The Scout Guide and the W Minneapolis Foshay hotel on Tuesday, September 22.  

The Scout Guide is available in several cities and highlights local businesses both in print and online.  Through this event, I learned that W Hotels International partner with the CFDA to create different events and garments, some of which were shown on live models throughout the night and were given as prizes in an Instagram contest.  

Scarf and beanie by Orley for W Hotels

Scarf and beanie by Orley for W Hotels

There was also a pop-up shop where some of the CFDA+W Hotels items were available, as well as items from local boutiques Merilou, Stephanie’s, and Flirt Boutique.  The pop-up shop also featured jewelry by Valerie Carpender and accessories by Danielle Sakry.

Kaftan by Misha No Noo, necklace by Valerie Carpender

Kaftan by Misha No Noo, necklace by Valerie Carpender

LARK

In order to stay true to supporting the fashion community beyond going to shows and buying clothes, and at the suggestion of Thom Navarro, I wanted to help be behind the scenes at a fashion event. 

I still made time to get in front of the camera, though!

I still made time to get in front of the camera, though!

I loved being able to work with Tim and Thom Navarro, get involved with the community, and meet great Minnesota creatives.  The event opened with a pop-up gallery showcasing editorial photos of Jagress Intimates’s latest collection, as well as a pop-up shop of Black Spoke Leather accessories, and an Instagram hashtag printer. 

Black Spoke Leather Co pop up at LARK.

Black Spoke Leather Co pop up at LARK.

The runway portion featured not only the return of TIM+THOM, but Samantha Rei’s latest collection, and a collection from a Shiader Vue – an emerging designer and recent graduate of the Art Institutes International Minnesota. 

LARK was recently voted the year’s “Best Fashion Show” by CityPages.

PLUS-SIZE POP-UP SHOP 

Bella Moxie and Cat Inspired partnered with Second Debut in St. Louis Park for a pop up shop featuring discounted pieces from plus size faves like Torrid, Ava & Viv, Asos Curve, Lane Bryant, and more - including bags, jewelry, and shoes.  Also available were tumblers and mugs from The Golden Gurl and treats from Ginger and the Kid Sweets. 

I love leather and leather look pieces, so I had to have this pleather skirt.  I found it in Cat’s “costume/costume inspiration” section, but it’s definitely something I have been wearing just out and about.  And even to work.

Pleather skirt by Venezia Jeans I picked up at the Plus Size Pop Up.

Pleather skirt by Venezia Jeans I picked up at the Plus Size Pop Up.

ENVISION

Envision is the longest running fashion showcase in the Twin Cities, completing its eighteenth season at the end of Fashion Week Minnesota.  This season saw a more direct way to encourage interaction between attendees and artists – with the return of the Hotrocity pop up and a new artist designed washi tape photobooth with live photo editing. 

Photo by Alex Butterfield, editing by Allegra Lockstadt.

Photo by Alex Butterfield, editing by Allegra Lockstadt.

Live music was joined by live dance both during the pre-show party and at intermission, making the evening a full immersion in the creative community, very much thanks to art gallery and event partner Public Functionary.

This season was really exciting to me as it brought back menswear designers, saw the re-emergence of my favorite Minnesota designers (namely Tessa Louise and Caroline Hayden), and some fresh talents, including one I fell in love with at RAW Minneapolis’s EXPOSURE show in April – Form Over Function. 

Digging this menswear look by Russell Bourrienne.

Digging this menswear look by Russell Bourrienne.

Look from Kjurek at Envision all 2015.

Look from Kjurek at Envision all 2015.

Months later and I’m still absolutely obsessed with this jacket from Form Over Function. 

Neoprene and patent jacket by Form Over Function.

Neoprene and patent jacket by Form Over Function.

All in all, the first FWMN brought an amazing new energy to the Twin Cities fashion scene that continued on through the next season.  

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Spotlight On: Shopping Spots in Bemidji, Minnesota

School has started, sweater weather is imminent, and pumpkin spice everything seems to be rolling out.  If you are planning to head up North later this season to check out fall colors, stop by Bemidji.

Lake Bemidji

Lake Bemidji

There was recently a major renovation to a building on the Bemidji State University campus that I’ve had the pleasure of working on (and learning from) over the past few years.  Part of the construction process includes a walk through to ensure things were installed as designed and I was tasked with the electrical walk through.

Checking receptacles and luminaires in a restroom.

Checking receptacles and luminaires in a restroom.

It’s a 3 hour and 40 minute drive from Minneapolis to Bemidji and the project gave me a hefty amount of square feet to cover, so I knew I’d be needing more than one day.  I asked social media to give me suggestions on where to eat and what to see in my down time.  Other than Paul and Babe, because that was a given.  

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox 

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox 

Recommendations from social media included Bemidji Brewing, Bar 209, Tutto Bene, and Keg N Cork. 

One of the nice things about Bemidji is how close everything is to each other.  My hotel was near the BSU campus, and Paul and Babe were an easy .9 mile walk (much of it along the lake) from campus…and also about 2 blocks from all the food recommendations from Twitter and the spots on the Downtown Bemidji shopping map.  

Downtown Bemidji shopping map by Emily Krueger Illustration.

Downtown Bemidji shopping map by Emily Krueger Illustration.

It may or may not be common knowledge that I hate driving (but mostly parking), so after the ~4 hour drive up to Bemidji from Minneapolis, I opted to take cabs or walk to campus and around town.  Huge thank you to Bemidji Cab for being responsive, reliable, and for taking credit cards.  

I got to campus and worked until I couldn’t stand it anymore.  Luckily, the sun was only barely setting and I still had time for my photo op!  A lovely couple from Pennsylvania caught me awkwardly trying to fit Paul and Babe in the background of a selfie and came to my assistance. 

Afterwards, I walked to Bemidji Brewing and had the Summer IPA. 

Summer IPA at Bemidji Brewing.  A well deserved beer after a long day.  

Summer IPA at Bemidji Brewing.  A well deserved beer after a long day.  

People in Bemidji were very welcoming and laid back.  I had a great conversation with the gal working behind the bar in the taproom, who also recommended Bar 209.  I grabbed a glass of water from the cooler and that’s where I saw the handy Downtown Bemidji map.

On my way to Bar 209, I passed by Chocolates Plus and stopped in.  Bemidji residents are very, very friendly and I had an fun conversation with the enthusiastic staff at Chocolates Plus.  They had a variety of house made truffles and fudge.  I picked up a spicy jelly and peanut butter truffle and their Aztec (chile-chocolate) truffle.  Also, obviously could not resist the milk chocolate Babe the Blue Ox truffle: 

Babe the Blue Ox truffle from Chocolates Plus

Babe the Blue Ox truffle from Chocolates Plus

After the quick detour, I started to notice all the thrift stores, boutiques, and gift shops with surprisingly appealing displays.  They were all closed for the night, unfortunately, so I made my way to dinner.

I will say that the food at Bar 209 was good - the scorpion sauce they served was actually spicy, and not just Minnesota spicy.  

Chicken sandwich with fontina cheese and "scorpion sauce".

Chicken sandwich with fontina cheese and "scorpion sauce".

The long day on my feet tired me out so I went straight back to my hotel to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure - Food Network shows.  

I got up early the next day to make sure I had enough time to finish my walk through before the building was too crowded with students and to make sure I beat traffic back down to Minneapolis.  I finished earlier than anticipated and had time to stop by a few shops before heading back.

 

Kelsey's "As You Like It" Jewelry

Necklaces by Michael Kelsey.  I love the cut out designs on some of them that can be seen through the stones. 

Necklaces by Michael Kelsey.  I love the cut out designs on some of them that can be seen through the stones. 

Michael Kelsey's jewelry has had a presence in Bemidji for over 40 years.  He is based in Bemidji and the store features some other local jewelers, as well as other brands.  What struck me about their selection is that everything is fair trade/ethically sourced.  They also offer custom pieces, hence the "As You Like It" slogan.  

I swear I am not obsessed with Paul and Babe, they just seem so iconically Bemidji. 

I swear I am not obsessed with Paul and Babe, they just seem so iconically Bemidji. 

Pearl jewelry on the sales table.  Love the beaded structure on those earrings.

Pearl jewelry on the sales table.  Love the beaded structure on those earrings.

 

Morell's Chippewa Trading Post

From the outside, the Chippewa Trading Post looks like a tourist trap.  And inside, there are a lot of the gift shop keychains, salt and pepper shakers, and other trinkets and tokens you'd expect *cough, cough, Paul and Babe merchandise*.  But they also had a lot of copper, agate, gemstone, and beaded jewelry made by local (many Native) artists.    

The bright gems against bold shapes made these pendants really interesting.

The bright gems against bold shapes made these pendants really interesting.

I may be easily distracted by sparkly things.  Love those red and black earrings with the opalescent stone in the middle.  Also, there are buttons that rotate the racks in the jewelry cases so you can see everything without having to crouc…

I may be easily distracted by sparkly things.  Love those red and black earrings with the opalescent stone in the middle.  Also, there are buttons that rotate the racks in the jewelry cases so you can see everything without having to crouch over.  

 

Urbanesque

Urbanesque definitely had an Anthropologie feel.  From the shabby-chic furniture,  "found" light fixtures, and even to the styles of clothing.  There were a lot of cute things, including this plaid jacket, faux leather clutches, and a rack or so of plus size styles.  

Inside Urbanesque in Bemidji.

Inside Urbanesque in Bemidji.

What I really like about Urbanesque is that they carry Krochet Kids and other socially conscious brands.  The Krochet Kids tags are all hand signed by the person who made it and you can trace where your clothes are coming from.  

 

Urban Treasures

Urban Treasures thrift store (108 Third St NW 56601) was not listed on the shopping map, but from what I can tell is a new store.  There aren't a lot of fancy decorations and the lighting is a little stark, but they find a way to repurpose preowned clothing, and part of their sales go right back into the Bemidji community.  The store owners give part of the proceeds from donated items to the Bemidji School District lunch program.  

The items are in great condition and there are a variety of sizes for men, women, and children.  Not everything is my style, but I did pick up some fabulous colored jeans.  I'm no a stranger to colored denim and had cobalt, red, and grey pairs of Old Navy Rockstars a few years back.  Thrifting is a great way to reduce textile waste and update for fall without spending a lot of money.  

Yes, they are purple.  Yes, that's my favorite color.  No, I'm not sorry. 

Yes, they are purple.  Yes, that's my favorite color.  No, I'm not sorry. 

The pricetag on these ZanaDi purple pants?  $4.75! 

The pricetag on these ZanaDi purple pants?  $4.75! 

 

Other stores I visited included Yellow Umbrella, which had a lot of plaid and flannel, and Lucette Boutique, which had a lot of super cute/girly decorations inside.  

There's a phase two to the project I'm working on, so I'll be back in Bemidji and plan to check out other shops, both on the shopping guide and not.  

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Envision Spring 2015

Ah, Envision...the highlight event of each fashion season in the Twin Cities.  Clear skies and a warm sun setting over downtown Minneapolis created the perfect spring evening to celebrate the season's best in local fashion.  

Set in Orchestra Hall on May 2, the event consisted of two runway segments showcasing local designers and boutiques, with music and art before, after, and in between.  

The Atrium/VIP Room featured several artists creating new works for sale via silent auction, proceeds going to Public Functionary.  I noticed that this season, the artists works were the only items up for auction (as opposed to donated/sponsored gift sets and services) and that there were more artists.  

Also new this season was the addition of a pop-up shop.  Locally based online retailer Hotrocity had a bunch of accessories for sale in their pop up, including some items that walked the runway. Hotrocity carries Cynthia Rae, Objects & Subjects, Koon Yai, Hardt, and other Minnesota based accessory and clothing designers.

Hotrocity pop-up shop at Envision Spring 2015.

Hotrocity pop-up shop at Envision Spring 2015.

The runway background was a beautiful floral sculpture, really bringing home the idea of tying together fashion and art. 

Introduction to Envision.

Introduction to Envision.

Tricia Khutoresky, the curator at Public Functionary, kicked off the event in a stunning white maxi-dress with perforated leather top.  

Trisha in a white maxi dress hosting Envision. 

Trisha in a white maxi dress hosting Envision. 

She was excited by the support for Envision but reminded us that all the art and inspiration being showcased is made possible by local artists and businesses, and that if we like what we see, we should continue to support them.   

She was also excited by the fact that Beyonce’s tour DJ would be providing thing the music for the runway segments and the after party.  DJ Monsieur Adi worked with the designers to put together a set for each collection, another something different for Spring 2015. 

Part I: 
Emah Ellie Hottinger 
House Of Ginamarie + Mienkielo 
Yevette Willaert
Kjurek 
Idle Child 

EMAH by Ellie Hottinger 

Floaty white dress by EMAH from Ellie Hottinger.

Floaty white dress by EMAH from Ellie Hottinger.

House of Ginamarie + Mienkielo 
Loved how their collaborative looks were so sharp, but also seemed so effortless. 

Look by House of Gina + Marie and Mienkielo.

Look by House of Gina + Marie and Mienkielo.

Yevette Willaert 
I loved the fun spring prints and even more love Yevette’s dedication to sustainable style.  Her line and her philosophy are very in tune with mine, that supporting socially and environmentally conscious clothing is important for the betterment of the world and it doesn’t have to be boring. 

Excellent pattern mixing on this look by Yevette Willaert.

Excellent pattern mixing on this look by Yevette Willaert.

Kjurek 
Kim and Jen’s use of fringe was right on trend with a 70’s vibe, and it had gorgeous movement down the runway. The tie-dye made me want to take a beach vacation ASAP.  Everything looked comfortable and stylish, which can definitely be hard to do.  

Idle Child  
The collection was 20’s inspired, and I appreciated that it didn't hit you over the head with a flapper dress.  There was a lot of mixing of sheer and prints, and the iridescent beading was fantastic.  Monsieur Adi mixing in a lot of the Gatsby movie soundtrack definitely amplified my admiration of the collection.  

And the finale dress!

Part II: 
Jenny Carle 
Kozol 
Cliche 
Emily Trevor 
George Moskal 

Jenny Carle

Emily Trevor
The intro video revealed that Emily’s collection was inspired by the outdoors and tennis, two things I don’t super love. The clothes started down the runway and even though I’m definitely not preppy (maybe the 12 years of private school uniforms made me want to rebel?), I was really drawn to them.  Each look was clearly inspired by exactly what she said, but wasn’t over the top.  And the last dress had the crowd gasping and clapping...

And the finale dress...tennis wedding anyone?

George Moskal
George Moskal closed the show for a second season.  The sparkly prints mixed with soft fabrics would make an excellent sophisticated but playful spring wardrobe. 

Envision is always the highlight of my MN fashion season, and the Spring 2015 event brought in lots of new elements. I hope the video introductions continue and would love to see even more ways to shop the runway the night of the event.  

I’m very excited about the talented designers in the Twin Cities and hope that all my Vegas and Chicago friends reading can rest assured that Minnesota has a lot more for me than we all anticipated. 

What I wore:


Dress from Ragstock Duluth, Shuriken ring by Kristin Hassan, vest by Punkktual (bought it at RAW: EXPOSURE and saw it on the runway at Voltage 2013), leopard calf hair wedges by Banana Republic, clutch from Target.

Envision now has it’s own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/envisionminneapolis.

Save the date for the Fall 2015 show - Sept 25, 2015!

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RAW Artists Minneapolis Presents: EXPOSURE

On Wednesday, April 29, RAW Artists Minneapolis held EXPOSURE - a showcase celebrating the work of several artists across many mediums - paintings, fashion, music, film, photography, makeup, hair, and performance art.  The Pourhouse made a very cool venue because of the different levels and open floor space.  

RAW is a community of artists that is focused on providing "the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity" for emerging artists.

Artist spaces and seating on the upper levels of the Pourhouse 

Artist spaces and seating on the upper levels of the Pourhouse 

Live models showing off clothing designs, hair, and makeup by featured artists. 

Live models showing off clothing designs, hair, and makeup by featured artists. 

I scaled the steps to the upper loft space and explored the artists’ wares.  Absolutely could not stop staring at the paintings from Contagious Light by Krista Wanous.

Further exploration of her website revealed that she was inspired by the lack of color in Minnesota winters and "these female perspectives show the range and variance of feminine emotion and their moments of light and darkness.”  That statement gave me chills! 

Omade jewelry had a great spot near a stairwell and the mah jong tile bracelet caught my eye.  I am Filipino and family functions almost always feature grandparents, aunts, and sometimes even my brother playing mah jong for hours. 

Mah-jong tile bracelet by Omade. 

Mah-jong tile bracelet by Omade. 

One of the live models gave me some closet inspiration.  I have a pleather corset and I hadn’t thought to wear it like this, but may try something similar. 

Live model whose styling gave me some inspiration. 

Live model whose styling gave me some inspiration. 

I was extremely excited to check out what Lucie of Punkktual would be showing.  Punkktual showed at the last season of Voltage/the only season I had ever attended/the first time I had ever been to Minneapolis.  The name of her line and the use of leather drew me in. 

I ended up purchasing this chiffon and leather vest - it’s the perfect layering piece for summer and into fall.  

Vest by Punkktual.

Vest by Punkktual.

It was also part of the collection she showed at Voltage 2013 (2nd look in the link), also pictured below.

 The vest I now own walking the runway at Voltage 2013 to Lizzo, Claire De Lune, and Sophia Eris of The Chalice.

 The vest I now own walking the runway at Voltage 2013 to Lizzo, Claire De Lune, and Sophia Eris of The Chalice.

Performance art at EXPOSURE included Sarah Supernova, who had some fancy hooping tricks with a flaming hula hoop, appropriately set to Ellie Goulding’s “Burn”. 

As an engineer, you’d think I would hate something called “Form Over Function Designs”, but that is entirely false.  Form Over Function is a rock n’ roll musician inspired line that is unisex, so actually I really love it.  Leather and studs/hardware are totally my style, and the unisex aspect makes it even more rock n’ roll.  I am a fan of androgyny and identify as part of the LGBTQIA community, a clothing line that makes it clear that clothing doesn’t care about gender really speaks to me. 

Womp-A-Wear had some festival/animal inspired looks.  While not my style, it is very creative and reinforces the idea that fashion is wearable art.  And damn if some of the hoods don’t look super cozy. 

Chemistry, a Duluth based fashion line, had some looks in the No One Fashion/New American Model segment and is the reason I knew about the show in the first place. It’s always exciting to see Duluth based talent get more exposure (haha, pun intended) in the Twin Cities.

The segment featured steampunk looks by the No One Fashion collective - LED fascinators made it clearly modern while still under the Victorian meets sci-fi style.

Looks by Anna Peshock inspired by her recent travels abroad closed the show.

The transitional winter to spring weather was perfect for experimenting with fun hosiery.  This dress I picked up at the Duluth Ragstock has become one of my go-to “going out” dresses, and I usually wear it with my Pretty Polly for House of Holland Suspender Tights.

Typical pairing for a night out in this dress.  This was in November 2014. 

Typical pairing for a night out in this dress.  This was in November 2014. 

But I decided to play on the EXPOSURE theme and wore these patterned fishnet suspender tights I bought at Frederick’s instead. 

There were a lot of art mediums represented at this RAW Artists event, but it wasn’t a sensory overload.  The leisure to explore the artists booths while live music was happening on the main stage kept it from being overwhelming.

RAW Minneapolis is hosting a summer event on June 24 at The Pourhouse, featuring a different mix of artists (some the same, some new, and some very recently established) entitled “SPLENDOR”. Tickets are available here: http://www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/splendor/71329. 

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Twin Cities Fashion Events - Spring 2015

There may no longer be an official Twin Cities Fashion Week, but there is still a lot of talent and energy in the Minneapolis-St. Paul fashion community.  

I’m finally making my move to Minneapolis this weekend and it just so happens that a string of exciting local fashion events kick off right when I get the keys to my new digs. 

 

Thursday, April 23 

House of Gina Marie + Ruby3 Trunk Show 
Sip on champagne and peruse a Kentucky Derby inspired collection featuring hats and fascinators with coordinating Allegra Lockstadt prints by Ruby3 will be available at June Resale, as well as Gina Marie sample sale pieces and limited edition items from the latest collection. 

More information: http://juneresale.com/off-to-the-races-with-anna-lee-joy-teiken 

 

Friday, April 24

Fashion Revolution Day 
This global initiative to bring the issue of supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing to the forefront of the fashion industry really reminded me of why I started this blog in the first place.  Started after the Rana Plaza factory complex collapse in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013, Fashion Revolution Day challenges consumers to think more about how their garments come to be.  This year, they challenge us to ask “Who made my clothes?”.  The free Minneapolis event will be at the Minnesota Textile Center and includes a runway show featuring participants in recycled/repurposed/handmade/thrifted/fair trade/eco/organic/ethically made clothing, pop up shops from local vendors, and screening of Cotton Road - a documentary which follows cotton from farms in South Carolina to factories overseas.

More information on the Minneapolis event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-revolution-day-minneapolis-tickets-16238026374   
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1374869166175900/  
More information on the Fashion Revolution (and to find events in other cities): http://fashionrevolution.org/  

 

Saturday, April 25 

North Loop Spring Crawl

Named one of Thrillist’s “Coolest Neighborhoods in America”, the North Loop/Warehouse District hosts a bi-annual “Crawl” through it’s various boutiques, studios, and businesses.  Collect stamps on a passport that can be obtained at any of the participating retailers for a chance to win a $500 grand prize gift basket while exploring the neighborhood.  Stores such as Roe Wolfe, Martinpatrick3, Statement, and D.Nolo are part of the crawl, all offering their own discounts, specials, and giveaways.  I’m especially excited about this since the North Loop is not only home to awesome boutiques, but also the awesome place I’ll be working.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/462700807229062/

 

Tessa Louise Art Opening
One of my favorite Twin Cities fashion designers, Tessa Druley of Tessa Louise, will be showcasing sketches at Showroom inspired by fashion - her own designs and the ones that excite her.  

More information: http://showroommpls.com/event/art-opening-tessa-druley/ 
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/448273392005489/ 

 

Sunday, April 26 

I AM FABULOUS! 
Presented by Sarah Edwards of I Am Kindness, the Sunday brunch-time event celebrates style at every age at the Varsity Theater.  Food, giveaways, hair and makeup, local pop-up shops, live music, dancing, a photo booth, a fashion show, and a screening of “Advanced Style” are all part of the fun.  
P.S. The event falls on Sarah’s birthday!

More information: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-fabulous-tickets-16177011878?aff=es2
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/625077800959299 

 

Wednesday, April 29

RAW Artists Minneapolis Presents: EXPOSURE 

EXPOSURE brings art, fashion, music, film, photography, hair & makeup, and performance art together at the Pourhouse.  Designers include Punkktual (who I remember from Voltage 2013), unisex (and totally badass looking) Form over Function, and Duluth-based, steampunk inspired designer Patricia of Chemistry Fashions, working with No One Fashion.  

More information: http://www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/exposure 
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1630443387191228/  

 

Thursday, April 30

Hardt Jewelry Showroom Opening
Drinks, apps, prizes, and new pieces await at the grand opening of Hardt Jewelry’s showroom at the Northwind Lofts.  Even more importantly, a portion of the proceeds of all sales from the night will go to Reclaim - an organization specializing in mental health care for LGBTQ youth.  

More information:http://www.reclaim-lgbtyouth.org/hardt-jewelry-showroom-opening-event/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1378547099141212/ 

 

Saturday, May 2

Envision

The biggest bi-annual fashion event in the Twin Cities returns to Orchestra Hall for Spring 2015. A runway show featuring looks from local boutiques and designers is presented in the dramatic glass atrium.  Part of each ticket sale and all of the proceeds from the silent auction during the event benefit Public Functionary.  Live entertainment by Monsieur Adi and an after party at Coup d’Etat are included with ticket purchase.  Check out my recaps of Fall 2013, Spring 2014, and Fall 2014 and be sure not to miss Spring 2015! 

More information: http://envisionmpls.com/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1570632843176691/ 

 

Sunday, May 3 

RISE: Advocacy Through Design Fashion Show 
University of Minnesota's FAB (Fashion and Business student organization) hosts an annual fashion show/scholarship competition/fundraiser.  Looks from local designers such as Tim+Thom and a student designer scholarship competition will be presented. Additionally, delicious doughnut pop-up by sssdude-nutz bakery will be available at the event.  Proceeds from the event benefit Dress For Success-Twin Cities, the local branch of the global organization that “promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and life." 

More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rise-advocacy-through-design-tickets-16372287954  
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1377922449202505/  

 

This list is not comprehensive (so much talent and energy in the MSP area!) and may be updated as I find out more information. 

There are also some events of interest that fall out of this range but are worth mentioning, such as the Eye Candy | A Design Showcase of student-designed garments made of nontraditional material at Weisman Art Museum on April 22, ACG Designs Trunk Show on May 7, Design on a Dime youth fundraiser/fashion show in St. Paul on May 7, Minnesota History Center’s Inspiring Beauty: Fashion Show and Exhibit Preview for the “50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” exhibit on May 21, and the 2nd Annual Minnesota Fashion Awards/Rumble on the Runway later this summer on August 21.  

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