Win Tickets to St Paul's Lowertown Pop Maker's Market

Minneapolis is definitely more my style than St. Paul, but the upcoming Lowertown Pop maker's market at St. Paul's historic Union Depot, filled with talented local artisans from all over Minnesota, will be worth visiting the Capitol city to enjoy.  

Thanks to MN Blogger Bash, I was able to preview some of the makers popping up at the event - from upcycled leather goods from Desdamona Doolittle, to cheeky sentiments from Muddy Mouth Cards, to a Bloody Mary enhancer with some heat from Fast Mary's, to cleverly designed clothing by Anywhere Apparel, and everything in between.  

Upcycled leather necklaces from Desdamona Doolittle: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesdamonaDoolittle 

Obi belts made from repuposed ties by Foat: https://www.foatdesign.com/

The market on April 15 will also include live demonstrations including those for cocktail making, aromatherapy, and styling multi-functional clothing.  The schedule of demonstrations can be found on the Union Depot website: http://www.uniondepot.org/events/lowertownpop/.

Lowertown Pop gives back to the St. Paul community!  Tickets to the market are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and half the proceeds will go to River's Edge Academy, and half will go to one of the makers featured.  

Perusing the market will be a great break from my PE studying and I am very looking forward to going.  Also thanks to MN Blogger Bash, I have a pair of tickets to give away!  

To win a pair of tickets to Lowertown Pop, tweet me (@UrbanOrchidBlog) with which maker you are most excited to check out, and don't forget to include the hashtag #lowertownpop.  Entries are due by 12 p.m. (Central Time) Saturday, April 8.

Tweet to @urbanorchidblog

The full list of featured Minnesota makers can be found here: http://www.uniondepot.org/lowertownpopmakers/ 

Fashion Week Minnesota: Spring/Summer 2017

From favorite long-running fashion functions, to a smartphone dating app launch party, and everything in between - the Fashion Week MN calendar has something for every type of fashion fan.  The FWMN Spring/Summer 2017 season runs from April 20-29.  

My top picks: 

1) Who Made My Clothes?

Thursday, April 27
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/who-made-my-clothes/
The founding principle behind Urban Orchid Blog was to share what I discover about sustainable/ethical fashion and to be a resource for people seeking that information.  While I may have been publishing fewer of those informational posts, it is definitely something I plan to get back to doing.  A great motivator for that is the FWMN/Fashion Revolution Week event at Hazel & Rose.  The Fashion Revolution is an international initiative that aims to educate consumers, encourage more mindful shopping habits, and demonstrate to fast-fashion brands that ethical sourcing and treatment of workers and transparency in the supply chain.is something that benefits everyone.  Hazel & Rose has been a leader in bringing eco and ethical fashion to the forefront of the Minnesota fashion community and I am very looking forward to this event.  

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2) Envision

Friday, April 21
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/envision-spring-2017-runway-show/
The 21st season of the show features returning designers and runway hosts Tricia Heuring and John Mark at a new location.  Designers include Kyra Deva, Kindred Folk, ACG, Reinier Vigoa, Idle Child, and more. This video, posted by Envision and created by Don’t Blink, shows some of what we can expect at this season’s venue - The Machine Shop. 

Envision is long-running for a reason - some of the best in local talents showcase their current collections, and before/between runway segments attendees can enjoy live music, a photo booth, and a silent auction.  The proceeds from the silent auction, part of the event proceeds, and $1 of each presale ticket will benefit Public Functionary.

I haven’t missed a single Envision runway show since I first moved to Minnesota in 2013 - including three seasons commuting from Duluth.  Spring/Summer 2017 is no exception for me, even though it will be the same day I take the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam.  Preparing for the 8 hour long professional licensing exam is a big part of why I won't be as immersed in FWMN as usual, but passing the exam would be more than worth it.  

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3) HER: Launch Party

Saturday, April 22
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/minneapolis-launch-party/ 
HER is a location-based app that helps LGBTQI+ women find and meet each other.  I am part of the Bi+ community and am a former user of the app (since it was known as "Dattch") and am very pleased to see that it has officially arrived in Minneapolis.  When I had first come across it, the app was strictly for dating, but appears to have grown into finding not only partners but friends, lovers, and others.  Minnesota fashion brands participating in the launch party pop-up shop include MPLS / STP Clothing Co. and Hardt Jewelry.  The night out at Constantine in the Hotel Ivy will also include games, a DJ, and a photo booth.  I am very interested to see how the app can impact the LGBTQI+ community and how the night ties into the flourishing fashion community.  

Sometimes I Write About Things Other Than Fashion

...for blogs that aren't my own.  

For example, cheap ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in the Twin Cities: http://www.citypages.com/arts/budget-romance-cheap-ass-valentines-ideas-that-are-actually-pretty-sweet/412946723 

Or a funky way to refinish silver heirlooms: http://www.citypages.com/arts/julia-moss-turns-tarnished-silver-into-colorful-statement-pieces/393483901

But mostly, I write about fashion. 

4 designers to check out at Minneapolis Craft Market's Fashion Week MN collaboration: http://www.citypages.com/arts/4-designers-to-check-out-at-minneapolis-craft-markets-fashion-week-mn-collaboration/394189151
 

Kimberly Jurek and Jennifer Chilstrom re-launch as Kindred Folk at Envision: http://www.citypages.com/arts/kimberly-jurek-and-jennifer-chilstrom-re-launch-as-kindred-folk-at-envision/394343381

Mi-17: House of Nguyen Designs 2017 Collection

Right on the heels of #FWMN Fall 2016, House of Nguyen Designs presented an 80-look collection for 2017 at 514 Studios in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.  The collection included both menswear and womenswear looks ranging from casual streetwear to sexy clubwear to special occasion gowns.  

Ready to see what #HouseOfNguyen Designs has in store for 2017! pic.twitter.com/Eo2fJK0nll

— Liz (@UrbanOrchidBlog) September 25, 2016

The brain (and beauty) behind the brand - Mimi Nguyen - is an self-taught designer.  Her expansive offerings stem from a creative mind that is always thinking, and an ambitious attitude of making whatever the hell she wants.  Mimi is a part of consulting group Royal Krew Co, who I went to visit before FWMN.  

Head of House of Nguyen Designs, Mimi, enjoying her moment at the finale of Mi-17.

While not showing in an official FWMN event, House of Ngyuen Designs did end up on the Envision Fall 2016 runway, on host Tricia Heuring: 

Tricia Heuring wearing House of Ngyuen Designs to host Envision's 10th Anniversary.

I also got to wear something by House of Ngyuen during FWMN - a blue satin and lace robe, which I later got to see grace the Mi-17 runway: 

Satin and lace robe c/o House of Nguyen Designs, leggings by Hue, shoes by DV Dolce Vita, necklace by House of Gemmes.

House of Nguyen’s 2017 showcase was definitely different than other Twin Cities fashion events.  While skin was definitely trending at Envision (formal recap to come!), Mimi’s designs had a different approach, and it's one that I am a fan of.  Whether it’s an LBD and stockings at Black Hearts Ball, or laser cut pleather at MN4MN, or a mesh cami at #Minnstafashion, you can probably tell that I love working lingerie into a look and Mimi gave me plenty of ways to do just that.

You know when you were young and had to go shopping with your parents, and there were always those outfits you really wanted that they wouldn’t buy for you because they were too sexy?  That’s the vibe of the standout looks in Mimi’s collection. And I love it.  Fashion is supposed to be fun and watching the models walking down the runway, I kept thinking of all the parties, concerts, hot dates, night clubs, girls nights, and everything else they’d be heading to in House of Nguyen Designs. 

I mean, the first thing she sent down the runway was this:

First look from Mi-17.

Then there were some looks that were maybe demure in the front, and a little more daring in the back: 

And lots of stuff in between:

A selection of pieces from House of Nguyen Designs is available at Showroom, and you can contact the brand on Facebook for more information, but you can also shop the new 2017 collection this Sunday, October 9 at an open house the brand is hosting.  More details about the open house can be found on the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/775923032550643/ 

Mimi will also be competing in a Prince themed KFAI Fundraiser fashion show on Saturday, October 8 - https://www.facebook.com/events/1738884149714018/ and showing at Twisted Hare Salon and Spa’s Masked Masquerade Fashion Show in November - https://www.facebook.com/events/103293896800609/. 

Fashion Week MN (FWMN) Fall 2016 Highlights

Minnesota fashion-focused pop-up shops, runway shows, open house events, gallery exhibits, and more were held throughout the Twin Cities from September 15 - September 25, 2016 as part of the third season of the Fashion Week Minnesota (FWMN) initiative.  FWMN events showcase current season/special edition collections from local designers or boutiques to celebrate local creativity and inspire Minnesotans to support each other and our local businesses.  

FWMN balloons outside Intelligent Nutrients for I Am Inspired.

This season was probably my busiest yet, but I am so grateful to have been immersed in so much of it.  Minnesota may not be seen as a fashion capital like New York or Paris, but the creativity and community here are just as inspiring to me.  Below are some highlights from each of the events I experienced.  More in-depth looks to come!  

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#Minnstafashion
Thursday, September 15

Photo wall at Minnstafashion.  Photo by E3 Photography.

Earrings by @GoldfineJewelry at #minnstafashion. 10% off tonight! #fwmn @FashionWeekMN #minnesotamade pic.twitter.com/BDigcvuYxN

— Liz (@UrbanOrchidBlog) September 16, 2016

Highlight - Threader earrings and more from Goldfine Designs and getting excited about the week to come with both old and new friends.  Bonus: Meeting the namesake behind a dress I pre-ordered from Samantha Rei.  

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Reali Runway V2
Saturday, September 17 

Highlight - Live musical performances + live runway presentations are always a win.  Bonus: Seeing The Exchange completely differently (and from a much more sober point of view) than usual.   

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I Am Inspired
Sunday, September 18 

Throwing #confetti in the #phhhoto booth at #iaminspiredmsp. @fashionweekmn @iaminspiredmsp #fwmn #minnesota

A video posted by Liz M. (@poizenisxkandee) on Sep 18, 2016 at 4:05pm PDT

Highlight - Throwing confetti in the Phhhoto booth.  Bonus: FWMN balloons in vehicles by event sponsor Range Rover…thus getting that Chainsmokers + Halsey song stuck in my head.  

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Matryoshka in Japan: Danielle Everine Fashion Exhibition
Tuesday, September 20 

Highlight -  3D glasses made the printed fabrics pop.  Bonus: Taking a few 360-degree Virtual Reality shots of the models and the space.  

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FWMN Homme
Wednesday, September 21

Highlight - Cvstings giving us a crop top for men and finally seeing Mermaids & Accolades in real life as opposed to on Instagram.

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MN4MN Blank Canvas
Friday, September 23

Clothes by Autumn's Vintage, helmet by Jesse Golfis 

Highlight - The live presentation was really powerful.  Bonus: Finding out the eco-fashion designer behind Foat is married to the artist behind my favorite sneaker from last year’s exhibition: 

"Keep the shoes off the carpet" Aaron Brand. Photo from Tom Sadowski. #mn4mnblankcanvas @MN4MNFashion pic.twitter.com/KYcm6qCQh8

— Liz (@UrbanOrchidBlog) July 30, 2015

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Envision
Saturday, September 24

Highlight - seeing the Kindred Folk collection I previewed for CityPages come to life on the runway.

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Full Fashion Panic
Sunday, September 25 

Highlight - Falling in love with emerging designers like Nang Mai Designs by Maria Dang and seeing the latest collection from one of the very first designers in Minnesota I ever encountered - Otherrealm by Lucie Biros.  Bonus: Show director Samantha Rei Crossland’s call to action at the end - that supporting runway events showing the art of fashion is only one side of the equation, and in order to keep the events running, we need to support the businesses the artists are running and buy the clothes they make.  

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It seems the Minnesota fashion community is only getting stronger and its support is growing.  I am so excited to be a part of it and share what’s coming up next.