Thursday, June 25, 2009

Style tribute: Michael Jackson + Farah Fawcett

Two icons died today, and both were known as style icons of their generations. As a tribute to both, let's take a look at their respective styles throughout the years.

Farah Fawcett was pretty much the poster girl for the '70s - big, bouncy curls, all-American looks, not to mention that bod that every boy dreamed about. The Charlie's Angels star could look just as hot in high-waisted bell bottoms and sneaks.

The ubiquitous poster that was on every boy's wall.


Another pin-up-y look - oh yeah, and cut-out swimsuits are back, did you hear?

Farah looking as American as apple pie.

Farah looking just as hot in jeans and sneaks as in nearly nothing.

And of course, where would she be without an Andy Warhol Polaroid portrait?


And then there was Michael.

That red jacket from "Beat It" that later inspired Rihanna to rock one last year on her tour with Kanye - that fingerless glove worn on one hand - the black loafers worn with high-water pants and white socks. The King of Pop was obviously better known for his music, but his style has inspired many.

Of course, it all started with the Jackson 5, when Michael was just a groovy kid in bell bottoms.


MJ really broke out on his own in a white suit on the cover of "Off the Wall." It was sharp, in a very Studio 54 kind of way. And what better accessory is there than a tiger cub?

With MJ's first aired performance on the TV special "Motown 25" in 1983, we were first exposed to MJ's one-of-a-kind dance moves, the toe stands, the crotch grabs, and especially the Moonwalk. Check the sequinned jacket and military-striped pants he wore for the performance, and of course the single silver sequin glove.
An icon isn't an icon in the '60s & '70s without an Andy Warhol portrait.

Here's MJ in the classic early-'80s gear for "Beat It" and "Thriller": Red jacket, black loafers, and white socks. 'Nuff said.

For the 1991 Grammy awards, Madonna took him as her date. Could there have been a more provocative pair at the time? He's dripping in almost as many diamonds as she is.

MJ during his early '90s "Bad" period: Studded motorcycle jackets, like the one Karen O has been wearing on her most recent tour.

For another early '90s track "Smooth Criminal" (aka the song where he does the moonwalk and the cool lean thing), he went back to the slick white suit, this time with a gangster-inspired fedora.

Later on he glammed it up in a military-inspired jacket - which are now all the rage, a la Balmain.

RIP, MJ + FF

Shopping & style news for 6.25.09-6.28.09

Check out my style writing for this weekend:

Check out my interview with Lauren Conrad from when she was at the Mall of America last weekend:
OMG, LC @ MOA!"
[Photo by Tony Nelson for MOA]

FRIDAY-SATURDAY: MNfashion Designer Garage Sale
Garage sales are typically hit-or-miss affairs, but this one organized by local non-profit fashion organization MNfashion shouldn’t disappoint. A step above your run-of-the-mill garage sale, the Designer Garage Sale will offer great deals...
Read more at Vita.mn


[A look from Abracadabra Vintage]

SATURDAY: Abracadabra Vintage Lawn Party
Why buy new when you can buy the real deal for less? That’s the premise of Abracadabra Vintage, a locally-run online vintage shop run by sisters Alisun and Ashlee Abbott. Read more at Vita.mn

[Image of BothDol Fashion modeled by its designer Nyamol Both]

SUNDAY: BothDol Fashion Release Party
The best fashion designers have a way of making the old feel new, and merge tradition with modern needs. Ethiopian-born 21-year-old designer Nyamol Both seems to have that ability, having spent her youth in Africa and the past 13 years in Minneapolis.
Read more at Vita.mn

FRIDAY: Purple Rain Sing-along & Costume Contest
This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic prince flick "Purple Rain," so it's a given that first avenue would host a party in its honor. After all, the nightclub is practically a supporting character in the film.
Read more at Vita.mn

My St. Paul STAYcation blog on
St. Paul Shopping & Sales for 6.23-6.30 includes info on closing sales this weekend at REfind Vintage and Evoke Gallery, as well as the Midwest Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Textile Sale at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

More stylish events to check out:

SUNDAY: "Bitch with Brunch" at Seven rooftop
Drag queen Bitch Flowers hosts this rooftop fashion show at Seven Ultralounge. Stylist Richard Anderson (AKA Bitch Flowers in a suit) is doing all the floral arrangements and says the fashion show will be "very Miami." It will feature underwear and bathing suits by L.A.-based designer and current contestant on Bravo's The Fashion Show, Andrew Christian. Oh, and they're the best seats in the house to watch the Gay Pride Parade.
Check out the facebook invite for details.

SATURDAY: Celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean at MOA
The creator of WEN hair and body products - and celeb hairstylist to Nicollette Sheriden, Christina Applegate and Marcia Cross - will be introducing the line and giving demos. The collection is made up of WEN Cleansing Conditions, non-lathering cleansers that eliminate need for shampoo. Attendance open to public by RSVP at
qvcatthemall.com. (10 a.m., at QVC@TheMall on the First Level, Mall of America.)

SATURDAY: Joynoëlle Boutique and Atelier is having a 10-80% off sample sale on dresses, coats, and handbags as well as jewelry by Penny Larsen and stationery by Apiary Design. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 312 W. 42nd St., Mpls., 612-209-7822.)

Check out these
style shots from the Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show via CityPages.com by photog Emily Utne and writer (and Poolside assisting hair stylist) Stacey Tuthill. It's part of their new weekly street style segment - these girls definitely have their finger on the pulse of chic!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

MNfashion Designer Garage Sale this weekend

[Sketches for Fall 2009 designs by George Moskal]

MNfashion - the organization behind Voltage: Fashion Amplified and MNfashion Week in the spring and fall - is hosting the first annual MNfashion Designer Garage Sale this weekend. MNfashion founder Anna Lee just announced a preview of what will be available at the sale:

"We have a fun and stylish mix of clothes and accessories, housewares and books, sewing supplies (including a dress form), beauty products and a few surprises!"

The hottest items should be the ones up for silent auction at the preview event on Friday. Items include Guthrie tickets, items from local designers such as
George Moskal, Ruby3 and Frances Zerr, photo sessions, and a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. The preview event will also have wine, small bites, and a chance to get your hands on the sale items first for a suggested donation of $10. It all goes to a good cause - MNfashion programming, including Voltage, MNfashion Week, and other programs throughout the year.

They're still accepting donations for the sale and silent auction; if you're interested in donating, contact annalee@mnfashion.org.

Preview sale and silent auction: Friday, June 26, 6-10 p.m.
Designer Garage Sale: Saturday, June 27, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Shelter Studios 2112 Broadway Street NE-Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55413

Personally, I'm looking to get my hands on whatever is being auctioned off by George Moskal - one of my longtime local designer faves who recently returned to the Twin Cities after being on the west coast for the past few years. His collection for Voltage 2007 was the highlight of the night.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tonight: Twin Cities Supper Club at Clubhouse Jager


I typically visit Clubhouse Jager a few times a week - Tuesday nights for JagerCon, Wednesdays for Jake Rudh's Transmission, and an occasional Saturday nights when Attitude City plays. The atmosphere is great, the backyard patio is huge, and the bartenders are awesome. But believe it or not, I have barely partaken in its most recent addition: A food menu. That's right: The bar recently added a menu of small eats, like six-inch pizzas with a wide variety of toppings, sandwiches, soups, and more - that, until now, I haven't had the chance to try.

Well tonight's my night: Twin Cities Supper Club is hosting its monthly food sampling event at none other than Clubhouse Jager tonight. I'll get back with a full report tomorrow. Tickets ($25) for tonight's event are still available; check the
facebook event invite for all the details.

Peep tonight's sampling menu if you need more motivation:

*Decadent Crab Dip
*Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Fresh Mozzarella
*Jager Snack - Veggie Apps (with Black Bean Dip, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and Olives)
*Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts, Craisins and Blue Cheese in a House Made Vinaigrette
* Wild West Pizza (Spanish Chorizo, Chipotles, Red Onions, Corn, Black Beans and Chihuahua Cheese on a Cilantro-Tomatillo sauce
* Garden Delight Pizza (Mozzarella, Marinated Portabellas, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Roasted Red Peppers, Red Onions, Fresh Basil on House Made Red Sauce
*Old Standard Pizza (Pepperoni, Fresh Basil and Mozzarella on House Made Red Sauce)
*One drink - beer, wine or cocktail

Clubhouse Jager's kitchen hours are 5-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. (There's also happy hour drink specials Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and 2-4-1's all night on Tuesdays.) Jager is located at 923 Washington Ave. N., Mpls. in the North Loop.

Monday, June 22, 2009

The week in local fashion: 6.20.09-6.25.09

Sound Unseen presents Voltaic: The Volta Tour Live in Paris and Reykjavik 6/24 at Trylon Screening Room
This one-night screening of the new Bjork tour documentary, put on by the folks behind the annual music and film festival
Sound Unseen, shows us the Icelandic singer as we’ve never quite seen her before. The concert film Voltaic: The Volta Tour Live in Paris and Reykjavik compiles footage from concerts centering around her 2007 album Voltage. Unsurprisingly, her live shows are as complicated and textured as her recordings; her band includes a 10-piece horn section, ridiculous staging, and stage costumes created by Danish avant-garde fashion designer Henrik Vibskov. She never comes here on tour, so it's our only chance to see Bjork in all her crazy-costumed glory. –J. Peloquin (9:30 p.m. Wed. $8. 3258 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls.)

[Bjork in a Henrik Vibskov tour costume]


Remake/Revamp Art Lab with Calpurnia Peach 6/25 at Walker Art Center
When fashion design duo Calpurnia Peach showcased their first collection at Voltage 2008, it was the original screen prints they incorporated into their designs that really caught people’s attention. The pair are letting you in on the tricks of their trade at this art lab, part of the Walker’s Free Thursday Nights summer edition. Peach designers Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch will show you how to screen-print on your own garments, and they’ll be offering up their original prints for your use. It’s like getting your very own limited-edition Calpurnia Peach garment Check
my previous blog on Le Petit for more. (6-9 p.m. Thu. Free. 1750 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-375-7622.)

Gothic Beach Party 6/25 at Chamber @ The Bolt Underground
Local Neo-Victorian designer Samantha Rei of Blasphemina’s Closet will be showing Victorian-inspired beachwear, and wear your spookiest/retro beach attire. It's only $3 if you come in swimwear.
Check the facebook invite for more.

More Local Fashion News
Local designers/models/identical twins Coco & Breezy just posted a video launching their new sunglasses line. It's pretty hot.




Local men's fashion photographer Ingrid Werthmann just posted some new shots featuring model Kevin Walker of Vision and make-up artist Di Medlock (who happens to be in my stylist collective Eclecticoiffeur). They're very Miami Vice-in-the-future. (Bonus: A link to some photos from a Marc Jacobs-inspired shoot I did with Ingrid a while back starring the gorgeous Christo Collins.)

[Image by Ingrid Werthmann, make-up by Di Medlock]

A few of my fave local designers, Laura Fulk, Ivan Idland, Amanda Christine, and Kimberly Jurek, were featured in a City Pages local fashion spread last week. I especially loved Ivan's girl-boy look, inspired by Varsity high school team uniforms.

[Image of Ivan Idland's looks by Nick Vlcek for City Pages]

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Lauren Conrad @ MOA preview

I totally interviewed Lauren Conrad today at the MOA for the signing of her first novel, L.A. Candy. I'm doing a story on it for this Thursday's edition of Vita.mn. We also chatted about her working with Ra'mon on her line for Kohl's; you'll see more of that in a couple of months. I will say this much: She was super sweet and seemed very down to earth. The girl even complimented me on my shorts.

She looked gorgeous in a cute blouse, black cuffed shorts and black Louboutins. I can't believe I forgot to ask her who designed them (though the Louboutins were obvious).

Here are some quick shots I took with my terrible camera. Fortunately Tony Nelson was there taking shots for the MOA, which you will definitely see more of this week.



Totally blurry, but I kind of like it that way.

Friday, June 19, 2009

In Review: Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show 6/18

[Image by Emily Utne for City Pages]

The third annual Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show happened last night (with beautiful weather despite numerous reports of supposed thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes) at the Calhoun Beach Club, and it was an overall success. I was the lead stylist for the event, having put together over 55 looks from 15 different retailers including some of my fave MOA stores (Benetton, Burberry, American Apparel, Martin + Osa and Club Monaco), two local boutiques (Belle Reve and Bumbershute) and two local designers (Max Lohrbach and Emily Weich). Max in particular created four looks exclusively for the show inspired by the theme "English Garden Party." (The first theme was Americana/Yacht/Kentucky Derby-inspired, the last a bit more '70s Saint-Tropez.) He embroidered little houses onto some of the dresses, his inspiration being that now-infamous Anna Wintour quote about "Minnesotans" being "like little houses." Ingenius!

So far only City Pages has posted photos. Here's a preview:




[Above dress by Emily Weich. All images by Emily Utne for City Pages]

Click here for more photos from the night by City Pages' event photog Emily Utne.

The amazing Charlie Brackney was lead hair stylist and the immaculate Romeny Chan was lead make-up artist. Thanks to Xavi, Kara, Lindsey, and Keisha for being amazing wardrobe assistants backstage. Thanks to the great MOA staff for helping truck everything to the site. Most of all, thanks to Christian for producer best Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show yet! What an amazing team!

[Charlie doing model Angelah's hair backstage]

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The weekend in local fashion for 6.18.09-6.21.09

There's a ton of great shopping events and shows happening this weekend at locally-owned boutiques. Check out my top picks, as seen in this week's issue of Vita.mn:

[Image of Red Shoe Clothing Co. patent leather holster by Nic Marshall]

Les Fleurs du Mal 6/19 at Bedlam Theater (via Vita.mn)
It seems like the Twin Cities has reached its limit in punk/goth fashion shows, but the surprising addition of local line Red Shoe Clothing Co. to this recurring event adds a twist. Red Shoe designer Kerry Riley is known for her tailored, wearable silhouettes and for her groundbreaking leatherwork. For this show, Riley merges her specialties with a darker edge in a collection of all-new mesh bodysuits and black patent leather holsters. Riley admits Les Fleurs du Mal is an unusual venue for her line, but concedes, "It's a no-brainer for the leatherwork." The show also showcases lines from Seamstrix, Golgotha and Greta Herman, and music from All the Pretty Horses, Stella Vector, the No-Nos and DJ Mach Fox. (9 p.m. Fri., $10. 18 & older. Bedlam Theater). -Jahna Peloquin

Ruby3 Summer Trunk Show 6/18 at MIA (via
Vita.mn)
Designer Anna Lee is launching her summer collection of floral and feathered hats, headdresses and headbands. Lee took inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite art movement, which is the theme of this month's Third Thursday at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. (6-9 p.m. Thu., free.) -Jahna Peloquin


[Image of Ruby3 headband & wings by Stephanie Colgan]

Kelson Trunk Show 6/19 at Cliche (via Vita.mn)
You may have wondered what happened to local designer Brianne Jones after she showed her line Belle at Voltage in 2008, never to be heard from again. Turns out she was busy finishing up her apparel design program at the University of Minnesota. Her latest line, Kelson, which debuted last week at the Cliché fashion show, features Jones' trademark strong lines and feminine detailing. (7-10 p.m. Fri., free. Cliché.) -Jahna Peloquin

[Image of a Kelson look by Ryan Cloutier]

More fashion events & sales (via Vita.mn)
New yoga studio Sigh Yoga + Boutique showcases the latest yoga wear collection by locally made Foat Design, along with a free introductory yoga class by designer and Sigh Yoga instructor Kaja Foat. (6:30-9 p.m. Fri., 612 W. 54th St., Mpls., 612-382-8736.) Also this weekend, designer Alison Voelz launches her new line Vacker, made up of sweaters, tops and dresses "up-cycled" from thrift-store throwaways. (6-8 p.m. Sat.) -Jahna Peloquin

Northeast boutique
Parc is celebrating its one-year anniversary with an in-store picnic. They’ll be offering 25% off every purchase and free wardrobe advice from stylist (and Vita.mn Hotness winner) Alice Sydow. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 328 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-353-4966.)

Urban Junket recently joined forces with local stationary company Red Stamp in a new showroom; they’ll be offering 20-75% off retail prices at this sample sale. (Noon-7 p.m. Fri. & Noon to 5 p.m. Sat. 4850 W. 35th St., St. Louis Park. 612-746-1510.)

Indian-styled boutique Mehera Shaw is hosting their annual Solstice Fete and Sale on Saturday with a wine reception; a storewide sale of 30% off runs through Wednesday. (2-7 p.m. Sat. Free. 2004 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-874-9115.)

Peter Cohen Trunk Show + Personal Appearance 6/19-20 at Grethen House
High-end boutique Grethen House will be hosting Peter Cohen for a trunk show of his fall 2009 line. The designer, who's been making a stamp on the national design scene for his sophisticated, structured and impeccably tailored looks since the early '90s, will be there in the flesh. (10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. & 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.)

[Image of a Peter Cohen look via Grethen House]

For more stylish things to do this weekend, check out l'etoile's Weekend What's What blog, for which I'm a contributor.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Weekend music for 6.18.09-6.24.09

Check out this weekend's edition of Vita.mn for all the music and nightlife to-dos. Here's a preview of my contributions:


Lookbook, Nyteowl, FoodTeam + Solid Gold DJs FRIDAY 6/19 at Hexagon
A sort of showcase of the hottest up-and-coming local electronic acts in town, this show is all but guaranteed to be the night’s hot local music ticket. It was put together by DJ and producer Nyteowl (AKA Jeremiah Conlon) with a trio of his favorite acts: Lookbook, FoodTeam, and Solid Gold. Lookbook is one of the hottest up-and-coming bands, getting regular play on 89.3 The Current as of late, and FoodTeam is the solo act of Mystery Palace’s Ryan Olcott (who happens to have also produced Solid Gold’s debut LP Bodies of Water). Before they play the sold-out Rock the Garden on Saturday, uber-popular band Solid Gold will be doing a DJ set. Bonus: Nyteowl recently remixed Solid Gold and Lookbook songs, along with some international DJs for his label Nytetraxx, so expect a preview of the as-yet-unreleased tracks.
Preview Nyteowl's "Bootythumper" remix of Solid Gold's "Biblethumper" here

Deastro THURSDAY 6/18 at 7th Street Entry
Ever wondered what it would sound like to travel through space in the ‘80s? Randolph Chabot’s solo project
Deastro has your answer. The 22-year-old's solo project has been likened to glistening shoegaze, it’s more akin to his own description: “Space symphonies.” Layered with swirling synths, urgently youthful vocals, and soaring indie-pop melodies, the description by the Michigan native is apt. His one-man-band is sure to have nerd appeal: The lyrics center around mythical kingdoms, kings, and a mythical “moondagger.” Lazer Forever and Telepathos opens.

Krave: Rock Star FRIDAY 6/19 at Karma
Pride isn’t until next week, but you can start partying early at popular GLBT club night KRAVE. This month is headlined by Atlanta DJ David Knapp and the Twin Cities’ own DJ Shiek and DJ Red Richard, with gay icon Wanda Wisdom, dancers, models, giveaways, and more. Most importantly for any KRAVE night is the theme, this month’s being “ROCKSTAR.” So channel your inner Adam Lambert and put on your tightest jeans, leather jacket, ripped t-shirt, and of course, guyliner. (Costumes are encouraged but not required.) If you need a hand, stylists from Rocco Altobelli will be on hand to give free rock star makeovers.

Red Pens CD Release Show SATURDAY 6/20 at 7th Street Entry
It’s highly possible two-piece experimental nu-gazers
Red Pens could be one of the more promising psychedelic bands to have popped up in the Twin Cities as of late. The particular version of lo-fi no-wave found on the its debut album Reasons should resonate with fans of the uber-hyped Wavves, but the romantic melodies buried in tracks such as “Cave Something” should fill your My Bloody Valentine cravings. Sharp Teeth, The Vignettes, and Total Babe open.

On Saturday I'll be at the sold-out Rock the Garden, primarily to see Yeasayer and of course, Solid Gold. Look to Vita.mn on Monday for my review of the show.

Bachelorette SUNDAY 6/21 at 7th Street Entry
New Zealand has been making a name for itself as of late with the seemingly unstoppable flow of quirky pop-rock it’s unleashed on the world. Kiwi one-lady-band
Bachelorette (aka Annabel Alpers) seems to be New Zealand’s answer to Sweden’s Robyn, all synth-infused swirling pop and sass. On her debut album Isolation Loops, she takes on the world of technology and our reliance on it while incorporating that very technology into her songs’ recordings. The micro vs. macro theme brings the loop-heavy album close to the concept album category, but she inserts enough warmth and romanticism to make it an easy listen. Pikelet and Ultrachorus open.

Pansy Division with Dirty Diamonds SUNDAY 6/21 at Triple Rock
This rare, highly-anticipated show from punk rock icons Pansy Division is a can’t-miss for any punk rock fan. One of the founding bands of the Queercore genre, San Francisco’s Pansy Division just put out its first album in five years. Composed primarily of gay musicians and focusing on mostly gay-centric topics, the band defied gay stereotypes back in the early ‘90s with their brand of in-your-face, sexuality-rife punk rock. The Dirty Diamonds open.

The Germs, Krum Bums and Virgin Whores MONDAY 6/22 at Triple Rock
One of L.A.’s most influential punk bands of all time, The Germs are on their first world tour after being disbanded for over 20 years. The suicide of frontman Darby Crash caused the band to break up back in 1980, and founding guitarist Pat Smear went on to play in Nirvana and Foo Fighters in the ‘90s. After casting Shane West as Crash in the band’s biographical film What We Do Is Secret in 2005, the band reformed with West as frontman. Opening is Austin hardcore punk band The Krum Bums.

Mika Miko and Strange Boys TUESDAY 6/23 at 7th Street Entry
L.A. five-piece
Mika Miko doesn’t mess around with the classic pop-punk equation: Take three chords, add drums, bass, and girl-punk vocals; blend for two minutes and serve. It seems to have worked for them – they’re currently riding a wave of hype including stints at PAPER magazine’s Beautiful People Party in April and the Levi’s Fader showcase at SXSW. The band actually boasts a rather large discography, having been together since 2003, but Mika Miko’s best-known for its high-energy live show. Strange Boys and Gay Beast open.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Vita.mn + STAYcation + l'etoile for 6.11.09-6.17.09

The big swimwear spread I styled and wrote for Vita.mn is out today, along with a behind-the-scenes video for which I talked about all the looks and swimwear trends for this summer. Peep it below:

[Photo by Carlos Gonzalez / Styling by Jahna Peloquin / Hair by Charlie Brackney / Make-up by Ashley Kilcher / Modeled by Ashley VO of Vision]

VITA.MN

Watch the behind-the-scenes of the photo shoot video at
Vita.mn, StarTribune.com, or on Channel 23 (the local CW network) at 10:30 p.m. on the CW Twin Cities Beat show. (Yep, I'm officially going to be on TV!) Local designers Calpurnia Peach and Red Shoe Clothing Co. are featured as well as Benetton and Everything But Water from the MOA, Belle Reve, Opitz Outlet and Lula's Vintage Wear with parasols by local designer Rebecca Sullivan.

Also check out my t-shirt - it's by Brian Lichtenberg for Blood is the New Black from ROBOTlove.

View the full spread and story online at
here. It's also featured on the front page of StarTribune.com today.

More swimwear trends - and how to wear them.

Fashion:
5ive Years of Love: Cliche 5 Year Anniversary Show 6/11 at Plaza Verde

[Dress by Cliche designer Brianne Jones for Kelson/Image by Ryan Cloutier]

Crawl: A Steampunk Pub Crawl 6/13 in Northeast Mpls

Crawl:
E&G Boutique Outlet opens + Jewelry by Blasphemina's Closet

[Headpiece by Blasphemina's Closet]

Music: Hip Hop Against Homophobia6/13 at Bedlam Theater

Performance:
the SCREEN/the THING and RadioBrain 6/11-6/14 at Southern Theater

ST. PAUL STAYCATION

Nightlife:
"We're on a boat!" (a review of the Moon Goons boat party and other boat party options)

Music: Jazz, St. Paul style: Jay Epstein Trio CD Release + Hot Summer Jazz preview 6/11 at the Artists' Quarter

L'ETOILE

Check out the
Weekend What's What for 6/11.

Also be sure to check out the local premiere of V
alentino: The Last Emperor, opening Friday at Oak Street Cinema and the Theatres at Mall of America. The new film documenting the life and career of legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino very nearly didn’t make it to Minneapolis. Fortunately, the film lovers behind the Oak Street decided to take matters into their own hands and were able to secure a two-week stint. The feature-length film was made in the wake of his 2008 retirement from the company he founded more than 45 years ago, and shows all the goings-on behind the scenes as the designer prepares to send his final couture collection down the runway. The film is only coming to a handful of U.S. cities, so consider yourself lucky.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Remake/Revamp with Calpurnia Peach at the Walker

[Image of Calpurnia Peach courtesy Walker Art Center]

Ever wanted to learn just how Voltage faves Calpurnia Peach execute their screenprinting process? Peach designers Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch teach you how to do it and let you take the results home with you when they instruct a workshop tomorrow at the Walker Art Center. It's part of the Walker's Remake/Revamp series, a Free Thursdays program running throughout the summer.

Check out an interview with the girls posted on the Walker's blog
here and more about the other designers participating in the program (including longtime designer Rebecca Yaker, queen of the Sock Monkey) here. If you can't make it tomorrow, Calpurnia Peach has a follow-up class on June 25.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Preview: Cliché's summer fashion show

[Cothing by Jenny Carle / Image by Stephanie Hynes]

Local boutique Cliché's fashion show are always worth noting on your social planner, but its annual summer fashion show is its biggest of the year. It will be held this Thursday, June 11 at Plaza Verde, an old dance hall that turns out to be a surprisingly ideal setting for such an event. Fifteen of the shop's top-notch roster of up-and-coming, hard-working local designers will show summer and fall 2009 collections, paired with accessories from Cliché's local accessory designers. Below is a preview of what you can expect.


Jenny Carle

Recent Fashion Feud contestant Jenny Carle is really stepping it up with her summer collection. The gorgeous shoot the '08 St. Kate's grad did with photographer Stephanie Hynes shows Carle's newly-focused aesthetic. Her summer collection is a girlish take on country living, and incorporates her love for vintage fabrics and feminine silhouettes.



[Clothing by Jenny Carle / Images by Stephanie Hynes / Modeled by Raina Hein & Kara Knutson for Ignite]

Renate Adjei

Ghanaian-born designer has flown under the radar for some time, but her designs are typically one of the high points of the various nightclub shows she's participated in over the past two years. The St. Kate's 2008 grad is known for a feminine yet structured silhouette full of flounces, pleats and ruffles. Her summer line mixes flower prints and solids in airy fabrics.

[Dress by Renate Adjei / Image by Stephanie Hynes / Modeled by Greta Sundquist for Ignite]

Carmichael Claith by Christine Carmichael

Voltage '09 designer Christine Carmichael takes inspiration from the Scottish Highlands and historical English sporting attire. She says her summer collection is based off the French art and interior designer style of the 18th century Rococo period.


[Jacket by Carmichael Claith]

kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek

One of the few Cliché designers carried by other local boutiques, longtime local designer Kimberly Jurek is creating a small, exclusive collection for the anniversary show. It includes "romantic drapey cowl necklines with saucy hoods in dresses and tunics" as wella s European-style skirts and shorts.


[Coat dress by kjurek couture / Image by Loren Kollmar / Modeled by Nikki Miller for Ignite]

Emily Weich

After her Voltage 2009 collection made a big impression on local fashion writers, we're all looking to Emily Weich's follow-up with big expectations. Her feminine, easy-to-wear clothing will take inspiration this summer from the English countryside. She tells me that she hand-dyed all of the silks for the garments with natural dyes from spinach, saffron, turmeric, paprika, and raspberries.


[Sketches by Emily Weich]

Amanda Christine

One of my favorite local designers is Amanda Christine, not only for her insanely-perfect attention to detail, but the fact that she's so great to work with. (I've worn her designs this past spring at Voltage and Envision fashion shows.) She'll be previewing her fall 2009 line, which I helped style for her lookbook shoot. Here is a sample of the images, where you can see an increasingly edgy yet still wearable silhouette and unified vision.


[Clothing by Amanda Christine / Images by Nic Marshall / Styling by Eclecticoiffeur / Modeled by Lauren Wade for Wehmann]

Kelson by Brianne Jones

Brianne Jones seemed to have gone off the radar for some time; after her promising line Belle was shown at Voltage 2008, she all but disappeared from the racks of Cliche. It turns out she was busy graduating from the University of Minnesota's apparel design program. I caught her senior line showing earlier this year and it truly stood out among the many other designers showcased. Now she's back with a new line, Kelson - still modern, structured, and discretely feminine. She says the line is inspired by "the iconic female magician's assistant and her captivating stage presence." (She'll be hosting a Kelson trunk show next Friday, June 19 at Cliche.)

[Dress by Kelson / Image by Ryan Cloutier]

Rose White by Amanda Chaffin

I wasn't able to get any images from brand-new Cliché designer Amanda Chaffin, who is launching her line Rose White. I review the recent St. Kate grad's senior line
here. She says her summer line "is all about fun, easy summer pieces with unexpected pops of color." It includes high-waisted shorts in stretch lace, knit tops, off-the-shoulder silhouettes and racerback tanks.

Check the flyer for more info:

[Flyer design by Will Work for Clothes]