Local fashion + shopping for 10.1-10.7

Check out my writing in Vita.mn for 10.1-10.7:

[A Spring 2010 look by Joynoelle / Image by Photogen-Inc.]

Joynoelle fashion show at Gallery 13 (originally posted at Vita.mn)
If it seems like you haven't heard anything about local fashion designer Joy Teiken lately, it's not your fault. "We just had a baby so the last two years I spent focused here and on my home," the designer tells us. For a while, Teiken and her line Joynoelle were ubiquitous. Back in 2007, she first showed her collection at New York Fashion Week, and had a brief foray into the world of celebrity red carpet events, outfitting the likes of Andie MacDowell. But now that her son, Noel, is 13 months old, Teiken is getting back into fashion. The designer known for manipulating ordinary fabrics into one-of-a-kind textiles and her ultra-feminine, vintage-inspired aesthetic will be heading to New York later this month for the Bridal Couture Show (a trade show for the bridal industry). This weekend in Minneapolis, she'll be previewing her Spring 2010 bridal and ready-to-wear collection "Pretty Little Houses"; the runway show benefiting the Minnesota Shubert will also include music by Aviette, a Gallery 13 art installation, food and cocktails, dance vignettes, and a spring preview of Nelle handbags. (7 p.m. Thu. $35-100. Gallery 13, 811 Lasalle Av., Mpls. 651-592-5503.)

[Burlesque of North America's poster for MGMT]

Burlesque Factory Sale
Pitched in the style of a factory warehouse liquidation sale, Burlesque of North America’s Factory Sale is its biggest ever. They’re getting rid of t-shirts, magazines, CDs, one-of-a-kind test prints, “scratch & dent” posters, stickers, and just about everything else at prices of 10 to 75 percent off. As always, the BRLSQOTHEQUE DJs (AKA Mike the 2600 King and Wes Winship) will be on hand providing a bumpin’ soundtrack. Click here for details

[The Barbie exhibition at the MOA]

Barbie store opens at MOA
Just in time for the holiday shopping season and Barbie’s 50th birthday, America’s favorite doll is opening up shop at the Mall of America. The Barbie® Shop will sell every doll, set, and piece of Barbie clothing imaginable – sure to make your inner child jealous. But even if you aren’t in the Barbie-buying demographic, any fashion and pop culture fan should appreciate its “What a Doll” exhibit, a retrospective of more than 60 Barbies created over the years. The temporary store and exhibit will be open from October through March. Click here details

[Image provided by Architectural Antiques]

Events: Antique Weekend
Antique fanatics, get your pocketbooks and haggling skills ready: This weekend is all about antiques in the Twin Cities. Held three times a year (April, June and October), the Antique Spectacular and Flea Market is a hot spot for antique collectors, sellers and casual shoppers alike. The St. Paul-based show of over 400 antique dealers takes over the inside of the Grandstand and usually spills out onto the racing track, weather permitting. Expect everything from antique toys and books, to clothing and jewelry, to furniture and home items. (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. $6. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Av. N., St. Paul. 651-771-3476.) Meanwhile, salvage shop Architectural Antiques is having their annual fall sale. Shoppers can take substantial discounts on vintage light fixtures, stained glass windows, and more. Click here for details

Art: “HHH”: An Art of This One-Nighter
Few are mourning the pending loss of the Metrodome, which will host its final Twins game on Sunday. Regardless, the arts-and-baseball loving crew of Andy Sturdevant, Peter McLarnan, Brennan Vance, and Sam Soule felt it appropriate to say goodbye to the beloved-yet-reviled stadium with an evening of music, art, performance, and the premiere of a short film about the Dome. The collective will also be raffling off two tickets to the sold-out final game for you sentimental types. Click here for details

More Local fashion + shopping news 10.1-10.7 (originally posted at Vita.mn online):

[A Daniel Palillo look at ShopFatal.com]

THURSDAY: METRO 100 Party in Northeast
The newly-revamped METRO Magazine celebrates its third anniversary in print with a block party to beat all block parties. Why? Because it encompasses the hippest block in Northeast, and potentially all of the Twin Cities - the 300 block of 13th Avenue at University Avenue. Hot local band Solid Gold headlines the evening with their intoxicating blend of electrified, danceable space-rock. Fashion gets into the mix with METRO 100 list-makers, including local design duo Calpurnia Peach, locally-owned online shop ShopFatal, and hip boutique Cliché offer up their latest for fall in a live styling challenge at the Rogue Buddha Gallery. Le Petit partner blog Twin Cities Daily Planet has more details on the event. (6-9 p.m.331 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $35-40. Visit Metromag.com to purchase tickets.)

[Eep! A scary doll]

THURSDAY-SATURDAY: Doll Garage Sale in Forest Lake
This weekend, antique dolls of all styles, shapes and sizes will be filling the home of an elderly couple as they sell their entire collection. For a doll lover as myself - particularly scary dolls - this should be a coup. Raggedy Anns, Barbies, and even a Michael Jackson doll could be among your spoils. WCCO has the full story here and a slideshow here. (Thu.-Sat. 8 a.m. 8503 178th Ln., Columbus.)

[Two "Project Runway" viewing party regulars, Katherine Gerdes and Christopher Straub. Image by Sara Glassman/METRO]

THURSDAYS: "Project Runway" screening at Hell's Kitchen
L'etoile's weekly viewing party for "Project Runway" & "Models of the Runway" kicks off at 8 p.m. with fashion trivia. The eatery is owned by the stepfather of Runway alumnus Katherine Gerdes, and current contestant Christopher Straub is known to stop by. (Trivia 8-9 p.m. Screening 9-11 p.m. Thursdays. Hell's Kitchen, 80 S. 9th St., Mpls., 612-332-4700.)

[Vision Model and current face of Calvin Klein, Will Defiel; image courtesy Vision Model Mgmt.]

FRIDAY: Sound Unseen Vision Model Social Mixer at Vision Model Studio
Mix with the beautiful people at this Sound Unseen after party. DJ Real Talk Radio helms the soundtrack of the evening, and judging from his rager at Anthem Heart Studios last weekend, it should be a good one. It's also a chance to visit the new studio of Vision Models, a holdover of the local fashion scene for over ten years. There will also be apps from Tsunami Sushi, beer and wine specials, a film projection of Sound Unseen film "All Tomorrow's Parties," and a chance to ogle Visions bevy of gorgeous models. (8 p.m-midnight. $3; RSVP to soundunseen10@gmail.com for entry. 21-plus. 25 N. 4th St., #501., Mpls. soundunseen.com.)

[Heads Twogether photographed by Emily Steffen]

SATURDAY: Handmade Art Market at Beat Coffeehouse
Local artists and crafters will be offering handcrafted, up-cycled jewelry, clothing, art, knits, toys and more. Crafters include Heads Twogether, owned by identical twin sisters Maren Dalida and Dena Swenson; their adorable vintage-crafted jewelry and t-shirts featuring original screen-prints, as well as greeting cards and invitations that are charmingly modern. (9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1414 W 28th St, Mpls. thebeatcoffee.com.)


SATURDAY: Roaring '20s Night at Jungle Red Salon Spa Gallery
Though the ‘50s are currently the decade de rigueur, thanks to the success of “Mad Men,” the 1920s are still one of the most fun decades to be inspired by. After all, the decade was known primarily for its wild parties, decadence, and renaissance of fashion and culture. Jungle Red Salon is taking inspiration from the jazz era with performances by Lili’s Burlesque, live music by The Jazz Dudes, and of course, plenty of food and drink. Head there earlier in the evening to get your ‘20s ‘do and makeup, courtesy of Jungle Red stylists. If nothing else, it’s a chance to dress up and party away the recession blues. (7-11 p.m. Free. 1362 LaSalle Av., Mpls. 612-870-0653.)

[Lookbook photographed by Bo Hakala]

SATURDAY: Lookbook CD Release at Kitty Cat Klub
Okay, so it's not a fashion event perse, but the pretty people are sure to be out in force for local duo Lookbook's CD release show. One of the hottest up-and-coming local bands of the moment, Lookbook is releasing their debut full-length album, Wild at Heart. The recording sounds a lot like their live set, which isn’t a bad thing – they’re one of the most consistently strong live bands around, managing to fill the cavernous First Avenue Mainroom despite being composed of merely a programming console, vocals, and the occasional guitar. Based on description alone, the band’s electronic-infused, '80s-inspired sound and epic vocals may seem like nothing new, but it manages to sound fresh thanks to a plethora of unexpected influences from Bruce Springsteen to Phil Collins. Zoo Animal and Shahs open. Bonus: Gorgeous visuals will come courtesy of a preview of the brand new Lookbook video by local director Bo Hakala. (9 p.m. $5. 315 14th Av. SE., Mpls. 612-331-9800.)

MNfashion Recap #3: 9/24

Originally posted at l'etoile magazine:

Thursday, September 24: adorn, FAME, and Project Runway

By Jahna Peloquin

[Karma / Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush]

It’s rare that I make it to an event early. Typically, I tend to arrive fashionably late, and such events have a tendency to start late. So when I headed out to Adorn, a sort of fashion crawl along St. Paul’s chic Grand Avenue as part of MNfashion Week around 8 p.m., I was shocked to find out Picky Girl was closing early – an hour before the set time. But then it hit me – of course! This was St. Paul we were talking about: People here arrive early and leave early, while us Minneapolitans are the ones that are late – that’ll teach me! So tag-teaming with l’etoile staff photographer Stephens Stephens, we headed to Grand Avenue boutique Karma, in the hopes it was still kicking.

[Jahna, center, with Allie Haver and Allison Dent of Lola Red PR / Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush]

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE at l'etoile magazine.

Local fashion roundup for 9.28

With MNfashion Week and New York Fashion Week behind us and a surprise elimination of a local from Project Runway, there is a ton of local fashion news in this edition. This past MNfashion Week was quite possibly the biggest and baddest (in a cool, vintage MJ kind of way) yet!

[Emma Berg wearing a George Moskal skirt; image by Kara Nesvig/MN Daily]

MNfashion Week in review

First, check out my recaps and Q&A for l'etoile:

MNfashion Week Recap #2: 9/23
MNfashion Week Recap #1: 9/17-9/18
Le'TALK: l'étoile interviews SCENEaSOTA's Emma Berg
Look for my recaps of the rest of MNfashion Week coming up on l'etoile magazine early this week. For posterity, check out Q&As with SCENEaSOTA producer Maritza Ramirez and Blacklist Vintage owner Vanessa Messersmith on the Eat Street Style event here.

Kara Nesvig profiles Emma Berg about her debut clothing collection at SCENEaSOTA for The Minnesota Daily.

Pioneer Press has a recap of Second Debut and Goodwill's Re-Fashionista event featuring shopping tips from local fashion plates Ellen Dahl of The Minneapoline and Vita.mn as wella as Sara Tonko of MNfashion.

"Charmed Life" participant Laura Fulk gets interviewed by Midwest fashion and cultue blog Corridor40, which calls her the "Midwestern Alexander McQueen."

City Pages has a slideshow of images by photographer Emily Utne from MNfashion Week events "kjurek couture: Exclusively Fall" and "SCENEaSOTA". Here are images from "Couture Noir".

Fox 9 News covered the “Charmed Life” event during last week’s MNfashion Week. L’etoile editor-in-chief Kate Iverson and l’etoile publisher Beth Hammarlund are interviewed.

L’etoile publisher Beth Hammarlund reviews “Charmed Life” on her blog A Tiny Machine. Also be sure to check out her reviews of Emmys fashion and Diablo Cody’s latest horror-comedy, “Jennifer’s Body.”

"Project Runway" news:

[Ra'mon's movie-inspired dress from Episode 6; image courtesy Lifetime]

We're still reeling at the loss of Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, who was eliminated from last week's episode of "Project Runway." We're not the only ones: My two go-to fashion blogs Jezebel.com and Fashionista.com agree. Jezebel goes as far as to say "Ra'mon gets robbed" and Fashionista wonders "What the what with that elimination?". Gratz Industries predicted correctly that Ra’mon was going home, and had some hilarious images comparing Ra’mon to Eddie Murphy in various incarnations.

[Christopher's movie-inspired dress for Episode 6; image courtesy Lifetime]

Meanwhile, The Dallas Observer says Christopher was robbed of a win for his gorgeous "vampire bride" look.

Bonus video from last week's episode of PR is up:
Extended judging of Ra’mon
Extended judging of Christopher
Tim’s workroom visit with Ra’mon
Tim’s workroom visit with Christopher
Ra’mon’s video blog for Episode 6
Christopher’s video blog for Episode 6
Ra’mon’s exit interview, in which he says, “The word elimination isn’t in my vocabulary.”
Ra’mon’s most memorable moments on “Project Runway” (Sob!)

Local fashion writer Sara Glassman reports via Twitter Christopher Straub made his tie on Episode 6 out of the same fabric as his dress. Clever!

Holy Cow recently announced a collaboration with Ra'mon on innovative new designs for its environmentally-friendly clothing line. This includes the design of a 12–piece mini collection for Holy Cow by Ra'mon "in the near future."

OMG: Christian Siriano is making a stop at the MOA on October 17 to promote his new book, “Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self.” Currently checking into securing an interview with him.

New York Fashion Week:

News is still coming in from locals who have participated in New York Fashion Week earlier this month.

[Image of Calvin Klein cover model Will Defiel by Jennifer Cress; styling by Jane Magnitude]

Jane Magnitude gives her recap of New York Fashion Week, saying: "I had the pleasure of following an international model Megan McNierney (Vision Management Group/Marilyn) to her castings, fittings, and shows for an article that I am writing for Sotheby's Artful Living (lakesal.com). Megan has graced the pages of Italian Elle, walked for Chanel, and even landed a D & G campaign. I also got the chance to style Will Defiel the face of Calvin Klien (VMG/DNA)."

Local hairstylist and Aveda educator Pearson Knight did Beatles bobs on models at the 3.1 Philip Lim show and tells Glamour.com how and why.

Miscellany:

[Shoe by Atalanta Weller for House of Holland]

Atalanta Weller for House of Holland boots and shoes have just arrived at locally-owned online boutique ShopFatal.com. These things are hot.

[Image of Ashanti in Gemela Amor shades courtesy AshantiHQ.com]

These girls keep blowing up: Ashanti wears Coco & Breezy's Gemela Amor sunglasses on the red carpet of the Hip Hop Honors Awards recently.

MPR and Star Tribune interviews British fashion icon and the costume designer for the Minnesota Opera’s current production of “The Pearl Fishers,” Zandra Rhodes.

IIDA’s annual Fashion + Fusion event has just been announced for October 9 at Epic. The “Project Runway” style show pitches designers working in non-fashion areas to create clothing from unconventional materials. “Project Runway” contestants Christopher Straub and Katherine Gerdes will be judging along with longtime local designers Russell Bourrienne and Joy Teiken.

City Pages’ bi-weekly street style slideshow by Emily Utne and Stacey Tuthill Freestyle Fashion is up, featuring shots from the Where Fall Meets Fashion runway show I styled Oct. 3 at the W Hotel among others.

MNfashion Week Recap #2: 9/23

Check out my recap of Wednesday night's MNfashion Week events, "Charmed Life" and "Couture Noir," at l'etoile magazine:

By Jahna Peloquin, fashion editor

With many of MNfashion Week’s biggest events happening mid-week this fall, here’s your pre-weekend recap by l’etoile's fashion editor.

Wednesday, September 23: “Charmed Life” and “Couture Noir”

[Laura Fulk's vignette at "Charmed Life" / Image by Marcus Metropolis / interior by Jeffrey Valley]

It just so happened that two of MNfashion Week’s biggest events, “Charmed Life” and “Couture Noir,” overlapped on a Wednesday night of all nights. The events couldn’t have been more different, but I couldn’t stand to miss either. I donned my black asymmetrical dress from Laura Fulk’s “Suffocate” collection, a nod to the designer who would be participating in “Charmed Life” that evening and the elegant Gothicism of “Couture Noir.” I added a vintage feather headpiece and vintage black lace pumps and off I went.

By the time I arrived to “Charmed Life” at the International Market Square at 7:20, the event co-produced by l’etoile with METRO Magazine, was in full swing. With the open bar ending at 7:30, I made a beeline for the bar to grab a couple glasses of wine before checking out the stylized interior/fashion vignettes created by interior decorator Jeffery Valley in the middle of the atrium. Two-fisting it, I immediately ran into local songsmith Jeremy Messersmith, who was there supporting his wife Vanessa (co-owner of Blacklist Vintage, one of the night’s vendors), Laura Fulk, and Xavi Sostre, one of the stylists competing in that evening’s style-off I would later sit in to judge. “I love your dress!” Xavi exclaimed, not realizing it was a Le Fulk original. Laura’s vignette, decorated in a contemporary theme by Valley, included some clever leather cuffs ($10), knit hats with lace trim ($25) and faux fur cropped vests ($45), a retail-ready way to own a piece of the usually-avant-garde designer. (She’s not planning to sell them anywhere post-show, but you can contact her at laurafulk@gmail.com if you missed out.)

[Max Lohrbach's vignette at "Charmed Life" / Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush / interior by Jeffrey Valley]

Before I knew it, I was being struck from behind with some kind of stick – it was Max Lohrbach, nearly unrecognizable at first with his brand-new super-short haircut. I hadn’t seen Max since he was last in town for the Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show, and I had to see his adorable vignette. It was composed of a lifesize paperdoll lady and child, which he illustrated himself. “It’s kind of dark,” Max smirked. “The picture the little girl is holding is of her dead father.” I immediately coveted the ivory silk dresscoat, but decided not to muss up the parlor-esque display by trying it on and called dibs on it. He also was selling his one-of-a-kind “hair hats,” originally created for Voltage 2009. And sell he did – two of them ended up in the hands of a couple of fab ladies, with some sales help from one of my favorite stylists in the city (and Max’s newest fan), Richard Anderson. The hats are currently available at Design Collective, if you’re interested.

Visit l'etoile magazine to read the rest!

Minnesota loses one on "Project Runway"

[Ra'mon in an Anthem Heart tee; image courtesy Lifetime]

Tonight, one of our own went home on “Project Runway.” Judging from last week’s previews, we could tell Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman would be in trouble for his bright green, lizard-like piece. The designers were given a theme based on a genre of movie, and Ra’mon’s was sci-fi. After calling his first look, a bright green jumpsuit, “Kermit the Frog gone wrong,” he wisely changed it to a dress, but that didn’t seem to help. Tim called it “sublime, or a big hot mess,” and his eventual design was deemed by Heidi Klum “a hot green mess” with another judge calling it “swamp thing.” Our worst fears came true, and Ra’mon was auf’d.

On the upside, our other homeboy Christopher Straub came out on top. He was back with another showstopper, a charmingly inspired “vampire bride” look had the judges gushing, making us think he was going to take home the win – but was upset by Nicolas. Strangely, Tim thought Nicolas’ winning sci-fi dress was “too safe” in the workroom. What’s up with this judging? At least according to previews, Michael Kors will be back in the judging chair next week. Did they not want to give Christopher two wins? Because his look was the obvious winner – it had a strong concept, had a modern twist, looked expensive, and was a wearable look. Don’t they realize that Ra’mon is an overall stronger designer than Louise? It was between his and Louise’s “snoozefest” of a dress – and though Louise has consistently made predictably dull, period looks nearly each episode and Ra’mon has shown unique construction and concept, his “mess” was eliminated over Louise’s boring look.

In Episode 5 news, Project Rungay just put up a review of Ra’mon’s entry for last week’s newspaper challenge. They say it’s an understated design, and more impressive upon subsequent viewing. They particularly liked how he made the newspaper look like “two fairly sophisticated prints.” They also had good things to say about Christopher’s design, saying it “moved beautifully” and “he wanted a showstopper and he succeeded.” Go-to PR blog Blogging Project Runway had a reader vote, and what do you know? Christopher’s design came out on top.

Ferociter "Wanderlust" collection

[Ferociter necklace from the "Wanderlust" collection; image provided]

Aimie Dukes of edgy accessories line Ferociter has been quite the busy designer. She participated in Wednesday night's "Charmed Life," a trunk show with a curated, design-oriented twist thrown by l'etoile and METRO magazines. (Look for my recap to come this weekend on l'etoile.) Last Friday, she also showed a mini collection she created especially for Calpurnia Peach's Fall 2009 collection at La Nouvelle Femme: Wanderlust. The collection included be-charmed necklaces and bracelets, as well as brooches, available this weekend on Ferociter's etsy site. She sent me some individual photos to see what you aren't able to see on the runway:

[Ferociter bracelet from the "Wanderlust" collection; image provided]

The necklaces go for $38, and the bracelets $32. The brooches on this Calpurnia Peach top are also by Ferociter and will be available on the etsy shop, too.

[Image by Charlie B. Ward]

Local fashion + shopping for 9.24-9.30

Check out my writing in this week's edition of Vita.mn, on stands today through Wednesday:

[Ra'mon-Lawrence Spring 2010 collection; Image by Trel Brock]

Minnesotans do New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week wrapped up last Sunday, but not without the help of a growing pool of Minnesota-bred talent. Besides Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's first official Fashion Week showing, with jewelry by Robyne Robinson and an all-local crew (including this writer as lead stylist), a slew of photographers, models, hairstylists and makeup artists represented the Twin Cities at many other high-profile shows. "I'm officially addicted," said first-time Fashion Week photographer Jennifer Cress, who shot shows by Peter Som, Tory Burch, Tibi and Custo Barcelona. Click here for more.

[Lauren Conrad wearing her Kohl's line; Image provided by Kohl's]

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's launches
Lauren Conrad’s collection for Kohl’s has begun to trickle into stores. The collection, Kohl’s second into high-design after Simply Vera by Vera Wang, was co-designed by Kohl’s head designer – and current “Project Runway” contestant - Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman. Click here for more.

BlackBlue opens in St. Paul
Yet another boutique is open at St. Paul’s Selby & Snelling, making it a veritable shopping district. BlackBlue, an edgy shop carrying men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, quietly opened its doors a couple weeks ago; a grand opening is planned for October. Click here for more.

[Zandra Rhodes; image provided]

Zandra Rhodes previews “The Pearl Fishers”
Internationally renowned British costume designer Zandra Rhodes will be in town for a lecture at the Ordway Center. The connection? The style icon recently created costumes for The Minnesota Opera’s “The Pearl Fishers” (opening Saturday), which she’ll preview and discuss during the lecture. The pink-haired designer was one of the first “punk” designers in the ‘70s, known for incorporating exposed seams and safety pins; she later designed gowns for Princess Diana and costumes for Freddie Mercury. Click here for more.

[A look by Blasphemina's Closet; Image by Drayke Larson]

School Girls and Mobilesuits
Manga drawing workshops, guest lectures by industry experts, and subculture fashions are at the center of this annual anime and manga convention held at MCAD. The internationally recognized three-day event will be student-heavy, no doubt, but for the rest of us, it will provide a rare glimpse into a burgeoning subculture. Guest speakers include C.B. Cebulski, a Marvel Comics writer who now serves as Marvel’s international talent scout. Friday’s Fresh Fruits Fashion Show should be the highlight. Click here for more on the designers.

Rock 'N Bowl
As usual, the 4th-annual Rock ‘N Bowl kicks off music-and-film festival Sound Unseen with local bands going head-to-head with their fans. Sign up to play four frames against each band, with the winning team receiving festival passes to the Sound Unseen 10, free beer, concert tickets, free music and more goodies. Click here for more, including the participating bands.

[A look from "Suffocate" by Laura Fulk; Image by Joe Kramm]

The Atlantis Exhibit at Gallery 13
Centering around a theme as sprawling as the mythical lost city of Atlantic, it’s apparent that this ambitious multimedia exhibition is just as expansive. Incorporating live video projections, various art and fashion installations (one highlighting past work by conceptual fashion designer Laura Fulk), seven DJs including Bach and The Nightstalker, “live action photography,” art print giveaways. Click here for more.

Every week, Vita.mn has the best in local fashion & shopping news - but especially with this week being MNfashion Week, there's always more that couldn't fit in last week's MNfashion Week guide. Here's a guide to some other things worth checking out this week (originally posted on Vita.mn online):

[Calpurnia Peach screen-printed tights; image provided]

THURSDAY: MNfashion Week: Grand Avenue presents “adorn”
When Grand Avenue takes on MNfashion Week, they don’t mess around. Encapsulating nearly every retailer, salon and restaurant on the grand expanse known as Grand Avenue, this fashion crawl showcases the best in local fashion with trunk shows, discounts, samplings and in-store events. Highlights should include your chance to snag a pair of original screen-printed tights by Calpurnia Peach, created live in-store at Picky Girl (only $18 a pair), a 25% off sale at vintage/consignment store My Sister’s Closet, and trunk shows from ROX by Robyne Robinson and kjurek couture at Karma. Take a shopping break and pamper yourself with ten-minute massages, product discounts and more at Grand Avenue’s numerous salon/spas, including Juut and phresh. Visit the Grand Avenue Business Association website for locations and details. (5 p.m. Free. Various locations on Grand Avenue, St. Paul. 651-699-0029.)

THURSDAY: MNfashion Week: Feminine Fair at Mehera Shaw
“Footpaths: The Silk Road to Highstreet,” the new fall collection from the Mehera Shaw line, will be on display at designer and owner Shari Keller’s boutique, with models and wine on hand. (7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free with RSVP. Mehera Shaw, 2004 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-874-9115.)

THURSDAY: MNfashion Week: Fall Fête at Local Motion
Featuring Mars Clothing by Maureen Fuhr, Allilamodie by Allison Helliwell, Kokoon by Laine Weinberg, and Barbara Heinrich designs, this meet-and-greet with designers also includes refreshments, door prizes and 20% off everything. (4-9 p.m. Free. Local Motion, 2813 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-8436.)

THURSDAY-SATURDAY: Christian Louboutin Trunk Show
Every fashionista has a least a few pairs of Louboutins in her closet - or at least dreams of the day. View Christian Louboutin's Fall 2009 collection at this trunk show and prepare to salivate. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Neiman Marcus, Level 2, 505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. 612-339-2200.)

[An Envision Fall 2009 look by Russell Bourrienne; Image by Josh Stokes]

THURSDAY: MNfashion Week: FAME+Envision: Fall 2009 Designer Meet and Greet at Ignite Studio
Rub shoulders with your favorite local designers and boutique owners at this designer meet-and-greet and interactive Trunk show with designers from last Friday's Envision fashion show. One-of-a-kind pieces will be available by Amanda Christine, Renate Adjei, Russell Bourrienne and more. Food, drinks and DJs round out the night. (7-10 p.m. $10 or $5 with Envision ticket stub. Ignite Models Studio, Brin Building, 600 Washington Av. N., Ste. 101, Mpls.)

THURSDAYS: Project Runway screening at Hell's Kitchen
L'etoile's weekly viewing party for "Project Runway" & "Models of the Runway" kicks off at 8 p.m. with fashion trivia. The eatery is owned by the stepfather of Runway alumnus Katherine Gerdes, and current contestant Christopher Straub is known to stop by. (Trivia 8-9 p.m. Screening 9-11 p.m. Thursdays. Hell's Kitchen, 80 S. 9th St., Mpls., 612-332-4700.)

THROUGH SUNDAY: A. Michele Sale

Vintage-styled boutique A. Michele is offering 15% off all purchases through Sunday; mention MNfashion Week for sale price to apply. (1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-917-6966.)

[A shoe from Logan Real's TDF 2009 collection; image provided]

FRIDAY: MNfashion Week: Logan Real, Tour de France 2009 Shoe Launch Party at Goldstein
When Miami-based artist Logan Real got wind of the Goldstein’s inclusion of one of his painted shoes had landed in their recent exhibition “Intersections: Where Art Meets Fashion,” he decided there would be no better place in the country to launch his latest project, an exclusive new line of seven painted shoes inspired by each of the stage towns of the 2009 Tour de France. The art-meets-fashion shoes will be on display from Sept. 21-27 and will be auctioned online to benefit GMD and Livestrong. (Opening reception 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35. RSVP at 612-730-6751. Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Av., St. Paul.)

FRIDAY: MNfashion Week: Beauty & Fashion at Belle Reve & Parc Boutique
Get your fashion and beauty fix at Northeast boutiques Belle Reve and Parc Boutique. Both shops will be offering hair, make-up and manicures provided by Salon Lilli, in addition to their newly-stocked-for-fall inventories. (5-9 p.m. Free but RSVP for services encouraged. Parc Boutique, 328 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-353-4966. Belle Reve, 320 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-333-3148.)

[Zach Pearl models a look by Blacklist Vintage; image provided]

FRIDAY: MNfashion Week: Eat Street Style: Rare and Well Done at Head to Toe
Head to Eat Street salon and boutique Head to Toe for a fall fashion show including Head to Toe, Lost and Found and Blacklist Vintage, whose show is said to be steampunk-inspired using unconventional models. (8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show. $5. Head to Toe Salon, 2445 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-0303.)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: SooVAC's Annual Rummage Sale at SooVAC
This weekend, art gallery and gift shop SooVAC will be filled with clothes, art, books, electronics, kitchenware, furniture, and non-traditional art materials. Proceeds will go to programming at Soo Visual Arts Center and 10% will go to Free Arts Minnesota. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Free. 2642 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-2263.)

FRIDAY-SATURDAY: Sept 25-26: Bibelot Anniversary Sale
It's locally-owned gift shop Bibelot's 43rd birthday, and they're celebrating with a two-day storewide sale where everything is 20% off at all four Metro locations. Plus, if you spend $100 and receive a $10 gift card for a future purchase. (All metro locations and online.)

[A fall look from Picky Girl; image provided]

SATURDAY: Fashion in the Sky Rooftop Runway Show
Conspicuously missing from the MNfashion Week calendar, this event nonetheless provides many an opportunity to check out all that local fashion has to offer. This swanky rooftop fashion show and soiree will include fall looks from St. Paul boutiques Picky Girl, Karma, Stephanie’s, Flirt lingerie, Eco-tique, Shu Global Footwear and Details Style Lab for menswear. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, provided by St. Paul eateries Salut Bar Americain and Barrio, is sure to provide a tasty compliment to the sweet fashions. (7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $35, available via presale only at participating boutiques. Galtier Plaza, 8th floor, 380 Jackson St., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

[Robyne Robinson modeling her Rox jewelry; Image by Kate Iverson/Digital Crush]

SATURDAY: MNfashion Week: Rox on Ice! at Rox Studio
Wind down Fall MNfashion Week with local celeb and jewelry designer Robyne Robinson at her studio. Robyne's jewelry designs were recently paired with Ra'mon Lawrence-Coleman's collection at New York Fashion Week. Sip champagne and view her latest collection of semi-precious stone, pearl and African brass bead jewelry. (1-5 p.m. Free. Rox Studio, 2205 California St. NE., Studio 403, Mpls. www.roxmpls.com.)

SATURDAY: A Musical Circus at the Ritz Theater
A circus-themed evening of entertainment starring The Parlous Suite, The Idle Hands, The Nighinghales, and Cadillac Kolstad with Cornbread (with Faux Jean playing acoustic in the lobby), this eclectic event also includes Korean Saipuri Dance, Pepper Patriot making music on old school turntables, stilt walkers, fortune tellers, mimes, bearded ladies and more. Prizes will be given for best costumes, so dress up! (6 p.m.-midnight. $10. Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. 612-623-7660.)

[A summer look from Ruby3; Image by Stephanie Colgan]

SATURDAY: MNfashion Week: Liebling Designs, Ruby3 and Third Willow Trunk Show at I Like You!
I Like You! jewelry and gift boutique highlights hair accessories by Ruby3 by Anna Lee, jewelry from Liebling Designs, and clutches, handbags and totes by Third Willow. Meet the designers, enjoy refreshments and tour I Like You!'s new space. (2-5 p.m. Free. I Like You!, 501 1st Av. NE., Mpls. 612-827-9065.)

SATURDAY: MNfashion Week: Meet the Designer: Shari Keller at Mehera Shaw
Meet the designer and creative director behind local boutique Mehera Shaw, Shari Keller. The East/West-inspired line will be on display along with refreshments and 30% off all regularly priced garments. (1-4 p.m. Free. Mehera Shaw, 2004 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-874-9115.)

SUNDAY: MNfashion Week: Miyagi Fashion Chop at Miyagi Salon
It seems hard to beat a top-notch haircut at a measly price of $20, but knowing all the proceeds go to charity makes it that much better. The Aveda concept salon based in Northeast was started by a longtime hair stylist, Mo Murphy (and her hubby, musician Chris Strouth), and offers great cuts, color, and spa treatments with an emphasis on great service (which is why they enforce a no tipping policy). (Noon. $20 per cut. Miyagi Salon, 411 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-331-1912.)

SUNDAY: Suede & Celebrity Luxe for Less
This two-part event showcases one-of-a-kind suede and leather designs by emerging designer Dee Balentine via a seated fashion show. Balentine constructs her garments incorporating leather remnants and suede with vibrant colors and unique, edgy silhouettes. Later on, get fashion tips from hair and wardrobe stylist Torih Gillespie, whose passion is to show how to put together looks that are both cheap and chic. (5-7:30 p.m. $10. Blessings Salon, 1451 University Ave., St. Paul.)

[A spring 2009 look by Arwyn Birch; Image by Aaron Ripplinger]

SUNDAY: MNfashion Week: Cliché VIP Salon at Cliché
True fashion fans make sure they're on the list for this annual VIP fashion presentation at Cliché. Mimosas and breakfast treats, along with a 10% discount on select merchandise, will be offered to guests along with an informal fashion show from Cliché designers, including Arwyn Birch, Amanda Christine, and kjurek couture. (11 a.m. Free w/ RSVP. Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Av., Mpls. 612-870-0420.)

MONDAY: Smart and Chic Launch Party and "Beauty Rehab" Premiere at Circa Art Gallery
Celebrate the three year anniversary of Smart & Chic, a bridal hair and make-up shop by hair and make-up expert Julie Swenson which recently expanded to have a national presence. They'll also be hosting the premiere of their first episode of “Beauty Rehab.” Wine, champagne, desserts, music by DJ Brian Zirngible. Encouraged to bring used professional clothing for their partnership with YWCA Women in Transitional Housing. (7-9 p.m. Free. Circa Art Gallery, 210 N. 1st St., Mpls. 612-871-4482.)

For more on MNfashion Week, check out my MNfashion Week guide in last week's issue of Vita.mn and my St. Paul guide at St. Paul STAYcation.

MNFashion Week Recap #1: 9/17-9/18

Originally posted at l'etoile magazine on September 20:

By Jahna Peloquin, fashion editor

As New York Fashion Week winded its way down, MNfashion Weekwas just beginning. Though it officially kicked off Monday the 21st, the Twin Cities weren’t short on a surplus of fashion this past weekend. l’etoile Fashion Editor Jahna Peloquin hit the hot spots and gave us a recap.


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Image: Jahna, left, with Anna Lee and MNfashion board member Jessica Palkowitsch
[Images by Jahna Peloquin]

I kicked off the weekend early with An Evening at Eastcliff at the home and gardens of the President of the U of M in St. Paul. Though not officially an MNfashion Week event, MNfashionfounder Anna Lee was on hand to address the crowd that gathered for the event put on by the Friends of the Goldstein (founded by local fashion icon Margot Siegel). We were served wine and hors d’oeuvres during the seated presentation and afterward mingled within the decadent surroundings.

(Image of Allison Quinnell with her design)

Anna Lee also brought in two local designers of her choosing,Amanda Christine and Allison Quinnell, who previewed their fall 2009 collections. Allison’s participation was fitting, as she graduated two years ago from the University of Minnesota’s apparel design program. The Voltage 2009 designer showed a gorgeous violet dress, modeled by Talia of Vision Models. She told me her fall collection, consisting of jewel tones with gem detailing, studding and ruffles, would be available soon at Drama and Design Collective.

(Designs by Amanda Christine)

Then there was Amanda Christine, one of my favorite designers to work with. I wore one of the pieces I had commissioned from her, a ruffled skirt based off a design she created for her spring 2009 collection, to the raves of the party-goers. She had two models with her wearing her fall designs: Zoby designer Heather DeLapp in a red plaid wiggle dress, Nikki Morris in a checked peplum top (which I also own), skirt and ingenious scarf-wrap. She makes them in a bunch of colors, and they’re currently available at Cliché and Drama for $40. Amanda wore one of her own ruffled pencil skirts.

Next, it was on to stop by Kingman Studios for this month’s edition of Gallery Grooves, co-hosted by Secrets of the City Arts Editor and l’etoile Editor-in-Chief Kate Iverson. It was the first time any of us could recall being at Kingman’s before midnight. The studio of artist Brant Kingman, one of the city’s indispensable characters, turned out to be a great place to mingle (and sip vodka drinks tinged with mint and served by Secrets publisher Kris Henning).

(Jahna at Drama with photographer Mike Feltault)
[Image courtesy Mjf Foto]

Then it was onto the grand re-opening party for local boutiqueDrama, which recently relocated from downtown Minneapolis to Uptown. There I ran into the fabulous Gretchen Williams, former Vita.mn Events Producer and gal-about-town, who was in town from NYC for the weekend. Once inside I also happened upon local designer Kimberly Jurek, who counts Drama as one of the many boutiques her line kjurek couture is carried. (Her solo show,Exclusively Fall, will be held at the W Hotel this Friday.)

Visit l'etoile magazine to read the rest!