Thursday, October 15, 2009

Local fashion + shopping for 10.15-10.21

Check out my writing in this week's issue of Vita.mn:

[A Zang Toi look from Spring 2010]

Zang Toi Trunk Show
After 20 years spent toiling in the outskirts of the fashion industry, NYC-based couturier Zang Toi recently broke out after appearing on “Real Housewives of New York City.” With this added boost in popularity, Toi is bringing his Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 collections to the road, making a personal appearance for a trunk show at STYLEDLIFE next week. He’ll be offering 30-minute personal fittings all day Wednesday and Thursday, just in time to celebrate STYLEDLIFE’s third anniversary. (
Click HERE for details.)

[Christian Siriano with one of his designs]

Christian Siriano book signing at MOA
The biggest break-out star of "Project Runway" to date, Christian Siriano has been the subject of an SNL skit (thanks largely to his arsenal of catch phrases), produced shoe lines for Payless and a beauty line for Victoria's Secret, and produced critically-acclaimed couture collections. He’s even got Tim Gunn touting him as "a fashion prodigy" and "his generation's Marc Jacobs." Now, Siriano can add author his resume; he just penned a style guide, "Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self," and will be at the Mall of America to sign copies. (
Click HERE for details.) Look to next week's issue of Vita.mn for my interview with Siriano!

[Romantica]

Third Thursday: Romantic Rendezvous
While we’d steer clear of most singles events, this one is sure to bring out an attractive, arts-loving mix of individuals, single and taken alike. The speed-dating event includes a cultured mix of film (short art flicks by Man Ray, Duchamp, and Leger), live music (Romantica), jewelry (by local designers Mod Margarette, Helen Wang, and Laura Wolovitch), and fancy drinks (a French kiss martini). You can even make your own custom calling card or learn a few French phrases from Alliance Francaise volunteers. J’adore! (
Click HERE for details.)

[Bebe Zahara Benet]

Bebe Zahara Benet single release party
After winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (an “America’s Next Top Model”-style show with drag queens), Minnesota’s own Bebe Zahara Benet has her sights set on a recording career, recently scoring a record deal. Benet launches her first single, “I’m the Sh-t,” in Minneapolis this weekend at the club she long called home, the Gay 90s. The night will include a cocktail reception, a live performance by Benet, and a meet-and-greet. (
Click HERE for details.)

Non-fashion related, here's my
write-up on which local bands are heading to CMJ in NYC this weekend.

More local fashion & shopping news (via
Vita.mn):

[A fall look from Uptown shop Drama]

THURSDAY: Uptown Boutique Crawl
Check out five of Uptown's most chic boutiques for a boutique crawl that includes designer meet-and-greets, trunk shows, complimentary cocktails, and a 15 percent off discount at the participating stores. Participating stores include Atmosfere (1426 W. Lake St.), Covered (1201 Lagoon Av.), Drama (1203 Lagoon Av.), Ivy (1440 W. Lake St.) and VState (3001 Hennepin Av. S.). Those who visit all five stores get a swag bag, while supplies last. (6-9 p.m. Click for the
facebook invite.)

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 (who doubles as the restaurant's baker), 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.)

[Jewelry by Silver Cocoon]

THURSDAY: Gallery 360 Jewelry Trunk Show
Swing by
Gallery 360 for a trunk show featuring Silver Cocoon by Tia Keobounpheng, Jill Smith and Mel Tudisco. I'm a huge fan of Keobounpheng's modern-art inspired laser-cut plastic and wood necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches. Bonus: a 20 percent off storewide sale kicks off Thursday and continues through Sunday. (Trunk show 6-9 p.m. 3011 W 50th St., St. Paul. 612-925-2400. www.gallery360mpls.com)

[Poster art for Rock & Roll Circus]

FRIDAY: Rock & Roll Circus at Music Box Theater
This rock ‘n roll-themed variety show features the darkly-romantic sounds of Bella Koshka, L.A. band Saint Motel (recently written up in buzz-making
Fader Magazine), and psychedelic rockers First Communion Afterparty. Throughout the night, sideshow entertainment includes stuntmen, magician Ned the Magnificent, dancers from Lili’s Burlesque, hula hoopers, and even a full marching band. It’s all hosted by ringleader Ian Rans, the wily host of “Drinking with Ian.” Be sure to dress in your best carnival attire – street style blog The Minneapoline will be hosting a photobooth. (7 p.m. $10. 1411 Nicollet Av., Mpls. 612-396-6030.)

[A fall 2009 look by kjurek couture]

SATURDAY: FiveTwoSix Benefit Fashion Show
Start out your Saturday night right by giving back in a stylish way. Do-gooding St. Paul salon spa and gallery
FiveTwoSix hosts a swanky soiree that showcases the latest in local fashion to benefit the Children's Hospital Association. The evening includes a fashion show featuring the latest from Karma, Picky Girl, kjurek couture, Lucky Lola, MHD Couture, and HeartStrands Jewelry (styled by FiveTwoSix salon stylists, of course), and a silent auction while satisfying your taste buds with wine, hors d' oeuvres and sweets. (6:30 p.m., fashion show at 7 p.m. $35. 526 Selby Av., St. Paul. RSVP to 763-434-4467.)

[Jewelry by Karin Jacobson]

SUNDAY: Karin Jacobson jewelry sale at Northrup King Building
Local fine jewelry designer
Karin Jacobson is clearing out her inventory before Art Attack. Come find great deals on discontinued, slightly imperfect or one-of-a-kind sample items. And if you haven't been to a sample sale before, a note to the wise: come early! (Noon-4 p.m. 1500 Jackson St. NE, Studio 288, Mpls.)

Read more local fashion and shopping news at
Vita.mn.

More links to my writing this week:
Vita.mn Halloween Guide 2009 on
Vita.mn
La Revue: METRO 100 Party + Joynoelle Fashion Show on
l'étoile magazine
St. Paul style & nightlife for 10.15-10.21 on St. Paul STAYcation

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