My Q&A with Robyne Robinson for Vita.mn

Check out my Q&A with Robyne Robinson, with more details on her jewelry line for Beyonce in Vita.mn online today. (It will be in the print issue this Thursday.)

Last weekend, Robyne Robinson made a big announcement via her Facebook page: “Guess who’s now designing jewelry for Beyoncé????” Yep, the Fox 9 news anchor — who moonlights as a jewelry designer for her Rox line — will create custom gems for the pop star.

[Robyne Robinson in her own designs. Photo by Kate Iverson]

Apparently, Robinson met Scott Nylund — design director for House of Deréon, the fashion line started by Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles — through a mutual friend a few months back. Robinson played phone tag with Nylund (an Owatonna native) and sent him some samples. Nylund reportedly told Robinson, “Miss Tina loves your jewelry,” and sent the biggest pieces to Beyoncé on the road. When they arranged to meet last weekend, Robinson came loaded with her latest designs. Though the plan was for Robinson to collaborate on a jewelry line for House of Deréon, talk of Beyoncé’s upcoming appearances in April took over. “All of a sudden dude is like, we want you to design for Beyoncé on the red carpet,” Robinson gushed.

Robinson left armed with swatches, photos and sketches of Beyoncé’s upcoming award show dresses for inspiration. It should make for a busy spring for the designer, who’s also creating a custom line for the Voltage show at First Avenue on April 16.

Kelsy Osterman styles hair for rock icon

Kelsy Osterman, Twin Cities native and member of Eclecticoiffeur with me, has been doing hair for a certain rock goddess pictured below. Kelsy moved to New York last fall to pursue her hair styling career with Cutler Salon, and obviously she's making us proud!


[New York, March 25. Image from Bauer-Griffin via Jezebel.]

Robyne Robinson to design jewelry for Beyonce

Check out my blurb on this hot news tidbit on local jewelry designer Robyne Robinson for social media gossip blog LOL OMG!:

We had the inside scoop from the local jewelry designer and newscaster herself a few weeks back, but now it's official: Robyne Robinson will be designing custom jewelry for none other than Beyonce! (She made the big announcement today via her facebook account.)

[Robyne Robinson photographed by Kate Iverson]

Her line ROX has long had esteem locally for its mix of semi-precious stones and metals in configurations both bold and feminine. Most recently, Robyne was enlisted by l'etoile to create jewelry for Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's Spring 2010 line during New York Fashion Week last fall, and this spring she is creating a line for Emma Berg's spring line at Voltage 2010.

Congrats, Robyne!

City Pages' blog Gimme Noise gave my post a shout out and used it as its source. Thanks, Andrea!

I talked to Robyne on the phone yesterday from her hotel in New York. Look to Vita.mn next week for more details on the partnership.

Spring MNfashion Week Preview

Though Spring 2010 MNfashion Week is officially slated for April 19-25, official MNfashion Week events sprawl throughout the month of April (and into May). Here's a guide to the main fashion shows and events that have been announced - so far. (Scroll down for the complete schedule of events.)

[A Danielle Everine look at the 2010 Voltage Preview; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

Friday, April 16: Voltage: Fashion Amplified at First Avenue
The behemoth that started it all, Voltage: Fashion Amplified returns for its seventh edition. Local favorites George Moskal, Brianne Jones (Kelson), and Christine Carmichael (Carmichael Claith) return to show full runway collections, while some of the most highly-anticipated designers include Jereme grant winner and knitwear designer Kevin Kramp, arts curator and mplsart.com director Emma Berg, Hmong designer PFT Couture, and Honduras-born menswear designer Raul Osorio. Additional designers include Elena Mercurio, Frances Zerr, and Danielle Everine. Voltage favorites Laura Fulk, Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co., Calpurnia Peach, and Anthem Heart return to outfit bands Mayda, Red Pens, Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps, and Mark Mallman's Ruby Isle. (St. Paul boutique BlackBlue will outfit Blue Sky Blackout.) Afterward, head to OM for the official afterparty for DJ Bach, $5 Voltage themed cocktails, and $5 specialty apps.
8 p.m. $25-30. 21-plus. Visit www.voltagefashionamplified.com for more info and www.first-avenue.com for tickets.

["Envision: Artopia" promo image by Miles Schuster]

Saturday, April 10: Envision: Artopia at Graves 601 Hotel
Ignite Models' Envision fashion show is quickly becoming one of the other main events during MNfashion Week every season to see local fashion - and be seen wearing local fashion. I'll be acting as a guest judge to pick the best look of the night from the talented group of local designers, which includes Amanda Christine, kjurek couture, Jenny Carle, Arwyn Birch, Russell Bourrienne, Sarah Holm, Peloria, and Rose White. Boutique looks from Cliche, Elsworth Menswear, OPM and others will also be shown. Click HERE for a preview video.
Info: 9 p.m.-midnight. $25-50. Visit www.envisionmpls.com for more info and tickets.

[A Fall 2010 look by Laura Fulk]

Tuesday, April 20: Laura Fulk fashion show at McNamara Alumni Center
After her much-talked-about debut solo show "Suffocate" during last spring's MNfashion Week, Laura Fulk is sure to wow yet again with her Fall/Winter 2010 collection, composed of 32 looks and 50+ pieces, including separates, dresses, outerwear and accessories. Fulk is sure to blow us away yet again with her fierce, bold and unique designs. The show is invitation-only, but if you're enterprising you may be able to find a way in.
Info: 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show. Free; invite-only. www.laurafulk.com.

Friday, April 23: Imagination Mechanism at Eitel Building
Hot on the heels of its upcoming website relaunch in April, l'etoile magazine will offer a real-time peek into their creative process. The mixer event will offer the chance to design fashion shoot mood boards and storyboards, and to watch a process that includes styling, shooting, retouching and editorial layout. As l'etoile's Fashion Editor, I will be involved with the creative process, from conception to execution the evening of the event. Also: cocktails, DJs and prizes for "best photo ready"!
Info: 7-11 p.m., free. Visit letoilemagazine.blogspot.com for more info.

[A Spring 2010 look by Christopher Straub]

Sunday, April 25: Christopher Straub fashion show at St. Paul Hotel
Former Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub has kept himself very busy since appearing on the sixth season (and coming in fourth) of the reality show. He opened an e-shop, announced an accessories line for ShopNBC, created a dress out of packaging from the Project Runway Wii game, and will be participating in Voltage as a handbag designer for PFT Couture and Emma Berg's lines. This spring, he's showcasing his very first full men's and women's clothing collections (accompanied by accessories, of course).
Info: $15-40, 350 Market St., St. Paul. www.christopherstraub.com and tickets at vitalculture.com.

[A Spring 2010 look by PFT Couture, photographed at Belle Reve]

Tuesday, April 20: Fashion Group Meets Fashion Week: Inside the Designers Notebook at Belle Reve
Fashion Group International hosts this event which offers the chance to hear straight from the designer's mouth about the design process. I will lead the discussion with three local designers featured in Voltage 2010: Emma Berg, George Moskal, and PFT Couture by Pafoua Thao, who will talk about their inspirations and spring collections.
Info: 7-9:30 p.m., $40 or $20 for students. Call 612-333-3148 to RSVP. www.bellereveboutique.com.

Other MNfashion Week events worth marking on your calendar:

Wednesday, April 7: MNfashion Week & Voltage Preview Parties: MNfashion Week officially kicks off with a preview party at Spill the Wine restaurant, followed by the annual Voltage CD listening party at Jake Rudh's Transmission at Clubhouse Jager.
Info to come at www.mnfashion.org.

Wednesday, April 21: Clothes off our Backs at Blacklist Vintage
Blacklist Vintage shows off its spring offerings on live models as it celebrates the grand opening of its new location just in time for MNfashion Week. Vintage aficionados (and fashion plates) Jennifer Sapiro and Vanessa Messersmith host the event, which will feature tasty refreshments from Salty Tart, music from DJs Double Trouble, and a unique fashion presentation featuring living mannequins on pedestals wearing off-the-rack fashions from Blacklist Vintage. Customers can literally buy the clothes "off the backs" of the models and even have their purchases altered on-site by Sew Simple to ensure a perfect fit.
Info: 7 – 10 p.m. (Show at 9 p.m.) 25 E. 26 St., Mpls. www.blacklistvintage.com.

Friday, April 9: Amanda Christine + kjurek couture Trunk Shows at Cliche:

Private mini fashion show, Spring 2010 trunk shows from Amanda Christine and kjurek couture, plus cocktail hour, music from DJ Real Talk Radio and Ignite models. RSVP for a spot on the list.
Info: 7-10 p.m., free. Call 612-870-0420 to RSVP.

Saturday, April 24: Alter/Nation at Grain Belt Bottling House
Local upcycling line CounterCouture is hosting an MNfashion Week event that is one part clothing swap, one part DIY workshop, and one part eco-fashion show. Donations will be accepting beginning April 22 from 4-7 p.m. at the MNfashion Studio (Grain Belt Bottling House, Studio #212) or during the event. Then the day of the event, you can pick out new items, and even have local designers customize the look or have Anthem Heart screen-print on it for only $5. The fashion show will include new looks from CounterCouture, Je Ne Regrette Rien, and Marissa Bridges, styled by I've Got Your Style.
Info: 1-5 p.m. $5 plus donations. www.countercouture.com.

And the complete MNFW Spring 2010 Line Up:

Wednesday, April 7
7pm - 10pm
MNfashion Week Preview
The producers, local boutiques and designers of Spring MNfashion Week 2010 events will preview their events. $5 suggested donation.

10pm - 2am
Voltage CD Listening Party - Transmission at Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Friday, April 9
7pm – 10pm
Kjurek Couture/Amanda Christine - Cliche 2403 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55405

Saturday, April 10
5pm – 9pm
A Night of Eastern Enchantment - Belle Reve Boutique 320 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

8pm – 2am
Envision: Artopia Spring 2010 - Graves 601 601 1st Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55403

Thursday, April 15
11am – 5pm
W7 Gallery Event - W7 Collective 1032 7th St W St Paul, MN 55102

7pm – 9pm
Laura Nelli handbag launch event / W7 Gallery Event - W7 Collective 1032 7th St W St Paul, MN 55102

Friday, April 16
11am – 5pm
W7 Gallery Event - W7 Collective 1032 7th St W St Paul, MN 55102

11am – 9pm
Ivy Spring Exclusive - Ivy 1440 W Lake St & 201 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408

7pm – 11:30pm
Voltage: Fashion Amplified - First Avenue 701 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403

11:30pm - 2am
Voltage Official Afterparty - OM 401 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403
DJ Bach, $5 Voltage themed cocktails, and $5 specialty apps.

8pm – 1am
Dearling Physique "Currency" EP Release Party - Varsity Theater 1308 4th St SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

Saturday, April 17
9am – 4pm
10th Annual Garage Sale - Textile Center 3000 University Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

11am – 5pm
Local Artist T-Shirt Mart - Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403

11am – 5pm
W7 Gallery Event - W7 Collective 1032 7th St W St Paul, MN 55102

12pm – 5pm
I Like You Trunk Show & Anniversary Party - i like you 501 1st Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

7pm – 10pm
Style for Smiles Installment 1: Kokoon - CW Lofts 730 Stinson Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55413

Sunday, April 18
11am – 1pm
VIP mini fashion show - Cliche 2403 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55405

11am – 4pm
Vintage City Classics Studio Open House - Vintage City Classics Studio 314 Clifton Ave Minneapolis, MN 55405

12pm – 5pm
i like you Trunk Show & Anniversary Party - i like you 501 1st Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

1pm – 5pm
InsideOut - Spill the Wine 1101 Washington Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55415

Monday, April 19
4pm – 6pm
Haircut Happy Hour - Miyagi 411 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

Tuesday, April 20
4pm – 6pm
Haircut Happy Hour - Miyagi 411 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

6pm – 8pm
The Office on Film: Skyscraper Souls - Goldstein Museum of Design 32 McNeal Hall 1985 Buford Ave St Paul, MN 55108

6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sewing Machine Operations 101 - MNFashion Studio 79 13th Ave NE #212 Minneapolis, MN 55413

7pm – 9:30pm
Fashion Group Meets Fashion Week: Inside the Designers Notebook - Belle Reve Boutique 320 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

7pm – 10pm
Scenes from Alice in Wonderland - The Dancing Ganesha 1100 Harmon Place Minneapolis, MN 55403

8pm – 10:30pm
Laura Fulk Autumn/Winter 2010 – McNamara Alumnia Center-U of M 200 Oak St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 (invite only retail/press event)

Wednesday, April 21
4pm – 6pm
Haircut Happy Hour - Miyagi 411 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

6pm – 8pm
The Office on Film: The Best of Everything - Goldstein Museum of Design 32 McNeal Hall 1985 Buford Ave St Paul, MN 55108

7pm – 10pm
Clothes off our Backs - Blacklist Vintage 25 E 26th St Mpls, MN 55404

Thursday, April 22
4pm – 6pm
Haircut Happy Hour - Miyagi 411 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

4pm – 7pm
Teresa Goodall Spring Trunk Show - Fawbush's Women's Apparel 3420 Galleria Edina, MN 55435

5pm – 8pm
Shop Local at Picky Girl St Paul - Picky Girl 949 Grand Avenue St Paul, MN 55105

5pm – 8pm
Carrie Cordelia Handbag Trunk Show - W7 Collective 1032 W 7th St St Paul, MN 55102

6pm – 8pm
The Office on Film: Nine to Five - Goldstein Museum of Design 32 McNeal Hall 1985 Buford Ave St Paul, MN 55108

6pm – 9pm
StevenBe - StevenBe 13448 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55407

9pm – 2am
Stupid Dance Party - 501 Club 501 Washington Ave S Mpls, MN 55415

Friday, April 23
4pm – 6pm
Haircut Happy Hour - Miyagi 411 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

5pm – 9pm
Allilamodie Original Clothes, Larry Retzlaff Photography & Flow Glass Jewelry - Microbrew Artist Co-op 1300 Quincy St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

7pm – 10:30pm
Imagination Mechanism - Eitel Building Rooftop Sky Park 1367 Willow St Minneapolis, MN 55403

7:30pm – 11pm
Fashion Ball "Cabaret Catwalk" - Ritz Theater 345 13th Ave NE Mpls, MN 55413

Saturday, April 24
1pm – 5pm
Alter/Nation - The Bottling House 79 13th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

1pm – 5pm
Spring into Watercolors with PFT Couture & Belle Reve - Belle Reve Boutique 320 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

8pm – 10pm
A Man's Show - The Lowry Theater 16 W 5th St St Paul, MN 55102

7:30pm – 11pm
Fashion Ball "Cabaret Catwalk" - Ritz Theater 345 13th Ave NE Mpls, MN 55413

Sunday, April 25
4pm – 8pm
Christopher Straub Premier Collection - The Saint Paul Hotel 350 Market Street St Paul, MN 55102

Zoo Animal Remix Release Flyer Art

This is primarily a local fashion blog, but sometimes I get so inspired by something in other artistic realms that I can't help but post them, too.

Here's another of Matt Scharenbroich's latest hand-drawn flyer work for local band Zoo Animal's EP release show tonight. Until now he's only done flyers for Grant Cutler & The Gorgeous Lords, for which he is the drummer. This guy really needs to put together a show of his poster art.

Click HERE to see Matt's previous flyer art.

Local fashion roundup for 3.15-3.21

Here's the best in local fashion news and links from last week.

First of all, check out my fashion posts from the last week:

[A look from Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's Un-Prom collection; photo courtesy Walker Art Center]

From the archives: Ra'mon and Walker Un-Prom. Long-long photos from Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's mini collection from 2006.

Rapport vs. Red Shoe. A print from Kerry Riley's Voltage 2007 collection returns - on a new wallet by local accessories line Rapport.

RetroRama 2010 announced. The vintage-inspired fashion show returns with some of the best local designers.

Local photographer wins national photo contest. Eliesa Johnson of photogen-inc. wins a contest at WPII Online.

Local photographer published in national publication. That's Ashley Lebedev in Digital SLR Photography Magazine.

Spring 2010 preview: Jenny Carle. A new test shoot by the local designer featuring one of my favorite models, Joy.

Here's the best of the rest in the world of local social media:

[Photo courtesy TORCH/Minnesota Opera]

• Photos from the TORCH soft launch event and fashion show (which I styled with costumes from the Minnesota Opera and clothing from OPM and Elsworth) March 8 at International Market Square are up.
• Local designer Amanda Christine reports on thefall 2010 boutique trends at the MAGIC trade show and the POOL Trade Show in Vegas, where she visited with Kimberly Jurek at the end of February.
• Alishops reports that Maplewood Mall is getting an H&M this fall. It will be the Twin Cities' fourth H&M location after Mall of America, Woodbury, and the recently-opened Southdale stores.
  

[Courtesy NOH8 campaign]

• Award winning hair stylist and contestant on Bravo’s “Shear Genius 3,” Faatemah joins other celebs by posing for the infamous silent protest, NOH8 Campaign.
• Bionic Unicorn Jewelry designed some pieces for the Dances of Vice "Wonderland in Spring Ball."
  

Make it Rain from Lucas Saugen on Vimeo.

• Lucas Saugen of Twin Cities Statement takes you behind the scenes of how a fashion shoot is touched up publication. The images were shot by my frequent collaborator Nicholas Marshall.
• Minneapolis-based hair-stylist Pearson Knight of Juut and Aveda offers his Fall 2010 hair trend recap.
• Juleana Enright interviews Voltage 2010 designer Danielle Everine.
• Max Lohrbach announced on facebook that he received a grant to make an art installation to be shown in his hometown of Mantorville, MN this fall. If it's as whimsical and brilliant as his clothing we're in for a road trip.
  

[Raina Hein's winning shot; photo courtesy CW]

• Local model Raina Hein has not only made it past the second episode of America's Next Top Model, she won one of the challenges. On the perfume photo challenge, Raina was deemed "Gorgeous, beautiful and looks like a wolf" by the judges and Jay Manuel calls her his "favorite of the day." In the semi-nude challenge, Andre Leon Talley said Raina has "graceful hands" and "exudes luxury." She also was successful in her semi-nude photo shoot; click HERE to see the photo, which is slightly NSFW.) Jezebel.com says, "After her first two shoots proved to be big hits, I'm thinking that Raina will end up at least in the top three this cycle." Visit Raina's blog for her reaction to the episode. Local photographer Miles Schuster also posted some Polaroids he took of the model on his facebook page. (Click
  

[Monique Darton in Anthony Williams; Photo courtesy Lifetime]

• In other local models on reality TV shows news, Monique Darton is still in the race over at Project Runway's seventh season. It's been a rollercoaster ride for the former Vision model. After working with Monique for a number of challenges, designer Emilio shockingly selected another model after last week's challenge. Anthony then chose Monique for this week's episode. Following the episode, Models of the Runway revealed that Anthony opted to drop Monique, but fortunately she was selected by Mila. CLICK HERE for her video blog recapping the episode.

[Photo courtesy Ignite Models Inc. Model: Whitney Fransway]

• Ignite Models has posted shots from a new shoot featuring Minneapolis native model Whitney Fransway, who's currently working in L.A.

• 
• Check out this behind-the-scenes shot from the St. Kate's senior fashion show promo shoot, with styling by Jane Belfry and Amber Brenke, as photographed by Emily Utne and directed by St. Kate's grad, student mentor and show emcee Maritza Ramirez. [Via facebook]
• Local fashion designer Maritza Ramirez just announced she's blogging.

[PFT Couture Spring 2010 Bridal. Photo: Jason Noren. Model: Kelly Streigel]

• Check out new photos posted on facebook from local designer PFT Couture's Spring 2010 bridal collection.
  

[Lookbook photographed by Stacy Schwartz for Vita.mn]

• Local electro band Lookbook wears jewelry by local designer Carrier Pigeon at SXSW. Maggie dons the matchstick earrings, while Grant wears her talon pendant (sterling silver with a gold treatment, designer Lauren Neal tells me).

From the archives: Ra'mon and Walker Un-Prom

Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman has posted long-lost photos from his mini-collection from the Un-Prom at the Walker Art Center back in 2006. His style was so, so chic, fresh and edgy even back then.



BTW, I totally styled the band The Battle Royale in vintage sherbert-colored ruffled tuxedo shirts, white bow ties and white pants. Too cute.

Rapport vs. Red Shoe

When the print on the "Grace" wallet from the Spring 2010 collection by local accessories line Rapport caught my eye, it felt familiar for a good reason - it's the same fabric used in a signature piece from local fashion designer Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. from her Voltage 2007 spring line. In fact, I own said shirt - here's a comparison shot for fun. The shirt may no longer be available, but you can snag the wallet at www.shoprapport.com for $160.

[Images courtesy The Minneapoline & shoprapport.com]

RetroRama 2010 announced

RetroRama, the annual retro-meets-modern fashion show and event, returns to the Minnesota History Center on Thursday, May 13. I'll be returning as the show's fashion stylist, joined by MNfashion (producer) and DJ Jake Rudh.

[Image by Nic Marshall, styling by Eclecticoiffuer, courtesy Minnesota Historical Society]

The show takes the decades of the 1920s through 1960s, and each of six local designers offer their modern spin on the styles of that era. This year's designers include Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, George Moskal, Joy Teiken of Joynoelle, and Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co.

More from the press release:

Guests can also pick up retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores, and unearth unique finds at vintage boutiques, courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Design.

Belt out favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the karaoke lounge, and make throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe. Who knows more about specs than Ben Franklin? Learn about the man who invented bi-focals in the History Center exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.” Visit with chef Dan Ritter as he shares a few tips on mid century cuisine and bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.

Vintage attire is encouraged. For inspiration, visit www.mnhs.org/retrorama and check out past RetroRama evenings with an online video showcasing some of the most fashion-forward vintage looks. Plus, explore a timeline of fashion history from the 1920s through the 1960s.

RetroRama is May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fee is $15 or $12 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Parking is $5. Cash bars will be available and snacks can be purchased. Advanced tickets are recommended; for more information, call 651-259-3015 or purchase tickets online at www.mnhs.org/retrorama.

Local photographer wins national photo contest

Local photographer Eliesa Johnson of photogen-inc. just announced that she won a national photography competition for two of her prints, including one fashion photography set from METRO Magazine's "Fine Lines" editorial that appeared in its November 2009 issue.

Click here to view the full spread. Congrats, Eliesa!

Local photographer published in national publication

Local fashion photographer Ashley Lebedev hinted that her work would soon be appearing in a national publication, and today she announced the details - and posted scans of the gorgeous spread.



[Click images to see larger versions]

The spread appears in the April 2010 issue of Digital SLR Photography Magazine. It will be available in all major bookstores, worldwide. Congrats, Ashley!

Spring 2010 preview: Jenny Carle

I adore this test shoot featuring a spring 2010 look by Jenny Carle. It features one of my all-time favorite models, Joy Phillips.





I'm looking forward to more from Miss Carle during the Envision: Artopia fashion show on April 10. (Click here for more.)

Photography by Stephanie Hynes
Hair and makeup by Bethany Brihn
Dress by Jenny Carle
Modeled by Joy

Ra'mon-Lawrence for Lauren Conrad at Kohl's

As reported earlier today by LOL OMG!, Lauren Conrad's just-released lookbook for her spring 2010 Kohl's collection is already circulating around the internet. I was first to report back in mid-July in an interview exclusively for l'etoile magazine that former local designer Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman would be teaming up with the former Hills star for an ongoing partnership with Kohl's as part of his responsibilities as Kohl's lead designer. Though their first line last fall was a bit more on the basic side, the spring line is a noticeable improvement in both style and quality. (Click here to view the latest collection from LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's.)

Perez Hilton agrees, saying, "The clothes don't even look half as cheap as we thought they would." Thanks to Ra'mon, surely - I do detect more than a hint of Ra'mon's signature design elements at work. Let's take a look at the collection, with some of Ra'mon's past work for comparison's sake.

[L: Image courtesy Lifetime. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

The one-shouldered dress: Ra'mon often incorporates one-shouldered looks into his designs, such as his infamous dyed Neoprene dress from Project Runway. Though the silhouette in the Lauren Conrad version is simplified, it still features Ra'mon's soft draping.

[L: Image courtesy ramonlawrence.com. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

Floral mini: Ra'mon's romper from Spring 2010 features a similar summery, floral print to the mini dress in the Lauren Conrad collection.

[L: Image courtesy ramonlawrence.com. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

Drapey knits: The loose t-shirt and drapey knit vest in Lauren's collection appear to mimic Ra'mon's loose jersey tunic and draped Neoprene sleeveless vest shown in his namesake Spring 2010 collection.

[L: Image courtesy ramonlawrence.com. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

Draped sleeves: The draped sleeve featured in the navy gown from his Spring 2010 collection is similar to many of the sleeves in Lauren Conrad's collection.

[L: Image courtesy ramonlawrence.com. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

Painterly prints: Another Ra'mon signature, the painterly prints found in his Spring 2008 collection find a new version in Lauren Conrad's line.

[L: Image courtesy ramonlawrence.com. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

The printed dress: Ra'mon is never one to shy away from prints. Here he takes a flowy, printed fabric - though Lauren's version is decidedly more girlish.

[L: Image courtesy Ignite Models Inc. R: Image courtesy Kohl's]

The shimmery dress: The ivory and gold "Michelle" dress from Ra'mon's Holiday 2009 collection could have been a reference point in Lauren's shimmery, pale minidress.

Not to take away from Lauren Conrad's clear influence: The collection is definitely a bit more L.A. and girlish than the more artistic, more womanly silhouettes Ra'mon is known for. What do you think?

Image references: The Budget Babe; Project Rungay; Le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode; facebook.

UDPATE: Sweet! Just got word that a bunch of national fashion blogs - the very ones that I look to on a daily basis for the latest fashion news - have linked to my post and l'etoile sister site LOL OMG!'s blogs on Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's involvement with Lauren Conrad's line for Kohl's.

New York Magazine's The Cut's blog was first to re-post.

Tom and Lorenzo of Project Rungay linked to it on their facebook page.

Jezebel.com also linked to LOL OMG!'s blog post.

Blogging Project Runway gives my blog a shout out.

Perez Hilton links back to The Cut blog (though doesn't give us credit directly).

UPDATE #2: The plot thickens. Apparently, the position as lead designer for Lauren Conrad's Kohl's collection is open. Also, it's based out of New York, instead of Milwaukee. Currently, Ra'mon is lead designer of all Kohl's lines, which includes Conrad's line. This could mean one of two things: Ra'mon is leaving Kohl's, or he will focus on other Kohl's line with a new designer to be brought in to design for Conrad.

Local fashion roundup for 3.1-3.14

This week in the local fashion roundup, l'etoile publishes a new spread, Ra'mon's connection to Lauren Conrad's spring 2010 line for Kohl's is explained, and Spring MNfashion Week 2010 previews are posted.

[Image by Nicholas Marshall courtesy l'etoile]

• l'etoile magazine publishes its first full editorial shoot in years, "Winter's Last Breath." As l'etoile's Fashion Editor, I styled the shoot, with photography by Nicholas Marshall, hair and makeup styling by Kate Erickson, art direction by l'etoile Art Director Chris Larson, creative direction by l'etoile Creative Director Beth Hammarlund, words by Rob Callahan, and modeled by Monica Ulrich, with fashions from Ruby3, Max Lohrbach, Emma Berg and Veronica delCarmen Gomez Whitney. It should be the first of many shoots to come for l'etoile.
• Ignite Models review l’etoile’s “Winter’s Last Breath” editorial on their blog. Here’s an excerpt: How we ache for more MN fashion spreads like this one. How long has it been since we've seen anything like this in Minneapolis?...The l'etoile team has seamlessly tied the story together. Rob Callahan's words, the photography, the wintery landscape, the styling, (model) Monica...it's truly a beautiful match.”
  

[Images courtesy Lifetime and Kohl's]

• When the Spring 2010 lookbook for Lauren Conrad's collection for Kohl's was released, l'etoile sister blog LOL OMG! and my blog report that former local designer Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman collaborated with Conrad on the line. Our blogs were later reposted nationally by New York Magazine's The Cut blog, Project Rungay, and Jezebel.com.

[Vanessa Fitzgerald in Christopher Straub with Simon Doonan]

• Check out Christopher Straub's latest creation: a gown made from the packaging from the Project Runway Wii game, as worn by season six model Vanessa Fitzgerald (at an event in New York with Simon Doonan). [Image via facebook]

• I’ve Got Your Style styling recently posted a video of Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve fashion show at International Market Square featuring fashions by Project Runway season 6 contestants Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub.

[Promo image for Envision: Artopia by Miles Schuster]

• Last week, I previewed Spring MNfashion Week 2010 on this blog. Highlights should include Envision: Artopia, solo shows from Christopher Straub and Laura Fulk, l'etoile magazine's live photo shoot mixer "Imagination Mechanism," and of course, Voltage: Fashion Amplified.
• Laura Fulk posted some preview images from the promotional shoot for her upcoming MNfashion Week show.
• Voltage 2010 designer Pa Thao of PFT Couture snapped some behind the scenes shots at the Voltage lookbook shoot in late February.
• Voltage 2010 band Blue Sky Blackout snap picks of their fitting at BlackBlue for Voltage: Fashion Amplified.
  
• Check out the promo video for the Envision: Artopia Spring 2010 fashion show:

ENVISION: Artopia Spring 2010 from Allison Hamzehpour on Vimeo.

[Image by Stephanie Hynes styled by Abracadabra Vintage and Bethany Brihn]

• Here's a beautiful silent film photo series by local photographer Stephanie Hynes shot, styled by Abracadabra Vintage and Bethan Brihn with model provided by Vision. The full series will be available at the end of the month on www.stephaniehynes.com and www.bethanybrihn.com.

[Annie Larson knitwear photographed by Sam Hoolihan and Ross Yates]

• Designer Annie Larson has a new website, www.annielarson.com. It includes photos of her knitwear featured in the New Land of Milk and Honey show at Soap Factory on February 20, as well as most of her past work.

[Ben Fredrickson photographed by Eliesa Johnson]

• Local fashion plate and photographer Ben Fredrickson was featured in March's edition of METRO Magazine’s Self Styled feature.

[Image courtesy MN Original]

• Minnesota's official Oscar party at Hotel Ivy certainly had some stylish guests. Love this photo of local glamizon (and VIP hostess) Hannah von der Hoff holding the beads.

[A hat from the Goldstein permanent collection via flickr]

• The Goldstein Museum of Design is offering a preview of its current project to digitize its collection of vintage fashions.
• Jane Belfry and Jenn Cress were in Paris for Fashion Week. They were photographed for the New York Times’ Paris Fashion Week photo diary by Kevin Tachman at the NY NY Party.
• METRO Magazine's Mary O’Regan offers her review of Fashion Fight Night 4 on February 27.
• Here's more Fight Night photos from fashion show producer Richard Moody and photographer Alli Jagoda.
  

• Here's video of sunglasses designers Coco & Breezy’s New York Fashion Week show this past February.

[Grace Crawford in her own designs]

• Fridley-based, Liberian-born jewelry designer Grace Crawford, who’s participating in Saturday’s Minnesota International Fashion Expose fashion show, is profiled by the Star Tribune. Other local designers participating in the show include Christopher Straub, Rachel deLange and Joy Cooper.
• Preview images from an upcoming shoot were posted on facebook, featuring styling by Grant Whittaker and Andrea Holton, and modeled by Lauren Wade. The images appear to be for a local bridal magazine and will have been shot by Lee Stanford.
• U of M senior apparel students Emily Bryngelson and Mae Rodgers post images of their senior collections.
• Check out some shots from the "Alice in Wonderland" premiere at the Mall of America. Local designers included Mae Rodgers and Judy Bender, both recent U of M apparel grads.