METRO Magazine highlights MNfashion Week designers

In its April issue, local publication METRO Magazine showcases four of MNfashion Week's designers - Emma Berg, Kevin Kramp, George Moskal and CounterCouture - all of whom are participating in the MNfashion-produced "Shows" happening on April 13 and 14 at the Grainbelt Building in Northeast. Click mnfashionweek.com for details on the Shows.

[Photo: Marshall Franklin Long. L-R: Looks by CounterCouture, Kevin Kramp, George Moskal & Emma Berg. Click image to enlarge]

Click here for behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot.

In this week's Vita.mn: Paris in Mpls, Tim & Thom and more

In this week's fashion column for Vita.mn, I cover the "Paris in Minneapolis" show on Friday night at Honey Lounge, Tim and Thom's new shop, and Jungle Red Salon's 10-year anniversary celebration. Read about it at Vita.mn online or find the print edition free on newstands.

[Photo: Sam Nong]

I also preview Friday night's "Where Tammy Tied the Knot" event at the Loring Theater, which will feature a screening of The Eyes of Tammy Faye. I'll be recapping the event the following day; look for it under Vita.mn's "Last Night" tag.

Local designers featured in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Local designers become models in the April issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Danielle Everine, George Moskal and Jenny Carle are featured along with info on their upcoming shows during MNfashion Week (Danielle at Voltage on April 15, George in his own show on April 13, and Jenny Carle at Envision: Artopia on April 9). Also featured in the same article are Terri Martin (also in Voltage) and Elena Mercurio.

[Click each to enlarge]

It's an inspired idea to turn the tables on designers and it's always fantastic to see local design featured in a magazine like Mpls.St.Paul, but also sort of a curious decision to only have two of the designers (Danielle Everine and Elena Mercurio) wear her own design. Of course, George only does women's clothing, but why not have Jenny Carle or Terri Martin wear one of her their own pieces? (Note, Terri is wearing a George Moskal dress.) Purportedly the story's aim is to showcase spring trends, but isn't that what the designers are doing with their spring collections?

Kevin Kramp featured in Vogue Italia's New Talents

Those international magazines can't seem to get enough of Kevin Kramp. The local men's knitwear designer has been all over European publications as of late, and now he's gotten some major exposure in fashion bible Vogue Italia. Its New Talents section of its website features an interview with the designer and slideshow of images, in which he reveals he has upcoming presentations in Paris and Singapore in June and September 2011.


I love his description of his personal style: “Frumpy and uninteresting with touches of sport, 1970’s-era geometric knits, and second-hand corporate promotional logoed garments from my father’s various work places.”

Click here to read the full interview (and you should).

The busy designer is debuting his Fall 2011 collection in Minneapolis on April 14 as part of the MNfashion Week Shows; visit mnfashionweek.com for details and tickets.

Coming soon to the MOA: Michael Kors, Armani A|X

The Mall of America has just announced ten new retailers to soon grace its halls. Among the new retailers are many area exclusives: Michael Kors, an accessories and shoe store from the Project Runway judge; Armani A|X - Armani Exchange, the moderately-priced version of Giorgio Armani; and designer shoe line Stuart Weitzman. Other additions opening soon are Bettie Page Clothing, a chain that carries retro, 1950s-era clothing for pinup-styled ladies; Desigual clothing, Barcelona, Spain-based chain; British chain Superdry Clothing; A South African-based kids-clothing chain Naartjie Kids; See's Candies; Merrell Shoes; and virtual bowling alley Sky Deck Sports Grille and Lanes.

[Michael Kors]

Tonight: History of Hip presents "Minnesota Naughty"

Bet you didn't know the art of the pinup was born in Minnesota - not to mention the lingerie industry. The naughtier side of Minnesota history is getting exposed (pun intended) tonight at the Minnesota History Center's ongoing History of Hip series.

Visit the651.com to read more...

Local fashion link roundup: 3.23-3.29

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

[Via Art of Wore]

METRO's Mary O'Regan gives a stunning behind-the-scenes look from a recent shoot for one of Tiger Oak's various bridal magazines for her blog, Art of Wore.

METRO Magazine has outtakes from their spring men's fashion shoot.

National design blog Typekit gives props to local web design group Sevnthsin for their work on the Voltage: Fashion Amplified website.

Personal style blogger Chloe Ahlf gives her closet a spring rehab.

I report on new retailers coming to Mall of America, including Michael Kors and Armani Exchange, for Vita.mn.

Tickets are now available for the MNfashion Week Shows.

Local "Project Runway" alumni sketch the royal wedding gown

Today, Lifetime released sketches from a number of Project Runway alumni of the royal wedding gown for the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Among those contributing are season six's Christopher Straub (who currently operates his namesake line out of Minnesota) and Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, who spent his formative design years in Minneapolis before appearing on the show and moving to Milwaukee to work as lead designer for Kohl's. (He's since moved to New York to focus on his namesake line, ra'mon-lawrence.)

[Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's design]

Ra'mon has this to say on the design:

"I envision the future Princess of Wales in something very modern and contemporary and modest, befitting her age and upbringing. Definitely complimentary to her frame.

"The design is a silk charmeuse strapless gown, with the bodice covered in chantilly lace and adorned with pearl and diamond detailing. The embellishment is also mirror at the hem and train. There is a subtle lace cap sleeve attached to the bodice for a hint of reservation. The royal length chantilly lace veil is also adorned with various sizes of pearl and diamonds. There is a silk charmeuse sash to compliment to fitting construction of the bodice. Simple, modern, timeless."

[Christopher Straub's design]

On his design, Christopher Straub says:

"I would dress Kate in this piece. Made with a soft blue dupioni silk paired with delicate white ruffles, this dress is accented with pearl beading to create architectural interest. I do."

Both designers are reuniting on April 23 for the Sol Inspirations fashion show; click here for details.

Local inspiration: muses and lenses

The best in local street fashion, portrait and fashion photography from local muses and lenses, gathered via Twitter, Facebook and blog uploads from the past week.

Cayla Caul Field strips down in the desert.

Former Minnesota model Lauren Wade (now with Ford in Chicago) poses and spins for Patrick Xiong.

Stylist Angie Hanson lets Cody Lidtke turn his lens on her.

Dirty Hair Halo blogger Shannon Licari rocks bedazzled chambray. (Click here for more outfit posts.)

Ignite model John-Mark makes a trip to Chicago and gets lost in the fog. (Photo: Bryan Whitley. Click here for more photos.)

St. Paul boutique Primp shoots some spring looks.

Cara Recine overexposes style blogger Hina Khan on a rooftop in L.A. with 35mm film.

Former local fashion designer Emily Bryngelson of Tender Cuts gets shot for Opening Ceremony's e-store. (Via Art of Wore; click here for more photos.)

Style blogger Kitty Cotten stays warm in a chic trench.

Minneapolis Affair snaps Angela Lyon on the street in a fab coat.

Julia of Song of the Exile finishes off her time in New York with a delightful spring photo post. (Click here for more photos.)

Trnds.com blogger Corey Tenold snaps a self-portrait.

Crooked Teeth Magazine's second issue now online

The second issue of locally-produced print and e-magazine Crooked Teeth is now online. The magazine founded by the 16-year-old Caitlin Angelica focuses on art and fashion photography by locals and fledgling photographers from around the world. It includes a charming spring spread styled by Angelica featuring Rikki of Ignite Models, as well as a story on local street style blog Minneapolis Affair.

Click through below to view the March/April 2011 issue.

Local designers Tim & Thom open new shop

In a rare move by a local fashion designer, brother duo Tim and Thom Navarro have joined forces with jewelry designer Katy Schmaty to open their own shop. Opened just last week, You and Me carries jewelry and clothing by the designers as well as handmade gifts from other locals. Look for Tim and Thom to showcase their spring men's and women's lines with jewelry by Katy Schmaty at Voltage on April 15. (2114B Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-823-8200.)

Pearson Knight to appear at MNfashion Week show

Nationally-renowned hair stylist Pearson Knight has been blogged about by Glamour Magazine and lead New York Fashion Week shows for the likes of Rodarte, Christian Siriano, and Ports 1961 as a Master Stylist for Aveda. The busy stylist now spends much of his time on the road, but he comes back into his hometown on occasion - most recently to take appointments at Smart & Chic Beauty Lounge once a month.


Now, he's announced his involvement with an MNfashion Week event and fashion show, Ma Vie en Plastique, in collaboration with Smart & Chic, on April 8 at the Aloft Hotel. The makeup for the show will be done by Smart & Chic, while Knight will helm the hair with his PK Hair team. The event is $10; more details can be found at mnfashionweek.com.

Preview: Creem Magazine's third issue

The third issue of New York-based magazine Creem is on its way, and they just leaked the forthcoming cover image. The magazine was founded by Minneapolis-based photographer Jenn Cress and features regular Minneapolis contributors such as photographer/layout designer Sohail Akhavein and hairstylist Adam Livermore. Look for it in print form and online at creemmag.com soon.


Photography: Michael Donovan
Styling: Katerina Simonova

Saturday: Spring Style Dash @ MOA

Start your spring off with a totally new look. METRO Magazine’s style editor Mary O’Regan is joining teams with the Mall of America’s own Trend Specialist Sarah Rogers this Saturday for a day of complimentary hair, make-up and clothing consultations for three lucky shoppers. The chosen trio will have a stage set style chat and be sent off to put together three stand-out outfits to model on the Nordstrom Court catwalk. The contestant with the best transformation will win a chic get-up from a local designers as well as VIP passes to any two MNfashion week events.
When: Noon–2 p.m. Saturday, March 26.
Where: Nordstrom Court, Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, 951-883-8800, www.mnfashionweek.com

Local line Nelle to be carried at Anthropologie

Minneapolis accessories designer Laura Nelli of Nelle has exciting news - national chain Anthropologie has made a deal with Nelle to carry her Just Bowtiful belt collection for its new wedding label BHLDN (short for beholden). The belts run for $60 and come in shades of navy, blush and soft white. The collection will debut on bhldn.com on Friday, March 26. Look for exclusive designs by Nelli for BHLDN in the future.

Retro fashion: the family files

I just unearthed some old family photos, and it turns out my grandmother Betty and great aunt Rosie were quite the fashion plates in their day.

Here's Rosie in a dress that is very 1940s with a nod to the upcoming nipped waists of the '50s. So chic.

Rosie in a cute lil floral print tennis romper. I wish I had this to wear today.

Rosie looking very pinup-y in a one-piece swimsuit.

Rosie and Betty looking sweet in matching blouses and full skirts.

Rosie and Betty looking like Betties in cute swimsuits.

Rosie rocking the wide-legged pant look, a la Katharine Hepburn. So sassy even back then, unsurprisingly.

Christopher Straub in Lavender Magazine

Check out the latest issue of local GLBT publication Lavender Magazine for a story and spread featuring the spring collection by Project Runway alum Christopher Straub. I did a photo post of the shoot last week for Le Petit. (Click to enlarge)

Coco & Breezy shot for French magazine Born

Local natives and eyewear designers Coco & Breezy, now making waves out in New York, were recently shot for a photo shoot for French magazine Born while in Courchevel, France, earlier this year. Though it was styled by another stylist, the twins' trademark style was clearly influential over the spread.

muses and lenses: Elle Williams by Jake Freeman

Vision model of the moment Elle Williams graces the pages of this stunning new spread by local photographer Jake Freeman. (Hair and makeup by Amber Brenke.)

Local inspiration: muses and lenses

The best in local street fashion, portrait and fashion photography from local muses and lenses, gathered via Twitter, Facebook and blog uploads from the past week.

Local fashion designer/arts curator/mplsart.com director Emma Berg
gets painter Nicholas Harper's study treatment via this piece entitled "Beau Monde."

Singer Sarah Bischoff gets photographed, Stevie Nicks style, by Daniel Cordell in this Claudette Gacuti-art directed shoot after she sang at the recent Fleetwood Mac tribute at the Turf Club. (Click here for more images.)

Now based out of L.A., Ignite model Whitney Fransway gets shot by Jeffrey Baum.

Local style blogger Julia of Song of the Exile visits New York. (Click here for more photos.)

Ignite model Kristina Lezepekova springs into spring. (Photo: Heather Talbert. Click here for more photos.)

Dirty Hair Halo style blogger Shannon Licari gets shot by her new partner in crime, fellow style blogger Kitty Cotten. (More at Dirty Hair Halo)

In turn, Shannon Licari photographs Kitty Cotten. (More at Dirty Hair Halo)

Ellen Dahl Lawson captures this retro cutie in the Turf Club photo booth for The Minneapoline.

Ignite model Rikki shops for vinyl at Shuga Records. (Photo: Stephanie Colgan. Styling: Alison Hoekstra. Makeup: Kate Erickson. Hair: Susanne Huber.)

Local street style blog Minneapolis Affair shoots Doreen Hoff's '80s shoulders on the streets of Minneapolis. (Click here for more recent Minneapolis Affair posts.)

Chloe Ahlf of personal style blog Urban Tease gets into the supporting Japan movement with style.