Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the Walker Shop is back with another installment of its popular Local Artist Jewelry Mart. The day-long trunk show showcases one-of-a-kind pieces by nineteen local jewelry artists and designers from the Twin Cities - most of which are not usually carried at the Shop.
I have long been a fan of Lauren Neal's Carrier Pigeon line, which is muted and minimal yet detailed and quietly bold. Each piece seems to carry a story. She does all original castings in gold and silver. I am really digging this silver ring.
Renee Larson is known for her whimsical, vintage-inspired designs.
Lefthand Originals by Larissa Loden are always fun and quirky. She designed a very cool line exclusively to go with designer Ivan Idland's collection at this year's Voltage - expect to see some of those pieces at the sale.
I hadn't yet heard of Annika Kaplan, but I really love this edgy, minimalist design.
Tia Keoubounpheng's minimalist, modern silvercocoon line is regularly carried at the Walker Shop, but expect to see some of her bolder, statement pieces in molded plastic.
Bonus: If you "like" the Walker Shop on Facebook, you can receive 20 percent off all Walker Shop purchases April 27 to May 4. Walker members always receive 10 percent off at the Walker Shop.
Details: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Walker’s Medtronic Gallery, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7633, shop.walkerart.com
Local clothing and leatherworker Kerry Riley of Needle & Black commissioned jewelry designer (and her studio mate) Lauren Neal of Carrier Pigeon to create this custom pin for her. Come to think of it, it's about time those two did an actual collaboration. So cool.
Voltage 2011 designer Rachel Blomgren shows her design process in her new blog. This week, it's her ingenious skeletal cut-out crop top (WANT) and a new sweater pattern. She's going to be one to watch.
Ignite Models favorites Whitney Fransway, Kelly Streigel, and Kristina Lezepekova are home for the holidays.
Local knitwear designer Annie Larson has new knits, coming soon to her e-shop.
Local jewelry line Carrier Pigeon just debuted new fall designs at her NYC outpost, Old Hollywood boutique, including leather cocktail rings, hand-carved and pierced arrow earrings, and fox tail earrings. Yum.
I'm very much looking forward to SCENEaSOTA tomorrow night at Loft2. Tickets are still available at Cliché, so be sure to pick yours up today.
[A look from Kevin Kramp, photo by Amy Gee]
Here's my (original, full-length) writeup forVita.mn: In its third annual edition, the SCENEaSOTA fashion show is set to continue its forward momentum for another year. Bolstered by an impressive lineup and perhaps an even more impressive lookbook (helmed by Voltage art director Chris Larson), the production of this year’s show is leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings, on a makeshift runway in a tiny bar only two years ago. It comes on the heels of September’s “Pale Rider,” an MNfashion-produced runway show featuring Raul Osorio and Danielle Everine that decisively raised the bar for locally-produced fashion shows. With its mix of up-and-comers (Britta Fueerhelm, Jenn Bratvold), returning designers (Jenny Carle, Kathryn V., Carmichael Claith), and more established names (Kevin Kramp, Raul Osorio, Frances Zerr) – coupled with some noted accessory designers (Carrier Pigeon, Ferociter, Ruby3) and Vision models – it’s clear the show owes a great debt to Voltage. In this case, rock and roll is traded out for some film segments by Elijah Chhum and additional visuals by Ken Hannigan. (8 p.m. Show at 9:30 p.m. Sat. $10-15. 21-plus. Loft2 (above OM), 401 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-870-0420.)
In its third year running, the show that is all about homegrown talent is back with another fresh crop of emerging local fashion designers. If the lovely lookbook (art directed by the fantastic Chris Larson) is any indication, this year's SCENEaSOTA should be a smashing success. This year, producer Maritza Ramirez is throwing in some additional multi-media elements - audio/visual design by Anthem Heart and film segments by Elijah Chhum - that are sure to be a nice match to the fashions hitting the runway. This year's designers include fresh faces (Britta Feuerhelm, Jenn Bratvold), SCENEaSOTA vets (Carmichael Claith, Jenny Carle, Kathryn V.), Voltage alumni (Raul Osorio, Frances Zerr) and established designers (Kevin Kramp), with new accessory collections from the likes of Ruby3, Carrier Pigeon, Ferociter, and Bionic Unicorn. Drop in early to schmooze with other fashionable guests, sip on a cocktail, preview the designs in a pop-up shop, and mingle with the designers before the runway event. Afterward, stay for a bumpin' afterparty with DJs and dancing. Tickets are $10 general admission or $15 seated and available in advance at Cliché. Doors open at 8pm and the event is 21+. For more info visit Facebook.
And check out the SCENEaSOTA lookbook while you're at it:
I'm a little slow on this, but over the weekend producer Maritza Ramirez released the lookbook for the annual SCENEaSOTA fashion show. It was art directed by Chris Larson, with photography by Amy Gee. Runway designers including Kevin Kramp, Raul Osorio, Frances Zerr, Carmichael Claith, Jenny Carle, Britta Feuerhelm, Kathryn V., and Jenn Bratvold, plus accessories by Ruby3 (Anna Lee), Ferociter (Aimie Dukes), Carrier Pigeon (Lauren Neal), Ann Lambrecht, Freedom From Doubt (Jared Zachary), Timmilynn Johnson, Tasha Rae, and Bionic Unicorn (Kristin Berwald). Check out the facebook event invite for more details, and click through below to view the lookbook.
At last Thursday's studio opening party with Kerry Riley's Needle & Black, local jewelry designer Lauren Neal debuted her Fall 2010 line of Carrier Pigeon jewelry to a cozy crowd. Now, you too can take in the gorgeous designs - all of which are currently for sale direct-from-designer (contact her here), with more designs to come. You can also see the collection during SCENEaSOTA on November 6.
The nature-inspired jewelry is cast via original hand-carved wax designs or fabricated and cast from organic forms, and their gritty-yet-pretty feel makes them look and feel like they already come with a history.
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.
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."
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.
Juleana Enright interviews Voltage 2010 designer Danielle Everine.
Max Lohrbachannounced 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]
[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).
Last week, Fashion Fight Night 4 hit the Twin Cities, Calpurnia Peach showed their Spring 2010 collection, New Land of Milk and Honey astounded and enthralled, and Christopher Straub appears at the Home & Garden Show.
Recaps and photos
[Fashion Fight Night 4; Photo by Marshall Franklin Long]
METRO Magazine's Fashion Fight Night 4: 2.27.10 at Uppercut Boxing Gym
Check out former local model Eve Rydberg in the spring 2010 campaign for Chicago-based designer Reddoll by Tatyana Merenyuk
Twin Cities Livevisits Aveda's corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Blaine and found that it took one man’s experiences in Japan, France, and Minnesota to make one of their products happen.
Iconic supermodel and Minnesotan Cheryl Tiegs visits Twin Cities Live last week and judges some local models.
-I'm simply in love with Carrier Pigeon's brand-new matchstick earrings on etsy. -Faatemah Ampey gives her predictions on the remainder of the current season of "Shear Genius." -City Pages' latest edition of Freestyle Fashion includes Cliche's Avoid the Grey fashion show, the Hot Pants dance party, and the (In)sight U of M senior fashion show. -Cute lil' writeup on l'etoile magazine editor-in-chief and Secrets of the City arts editor Kate Iverson in Star Tribune's How I Got That Job feature. -Pioneer Press has an article on Christopher Straub creating dresses out of Home Depot items for the Home & Garden Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday. -The Project Runway game for Wii will hit stores this Tuesday, March 2 and features local contestants Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub, as well as others from season 6. -Project Runway season six is now available on DVD. [Via Amazon.com]
Social media updates & uploads
Check out Christopher Straub's dress made from Cambria countertop tiles for the Home & Garden Show last weekend.
Christopher Straub makes a big announcement: He'll be showing his first full men's and women's clothing collections will be shown April 25 at St. Paul Hotel during MNfashion Week.
Christopher Straub gives a sneak peak of handbags from his spring 2010 line - a few of which should be popping up in Voltage alongside lines by Emma Berg and PFT Couture.
How local designer Joynoelle would dress the female US athletes for the Olympics closing ceremony.
Ashley Lebedev announced via facebook her work will appear in a national mag featuring America's Next Top Model contestant Raina Hein.
Local hairstylist Adam Livermore styles backstage at Giorgio Armani at Milan Fashion Week.
[Dress by Kerry Riley; Image by Robb Long]
-Local designer Kerry Riley designs a dress for the movie poster for a film called "Samurai Girl."
Voltage 2010 designer Raul Osorio updates us on the status of his Voltage collection - and fellow Voltage designer Kevin Kramp offers his feedback.
Local designed looks featured in the show include JoyNoelle (shot by Alli Jagoda), and Niki English, Rachel DeLange and Jenny Carle (shot by Robb Long). I especially love the red dress by Jenny Carle, as worn by model Tearra.
LOL/OMG! has a smattering of Tweets from Fashion Fight Night 4 in their Weekend Twitterings.
Vision Models posted this shot, courtesy of models.com, of Vision model Blake Kuchta (right) backstage at Perry Ellis during New York Fashion Week last month.
Every week, I gather all the best in local fashion links, fashion show photos and reviews, and social media updates from local fashion makers - so you don't have to.
Vita.mn's Alexis McKinnis also has a nifty little guide via her personal blog Girl Friday.
[Faatemah Ampey on episode 2 of Shear Genius; Image courtesy Bravo]
Faatemah Ampey, contestant on Shear Genius, has just survived the second episode of the third season (she ended up safe in the middle of the pack). Check out her blog on the episode here. Faatemah is interviewed about her hair for Modern Salon Magazine. Check out another new interview with Faatemah over at the Scissor Sharpening blog.
In other local reality TV news, local model Raina Hein was announced this week as contestant in America's Next Top Model, Cycle 14. It will premiere March 10 on CW. [LOL-OMG!, Le Petit, Vita.mn]
Local model Will Defiel is interviewed about balancing schoolwork with modeling in Vita.mn's @work feature.
[Monique Darton; courtesy Lifetime]
Local model Monique Darton looking gorgeous in a design by Jay Nicolas Sario on this week's episode of Project Runway. She (and Jay) were deemed safe by the judges.
[Mike Elmquist for DKNY]
Local Vision model Mike Elmquist photographed in DKNY for its Fall 2010 presentation during New York Fashion Week.
Sara Glassman reports from the Project Runway season 7 finale runway show at New York Fashion Week for Star Tribune.
Local jewelry designer Robyne Robinson gets her first UK press in glossy Side View Magazine.
Vita.mn's 2010 Hotness winners have been announced. Finalists included local graphic designer Chris Larson (art director for Voltage, MNfashion and l'etoile magazine) and occassional l'etoile model Trenton Raygor.
I just received an invite to a private showing of Calpurnia Peach's Spring 2010 collection on February 21. Can't wait to see what these talented girls are cooking up! Look for a review in l'etoile magazine in coming weeks.
Local fashionistas tweet about Alexander McQueen's death. [LOL-OMG!]
In review Reviews, photos and video of the (In)Sight U of M Senior Fashion Show and more:
[A look from (In)Sight by Mae Rodgers; Image by Stacy Schwartz]
The U of M website has a video of the entire show here.
City Pages has a slideshow of images from Thursday's Funk 'N Fashion Show at Lost and Found Vintage.
Images from Curster's Dollmighty Fashion Show by Stephanie Colgan are up at SooVAC's facebook page.
Social media uploads and updates
Christopher Straub reports via facebook that's he's "bumming around NYC with Jay." They both attended Friday morning's Project Runway season 7 finale runway show.
[A new JoyNoelle headpiece uploaded this week via facebook]
Fashion designer Joy Teiken gears up for her (invitation-only) "Evening of Couture" show at the Goldstein on February 25.
Local fashion writer Sara Glassman reports that Glamorama 2010 is a go and Nordstrom is planning a major fashion show in June locally. [via @PopFizzDaily]
Local hairstylist Faatemah Ampey (current contestant on Shear Genius) meets the inimitable Tabatha Coffey of Bravo's Salon Takeover.
Former Minneapolitan identical twin designers Coco and Breezy walk the space for their debut New York Fashion Week show. [via Facebook]
[Photo via Hina Khan]
