Preview: RAW: natural born artists features local fashion talent

Tonight, another edition of the monthly arts-meets-music-meets-fashion showcase RAW: natural born artists will makes its way to the Fine Line. In addition to some local artists and musicians, local fashion designers Elena Mercurio - best known for appearing in Voltage 2010 - and recent University of Minnesota grad Hilary Hubanks, as well as accessory lines Artist Built and Lefthand Originals. Some of the designers gave me a preview of what to expect tonight.

Elena will be showing her Fall/Winter 2011 collection, "Sande" (inspired by the traditional Sande African mask), which promises to mix her structured details with African-inspired prints and textures:


Hilary Hubanks plans to show her new S/S 2012 line, which she just showed for the first time last week at "Fashion Fighting Stigma." This line was inspired by a mix of old and new, traditional braiding and weaving techniques, and modern and clean kimono-style silhouettes. Her color palette was inspired from the color of old paint and antique cream. Here are a few looks from that show:


"Geometry Class," the latest collection from local jewelry line Lefthand Originals (featured recently with Ivan Idland's line at Voltage 2011), will be showcased both on the runway paired with the designs of Hilary Hubanks and in a booth. Here's a sampling:


Laser-cut leather accessories line Artist Built will also be on display, and worn by Elena Mercurio's models. Here are some of their newest designs they'll be debuting tonight:


For more details on the show, visit www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/fusion.

Next weekend: The Walker's Local Artist Jewelry Mart

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.

Other designers featured include Brittany Foster of BMF Jewelry, Tasha Rae Tatro of Tasha Rae Jewelry, Mel Tudisco, Rebecca Wicklund, Yen Chee, Bridget Clark, Britta Kauppila of Britta Lynn Designs, Marisa Martinez of Meztiza Designs, Lauren Nicole, Liz Oie, Sarah Sitarz of Sarah Michaela Designs, Jill Smith, Molly Spilane, and Helen Wang.

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