Raina Hein in PFT Couture

Local designer Pafoua Thao of PFT Couture has just released a new test shoot showcasing her designs (past and present) on America's Next Top Model runner-up Raina Hein.












The reason Raina nearly took home the grand prize is apparent - she is clearly workin' it. And Pafoua showcases not only her design skills (the glittery black one-sleeved mini dress is killer, as is the white tie-neck blouse), but also her ability as a stylist. I'm loving the heavy cuffs worn on one hand.

Photographer: Wade Gunderson
Model - Raina Hein (Ignite), Cycle 14 ANTM Runner Up
Wardrobe - Pafoua Thao, PFT Couture
Hair and Make Up- Wendy Zarate

Fashion link roundup

Your local fashion link weekend roundup is in the bag. Here's a glimpse into what's happening in the local fashion blogosphere:

[Photo: Ellen Dahl for Vita.mn]

Ellen Dahl captures May Day street style for Vita.mn. Vita.mn]

[Pafoua Thao. Photo: John Doman for Pioneer Press]

Allison Kaplan profiles PFT Couture, newly carried at local boutique Belle Reve. [Pioneer Press]

[Mackenzie Labine print by Angie Hanson]

Designer Mackenzie Labine previews her upcoming line for the "I Feel Love" fashion show on June 12, featuring prints designed by Angie Hanson. (The show also features Maritza Ramirez and screenprinting by Anthem Heart.) [oishiimomo.blogspot.com]

[A look by Frances Zerr. Photo: Charlie Ward]

Fashion stylist Angie Hanson re-launches her blog under her own name and publishes photos from Frances Zerr's spring 2010 line for Voltage, which Hanson styled. [angiehanson.blogspot.com]


Local model Raina Hein has made it into the final round of America's Next Top Model! Attend her viewing party at Drink on Wednesday. [facebook]

[Photo courtesy Joynoelle]

Joynoelle posted a new design on her blog. On the design, she says, "Silky, slinky, sexy....nothing like me but I designed it. Funny how that happens." [joynoellegallery.wordpress.com]

There's still time to vote for MNfashion's bid to open a sewing co-op via Pepsi's Refresh Everything contest. You can vote daily through May 31. [www.refresheverything.com]

Fashion Week in January? (full review for Vita.mn)

Below is a full review of last week's fashion shows; read the abbreviated version in this week's issue of Vita.mn.

[A look by PFT Couture at the MNfashion Preview by Stacy Schwartz]

Last Tuesday saw the first-ever Voltage retail preview, in which Voltage’s 2010 roster of designers previewed a selection of their most retail-ready designs for Twin Cities buyers at the downtown studio of longtime model agency Vision. It was an ambitious move for Voltage, but the signature show - now in its sixth year - has never been short on ambition, becoming more professional and sophisticated every year without losing its rock ‘n roll edge. If the preview was truly a taste of what to come, including everything from avant-garde men’s knits by Kevin Kramp to more wearable but no less intriguing silk draped separates by George Moskal, Voltage 2010 should be one of the most memorable yet.

[A look by Kelson by Brianne Jones at the MNfashion Preview by Stacy Schwartz]

[A look by Danielle Everine at the MNfashion Preview by Stacy Schwartz]

[A prototype look by knitwear designer Kevin Kramp at the MNfashion Preview by Stacy Schwartz]

Click here for more photos by Stacy Schwartz for MNfashion

On Wednesday, the Fine Line was the scene of the annual Commingle fashion show, which had a decidedly different mood. A live hip hop band kicked off the night, and the following fashion show featured an underground, DIY edge. It was a striking contrast to the sleek studio presentation of the Voltage preview (which had Vision owner Teqen Zéa-Aida talking about “taking the fashion show back out of the nightclub”), the show seemed to harken back to local fashion’s early days (circa 2003) that preferred the avant-garde over the wearable. Though some of the fashions were embarrassingly dated and badly-sewn, it was a treat for the eyes to see well-constructed artwear from the likes of Elizabeth Chesney and SoHo Exchange. The evening's other designers included Wone, Untitled Projects, ArielSimone, and Mary Pass.

[A look by Elizabeth Chensey at Commingle by Kevin Ophoven]

[A look by Elizabeth Chensey at Commingle by Kevin Ophoven]

[A look by SoHo Exchange at Commingle by Kevin Ophoven]

[A look by SoHo Exchange at Commingle by Kevin Ophoven]

Click here to view more photos by Kevin Ophoven

The next day, Cliche’s annual Avoid the Grey show took place in the tiny black box theater of Old Arizona. Featuring a couple of designers seen in the Voltage preview earlier that week (Brianne Jones, Christine Carmichael), it appears that designers aren’t shying away from keeping a busy schedule. Though there’s always a couple of clunkers, the show was the best yet from the local boutique, featuring strong collections from longtime designers such as Red Shoe Clothing Co. while introducing us to a newcomer like Emily Bryngelson, whose wearable separates could easily be spotted at a dive bar in Minneapolis as in the pages of Nylon.

[Looks by Tender Cuts by Emily Bryngelson at Avoid the Grey by Ellen Dahl for Vita.mn]

[Avoid the Grey by Ellen Dahl for Vita.mn]

[A look by Jenny Carle at Avoid the Grey by Ellen Dahl for Vita.mn]

[Looks by Kelson by Brianne Jones at Avoid the Grey by Ellen Dahl for Vita.mn]