Lookbook: Jenny Carle F/W 2011 Collection

Instead of heading to the Envision runway this fall, local designer Jenny Carle has opted to launch her fall 2011 collection quietly on her website. Part of the reason: Carle is planning to make the move to L.A. this winter. The hazy quality of the lookbook, shot by Stephanie Hynes on the beaches of L.A., favors an overall feel instead of showing the garments clearly, so it's hard to make much of an assessment, but there's a lot to like here. The collection is a clear departure from Carle's vintage-inspired, cutesy babydoll stylings she's become known for over the past few years in the Twin Cities fashion scene - and while her signature style has made her a popular seller at local stores like Cliché, it's refreshing to see her moving in an edgier and more sophisticated, but no less commercial direction. Carle tells me some of the one-of-a-kind pieces made from reclaimed fabrics have already been sold, but the rest is available at Cliché.






Photo credits:
Photography: Stephanie Hynes
Hair & makeup: Megan McNamara
Jewelry: Tea Tree Designs

Editorial: ADORNED by l'etoile magazine

Check out l'etoile magazine's summer accessories spread, which as fashion editor, I styled. It features local jewelry designs from Stephanie Lake Design, Jennifer Merchant Design, Ferociter, Tea Tree Designs, Cocoquette, local accessories by Ruby3, plus clothing by local designer Amanda Christine, from local boutique Cliche, and additional jewelry and props from Walker Shop - as modeled by Olivia from Vision, with photography by Robb Long, and hair and makeup by Kate Erickson.

Lookbook: Jenny Carle Spring/Summer 2011

After debuting earlier this spring at Envision: Artopia, local designer Jenny Carle has featured the collection in a new lookbook, with jewelry by local line Tea Tree Designs. Back in April, I called the collection "sweet (though slightly uneven) collection of full skirts and bustier tops in florals and stripes." However, the full collection displayed in the new lookbook is stronger and more cohesive than what hit the runway back in April. I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's clear why Carle is one of Cliche's strongest sellers. Look for the designs now at Cliche.









Credits:
Clothing Designer: Jenny Carle
Jewelry Designer: Erika Backberg/Tea Tree Designs
Photography: Stephanie Hynes
Wardrobe/Stylist: Stephanie Powers
Hair/MUA: Megan McNamara
Model: Zoe Flood
Photo Assistant: Jared Powell

New local e-commerce site lets designers sell one-off pieces

A problem many independent designers face is finding a retailer to carry their line - much of which typically consists of one-of-a-kind pieces. A new local e-commerce site, (the annoyingly-named) One-Offs Yippee!, has jumped in to fill this void. The site features many well-known local designers, like Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame and Voltage 2011 designer Sarah M. Holm, plus accessories designers (Tea Tree Designs, Artist Built, Carrie Cordelia Handbags) and some relative unknowns. There's also some non-fashion-designer entries, like photographers Colleen Guenther and Justin Grierson, selling large-scale prints of their work. Check it out at one-offsyippee.com.


My favorite pick so far? Christopher Straub's short-short men's swim trunks with a Pucci-esque print.