New local designer alert: Tender Cuts

[Emily Bryngelson modeling a look from her Tender Cuts line / Image provided by the designer]

If you've been to local clothing boutique Cliché since last spring, you've probably noticed the extremely tall blonde working the register, as well as helping backstage or modeling in their fashion shows. Turns out Miss Emily Bryngelson is also a fledgling fashion designer. The fresh-faced designer is currently an apparel design student at the University of Minnesota and she shared with me brand-new images of her debut collection under the name Tender Cuts - currently being sold at Cliché, of course!

Emily had this to say on her new line: "These are very retail-friendly looks, so I thought a lot about sellability with these. My senior collection is a bit more extreme - think big volume, wild colors and patterns, and interesting lines," as well as "electric bright beetles and insects, and a little bit of '80s and futurism."

I have yet to see the collection in person, but from the looks of it, Bryngelson has done her homework. Everything appears to be well-constructed and wearable with enough supercute details to make it special. I'm calling it first: Bryngelson is one to watch in the year to come.

Here are more images of her collection:

Love the puff-sleeve detail on this one - vintage-y and on-trend with the strong shoulder look. The skirt also has some interest at the waist, and it's all very well-styled.

Another vintage-inspired look. Love the buttons and the ruffle at the hem.

The top (vest?) has an interesting shape and texture.

Plaid, of course, is huge right now. I like that she added a ruffle at the front of the coat for a bit of charm. And it seems impressive that she's already doing jackets and separates instead of the usual dresses that beginning designers trot out.

[Emily Bryngelson modeling looks from her Tender Cuts line / Images provided by the designer]

Love me a jumper. I might have to run over to Cliché tomorrow - there just might be something worth adding to my fall wardrobe!

Copyright infringement: Ferociter vs. Urban Outfitters

[A scarf-necklace by Ferociter]

Urban Outfitters appears to have ripped off local accessory designer Ferociter’s scarf-necklace (pictured above).

[l'etoile agency for Opitz Outlet / Image by Kate Iverson / Styling by Eclecticoiffeur]

l'etoile, MNfashion Week, Cliche, Calpurnia Peach, ShopFatal.com, The Minneapoline, and the East Hennepin shopping district made the METRO Top 100. Fancy! (Read about it here and here.) In it, l'etoile is called "an online magazine with the biggest Rolodex in town." In other news, l'etoile's Editor-in-Chief Kate Iverson was also named social director of the year in Minnesota Monthly.

Lookbook - Over and Over from Bo Hakala on Vimeo.

Check out this gorgeous video of one of my favorite local bands, Lookbook, by local director Bo Hakala. The band's latest album "Wild at Heart" was just released last Saturday; you can pick it up at Electric Fetus or at CDBaby; I highly suggest picking it up. Their next local show is next Wednesday, October 14 at Sauce Spirits & Soundbar, and if you live near NYC, they are embarking on a small east coast tour next weekend.

[Solid Gold-Anthem Heart collaborative tees / Image by Stacy Schwartz/kisskiss Photography]

Another fave local band, Solid Gold, just announced they have an e-shop. It will include detailed info on size, color, style of t-shirts, as well as web exclusives, limited edition t-shirts, and special closeout pricing. Digital downloads of the band's music will also be available, if you feel like giving Apple the shaft.

[A screenshot from Runway Rundown]

The newly-launched Runway Rundown shows that you don’t have to succumb to the recession blues when it comes to looking fabulous. The Minneapolis-based website shows you how to turn trends and runway looks into reality, with new outfits and styling ideas daily. You can search by season, designer, color, material, and trend. It’s already been becoming a heavily-linked-to blog nationwide, so it’s definitely worth adding to your daily blogroll.

[James Francis Ginty in Ra'mon-Lawrence]

Actor James Francis Ginty recently was spotted wearing Ra'mon-Lawrence at the premiere of "Surrogates" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. "I wanted a re-invented Old Hollywood in the tuxedo that was
appropriate for him (Ginty)," said Ra'mon. "The look has to represent
the person as well as the designer." In other Ra'mon news, Jenna Elfman discussed Ra'mon's aufing on the Craig Ferguson Show.

[Christopher Straub's "Petals Clutch"]

In other "Project Runway" news, Minnesota's own Christopher Straub was among three "PR" contestants on the "Rachael Ray Show" last week. On the show he went head-to-head with Althea Harper and Qristyl Frazier using only raw foods, and was named the winner of the challenge by guest judge Nina Garcia. "It's tailored, it looks impeccable," Nina remarks about his dress made out of radicchio. "I love that little colored waist band that accentuates her waist; and the one-shoulder - right on trend!" (Unfortunately, I was unable to find any images of the winning design.) Straub later told me that Rachael bought one of his ruffled "Petals Clutch" bags. You can purchase the bag and Straub's other accessories as his online shop.

The last two weeks on "Project Runway" saw Christopher struggling at the bottom of the pack - this, after being one of the top designers consistently. Let's hope he recovers next week! BTW, did you know Christopher Straub has a blog? He recaps the previous challenges for us, giving us extra juicy deets!

Blogging Project Runway has an exclusive interview podcast with Ra’mon, in which reveals that there’s a third designer that shares his and Christopher Straub’s hand tattoo.

Star Tribune has a Q&A with “Project Runway” model Katie Stricksel, who grew up in Minnesota.

Locals Molly Roark and Erin Smith styled and photographed, respectively, a wedding featured in ReadyMade’s blog.

Jane Belfy (né, Magnitude) and Jenn Cress go backstage at New York Fashion Week. Here’s their article for locally-published Sotheby’s Artful Living Magazine.

The October issue of local fashion and luxury magazine Twin Cities Statement is online.

Locally-owned beauty company Aveda goes backstage at Jason Wu in this video during New York Fashion Week.

Alishops.com reports that tailored menswear store Kuhlman is making a comeback.

MNfashion Week reviews:
City Pages recaps MNfashion Week
A Tiny Machine recaps MNfashion Week.
Rob Callahan reviews "Couture Noir" for Secrets of the City.
Allison Kaplan's recap of the Joynoelle S/S '10 show.

MNfashion Week photo galleries:
9/18: Envision
9/18: Vita.mn style shots by Ellen Dahl from La Nouvelle Femme:
9/23: Charmed Life by Digital Crush
9/24: Adorn at Karma by Digital Crush
9/25: Fresh Fruits Basket Fashion Show from Schoolgirls and Mobilesuits at MCAD
9/25: Eat Street Style by Digital Crush
9/26: SCENEaSOTA by Digital Crush
9/26: Worn to be Wild: Anthem Heart Studio Sessions
City Pages Freestyle Fashion covered MNfashion Week's most stylish partygoers.
10/1: Joynoelle's "Pretty Little Houses" show by Photogen-Inc.

Local fashion + shopping for 10.8-10.14

Check out my writing in Vita.mn for 10.8.09-10.14.09:

[Will Defiel in Calvin Klein's F/W '09 campaign]

Crawl: Minnesota's Latest Top Model (Originally posted at Vita.mn)
Amid the countless modeling-themed reality shows, it seems refreshingly old-fashioned to hear that an up-and-coming model was discovered at the mall. That's just what happened to Stillwater native and U of M student Will Defiel, who is currently the face of the Calvin Klein men's collection for fall/winter 2009. Vision Models co-founder Teqen Zea-Aida spotted Defiel at the Mall of America last year and homed in on the then-20-year-old business major. "What struck me is he's so hawk-faced -- very icy eyes and a strong brow and nose. It was almost like he was a boy Grace Kelly."

Zea-Aida took some Polaroids of him and sent them into Models.com, a premier resource for international model scouting, and the images were posted as "one to watch." The team at Vision promptly fielded a call from the offices of Calvin Klein, who were interested in meeting Defiel if they would send him to Manhattan for a go-see.

"I think they realized that this person is very Calvin," Zea-Aida said. "He has a very edgy yet conservative, masculine look." Before he knew it, Defiel was cast in the brand's fall 2009 ads, which are dark, stark and classic in feel. Defiel himself remains cautiously optimistic about the opportunity, which is why he's continued on at the Carlson School of Management. "Anything can happen," he explains. "You have to have something to fall back on."

This isn't the first time Vision, which Zea-Aida formed at age 19 in 1996 with Nathan Yungerberg, has represented a top model. They had success with Karen Ilvedson in the late '90s (at one point she served as designer Yohji Yamamoto's muse), and they're currently representing their biggest female model to date, Megan McNierney, who has walked the runways of Chanel, appeared in Italian Elle and landed a Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign. Even Vision's employees have gone on to greater success: Andy Rempel, a former Vision stylist, is currently the sole employee of avant-garde fashion house Rodarte. "There is an elemental quality to credentialed people from this city," Zea-Aida says, "so when they spread their wings and leave 612 and 651 and go to New York or Europe, I don't know how to explain it, but they always seem to become a success."

[STYLEDLIFE's new Galleria storefront / Image provided]

STYLEDLIFE expands (Originally posted at Vita.mn)
When it first opened its tiny storefront in Gaviidae Common in 2006, accessories boutique StyledLife briskly moved on to bigger and better things. After opening a second location at Edina's swanky Galleria and shuttering its Gaviidae doors, it will now expand to a 3,000-square-foot Galleria flagship. The new space, set to open Friday, will carry exclusive-in-Minnesota accessories lines by Missoni, Anya Hindmarch, Pucci and Y-3, as well as a brand-new wardrobing area and legwear department. (Galleria, 3510 W. 70th St., Edina, 952-928-8888.)

[A fall look from VState / Image by Jeremy Bomberry]

VState Grand Reopening (Originally posted at Vita.mn)
The fact that VState is owned by Dan Vargas, a former club owner, must be a big part of the shop's success. The shop's selection goes by a simple formula: basic, trendy stuff for hitting the clubs. That means tops and dresses for the ladies and designer denim, woven button-ups and graphic tees for the guys. To celebrate VState's recent remodeling, it's offering 10 to 30 percent off everything, free cocktails, giveaways and free haircuts for the guys. (7-11 p.m. Sat. Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-823-4699.)

[A Fall 2009 look by PFT Couture / Image by JWN Visual Addictions]

EVENTS: Epic fashion shows (Originally posted at Vita.mn)
This weekend, Epic hosts two very different fashion shows. First up is the 10th annual Fusion + Fashion, in which interior designers square off in a "Project Runway"-style competition as they try their hand at fashion design. Among the guest judges are "Runway" contestants Christopher Straub and Katherine Gerdes and designers Russell Bourrienne and Joy Teiken; part of the proceeds benefits People Serving People. (8:30 p.m. Fri., $40-$75.) Next up is Fresh Traditions III, which highlights Hmong-American designers combining traditional Hmong garb with modern touches. Lately we've begun to see its designers, including Pafoua Thao of PFT Couture and Oskar Ly of OsCouture, in more mainstream local shows, proving that this small but talented group is becoming increasingly relevant in local fashion. (8 p.m. Sat. $25. Epic, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. 612-332-3742.)

[Art by Garrett Perry from "One Too Many Mornings"]

ART “One Too Many Mornings” (Originally posted on Vita.mn)
We were first introduced to the hazy, impressionistic portraits by up-and-coming local painter Garrett Perry via the "More Is a Four-Letter Word" group show at Fox Tax Gallery last spring. The young artist, a recent grad from St. Paul's College of Visual Art, is now front-and-center with his ambitious first solo show. Using a single photograph as a point of reference, Perry's artfully unfinished, color-drenched collection of paintings is said to delve into such far-reaching concepts as destruction, reconstruction, nostalgia, memory and cultural identity. Broad ambitions, to be sure, but Perry just might have the talent to pull it off. (Opening reception 8 p.m. Sat. Ongoing through Nov. 1. Free. Umber Studios, 3109 E. 42nd St., Mpls. umberstudios.com)

More local Fashion & Shopping news (originally posted at Vita.mn online):

[BlackBlue / Image provided]

THURSDAY: BlackBlue Grand Opening
The Twin Cities seems to be in dire need of men's shops that sell clothing I would actually wear if I were a dude, so the arrival of well-edited menswear boutique BlackBlue in St. Paul comes into the open arms of fashion-craving fellas. Looking for a genuine flannel that's not from Urban Outfitters nor a moth-eaten thrift find? BlackBlue carries Pendleton, natch. Or if the classic mod look is your deal, try an Original Penguin or Fred Perry polo. The grand opening will feature champagne, wine, cheese and music. (7-10 p.m. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul.) Bonus: Read my interview with BlackBlue's Steve Kang in l'etoile.

[A S/S '10 sketch by Hazel Matthys / Image provided]

THURSDAY: Hazel Matthys Fashion Show
Local designer Hazel Matthys has emerged from an apparent hiatus to show her first collection since spring 2008. The Twin Cities designer, who has over ten years of industry experience under her belt, had always been a standout at the then-annual DIFFA/DIVA fashion shows. Her ultra-feminine yet classic looks will be shown with accompaniment from composer/pianist Steven C. (6:15 p.m cocktail hour, 7:15 p.m. show. Free with RSVP to bias@hazelmatthys.com. 340 Summit Ave., St. Paul.)

[Heimie's women's collection takes inspiration from Katherine Hepburn]

FRIDAY: Heimie's Ladies Fall Celebration
Until now, Heimie's Haberdashery had catered primarily to the man who appreciates a well-cut suit. Though custom apparel has previously been available for women, Heimie's female fans should be excited to hear that the old-fashioned custom clothier located in the heart of downtown St. Paul is launching its own ready-to-wear womenswear department this fall. The launch event includes Heimie's custom ladies' clothing and accessories, said to be inspired by Katharine Hepburn and designed in-house with all-natural fibers, while enjoying live music, food, and wine. (400 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-224-2354.)

[A Kevin Kramp look / Image provided by the designer]

SATURDAY: RELEASE! Traxx + Kevin Kramp Party
This after-hours party for the new clothing line by knitwear designer Kevin Kramp doubles as a release party for DJ Traxx's new double LP "Faith." Though Kramp won't be showcasing his actual clothing at the party, the party gives reason to pay attention to the London designer who now called the Twin Cities home. His men's knitwear, which consists of brightly-colored avant-garde, oversized sweaters and low-crotch, tight-ankled knit pants, is some of the most innovative knitwear out there, recalling Missoni mixed with Henrik Vibskov. It's artwear at its most inspiring; let's hope we can see an actual show from Kramp soon. DJs Traxx, Etones, Naughty Wood and Albert Elmore DJ. (10 p.m.-4:30 a.m. $10. Gallery 13, 811 Lasalle Av., Mpls.) Here's a great interview with Kramp with more images of his work.

READ MORE AT VITA.MN

My style and nightlife blog for St. Paul STAYcation (soon to be renamed the much-hipper 651.com) highlights Hazel Matthys fashion show, BlackBlue's Grand Opening, and The Horrors at the Turf Club:

[The Horrors]

SATURDAY: The Horrors at Turf Club
It could be said that no band out there is quite as stylish as British quintet The Horrors. Hot off the success of its debut album, Strange House, the band quickly shot to success landing the front cover on the UK’s music mag NME, an appearance on the upcoming Gorillaz album, and a Mercury Prize nomination. The band is touring in support of its sophomore effort Primary Colours, full of polished indie-rock that belies its goth-y looks. The band also has a local connection: Rhys Webb is the son of British ex-pats Tim and Mo Webb, owners of local sunglasses company Glasses Webb. (9 p.m. $13. Turf Club, 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

READ MORE AT ST. PAUL STAYCATION.COM

Q&A with BlackBlue's Steve Kang

Originally posted at l'etoile magazine:

by Jahna Peloquin

The Twin Cities newest men's boutique BlackBlue provides local mensfolk with a long-needed beacon of style that is cutting-edge yet accessible enough to make the coasts raise impressed eyebrows and your typical CC Club-goer throw down some cash. We chatted with man-about-town and BlackBlue owner Steve Kang about why he opened the shop, his background, and what we can expect.

[Image provided by BlackBlue]

JP: What inspired you to open your own boutique?

SK: I’ve always been a dabbler in design, so at first I wanted to find a studio space for myself and my friend, Claudette, but then on a whim we decided to throw a clothing shop into the mix since the original focus was on designing clothing. It was also out of frustration because there aren’t many small, nicely edited shops that cater to men in the Twin Cities.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Hmm, let’s see. I’ve worked a variety of jobs, including working in a Psych Ward, Midwest Mountaineering and a toy manufacturing company called Q-BA-MAZE. I also play music in my friend’s project called Dewi Sant. I am currently finishing an MBA at the University of Minnesota. I guess that’s my professional background.

[Image provided by BlackBlue]

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE at l'etoile magazine.

MNfashion Recap #5: 9/26

Originally posted at l'etoile magazine:

Saturday, September 26: SCENEaSOTA, Invigorate, & Worn to be Wild

by Jahna Peloquin

It’s Saturday night, and everything seems to be coming full circle. Spirits are high as the who’s who in the local fashion community gather in the Ignite Modeling studio for the second annual SCENEaSOTA fashion show.

[A look by Renate Adjei / Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush]

The first five designers included returning SCENEaSOTA designers Renate Adjei, Carmichael Claith and Jenny Carle, and newcomers Ashley Busch and Kathryn V. Without the touch of stylist Angie Hanson, everything would’ve have come across as fairly basic. At best, the clothing was wearable and well-made, particularly from Renate Adjei and Carmichael Claith, who showed some interesting details and mostly-nice-looking fabrics. Adjei added a twist to her usually feminine shapes in soft fabrics by incorporating African-print fabrics from her native Ghana and stiffer fabrics for more structured silhouettes.

[A look by Carmichael Claith / Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush]

For her part, Carmichael showed increasingly sophisticated silhouettes from the last time we saw her at Voltage this past spring; her plaid hooded capelet was quite adorable, and she added some interesting twists in proportion on some of the skirts and tops. But overall, this group of designers seemed unable to inject much personality into the clothing, seeming to prefer saleability over pushing it design-wise. But from my spot on the runway I could see more than a few puckering seams and straggling threads from the other designers, and cheap-looking fabric abounded. If Michael Kors or Nina Garcia would’ve seen that on the “Project Runway” stage, they would get have gotten themselves a tongue-lashing!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE at l'etoile magazine.

kjurek couture runway video

Check out this just-released video by the guys of Anthem Heart A/V from Kimberly Jurek's "kjurek couture: Exclusively Fall" runway show at the W Hotel last Friday. It features the fall collection from kjurek couture, along with amazing fur hats by Ruby3, jewelry by Zoby, and models from Ignite:

Kjurek Exclusively Fall Runway Show from Anthem Heart A/V on Vimeo.

Look for my review of the show in l'etoile this weekend.

MNfashion Recap #4: 9/25

Originally posted at l'etoile magazine:

Friday, September 25: SGSM, Eat Street Fashion, kjurek couture, and Eat Street after party

by Jahna Peloquin

[A kjurek couture look modeled by Tearra; Image by Denis Jeong Plaster Perfecta Pictures]

We’ve hit the weekend at MNfashion Week, meaning there is no conceivable way I can hit every single event. But it won’t be from any lack of trying. First up is the Fresh Fruits Basket Fashion Show at MCAD, part of the annual anime workshop Schoolgirls and Mobilesuits. It’s actually not part of MNfashion Week officially, but it seemed deserving of a spot on my agenda. The show is full of MCAD students, and I’m clearly one of the oldest people in the room. I’m there mainly for the Libertine Asylum, a local trio of neo-Victorian and Lolita designers. Well, not so local anymore – it turns out Megan Bishop and her line Apatico have moved to Seattle. Regardless, it appears she’ll still play a strong role in Libertine’s shows in the future (including the Carpe Noctem show at the Loft on November 6).

[Image by Drayke Larson/Photosynthetique]

The show started off with models dressed in animal pajamas. Samantha Rei of Blasphemina’s Closet filled me in: These are not mere pajamas, but “kigurumi” (or disguise) pajamas. “They are SUPER popular in Japan.” Popular characters include Stitch of “Lilo and Stitch,” Marie from “The Aristocrats,” Pikachu and Winnie the Pooh characters. Apparently, teens and young people wear them in public in Japans with tennis shoes, face jewels and backpacks.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE at l'etoile magazine.