[Originally published in Secrets of the City, 6.14.09]
Yes, it's still only May, but now's the time to start planning your outfits for summer's most stylish soirees in Minneapolis. Here's a guide on what to put in your social planner and ideas on what to wear.
The Event:
"Cliche: 5ive Years of Fashion" summer fashion show
June 11 at Plaza Verde
Local boutique Cliche puts on a lot of fashion shows throughout the year, but its annual summer show is its biggest. Considering this year the shop is celebrating five years of business, it should be bigger than ever. The show will showcase spring and summer lines by Cliche's strong roster of local clothing designers, including Amanda Christine, kjurek couture, Maritza Ramirez, Emily Weich, Ivan Idland, Red Shoe Clothing Co., and Renate Adjei, to name my favorites. Also be sure to keep your eyes on the debut line from recent St. Kate's grad Amanda Chaffin, who's designing under the name Rose White. (9 p.m. $8. Plaza Verde, 1516 E. Lake St., Mpls. 612-870-0420.)
What to Wear: It's a sit-down show with an upraised runway, so dressing up is key. Also be sure to wear something from Cliche or one of its local designers. (I'll be wearing a dress from Chaffin's senior line.)
Image: Silk dress by Amanda Chaffin/Image by Brian Garrity
The Event:
Valentino: The Last Emperor
June 12-25 at Oak Street Cinema
The documentary we've all been waiting for is finally getting its Minneapolis moment. Documenting the life and career of legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit in 2008 from the company he founded in Rome more than 45 years ago. (7:15 p.m. & 9:15 p.m. $7. Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. SE., Mpls. 612-378-7750.)
What to Wear: It's doubtful many of us have the budget for Valentino, but take inspiration from the flamenco frills, opulent details, and his signature color, red.
Image: Valentino waving on runway of his final show / Jacques Brinon/AP Photo
The Event:
Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show
June 18 at Calhoun Beach Club
Full disclosure: I'm styling the clothing and accessories for this annual show held on the rooftop of the Calhoun Beach Club at dusk. It will include poolside-ready looks from Mall of America stores (think Burberry and Benetton), Bumbershute, Belle Reve, and local designers Max Lohrbach and Emily Weich. Expect a more stylized, sophisticated show this year - a jazz band will accompany the three-part runway show and you can upgrade to VIP reserved seating and a swag bag. (7 p.m. $15-25. Calhoun Beach Club, 2925 Dean Pkwy., Mpls. 612-673-4098.)
What to Wear: The crowd is always swanky, so try to look like you're a country club member and go sleek and sophisticated. Guys, think preppy with a fitted polo or seersucker suit with boat shoes; girls, wear a bright summer cocktail or patio dress with heeled sandals and a flower in your hair.
Poolside Promo image by Alex Uncather. Styling by Jahna, Charlie & Romeny
The Event:
Barbette's Fête Nationale (aka Bastille Day) Block Party
July 12 at Barbette
The annual celebration of French independence held at resident French cafe Barbette is the one block party that pretty much requires an outfit to match. (4-10 p.m., Barbette, Lake & Irving, Uptown Minneapolis, Free, 612-827-5710)
What to Wear: Think casual French Rivera. That can mean stripes and polka dots in red, white and blue or black, a head scarf or beret, and espadrilles or chic ballet flats.
French-inspired fashion illustration by Kathryn Elyse Rodgers of Paper Fashion
The Event:
Beyoncé and Solange
July 16 at Target Center
For her "I Am..." summer tour with little sis Solange, Beyoncé will perform nearly 30 songs from both her solo career and Destiny’s Child in six theatrical "acts" while wearing more than 60 elaborate costumes, all created for her by legendary French fashion designer Thierry Mugler. Basically, it has the makings of being an even bigger spectacle than Britney’s "Circus" tour and some of the most catchy songs of the past year. (7 p.m. $20. Target Center, 600 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-673-0900.)
What to Wear: Think big shoulders, sequins, and tall shoes.
Images: Sketch of a Beyonce tour look by Thierry Mugler
The Event:
Attitude City Yacht Club
July 24th at Boom Island Park
The Attitude City boys have been doing the Yacht Club boat party for three years, and even though other boat parties have been popping up, the original is still the most stylish one to see and be seen at. It's happening during the Aquacentennial, so expect a fireworks spectacle you can view from the patio of the boat. Suffice to say, it's magical. (July 24th. Look toAttitudeCity.com as details emerge.)
What to Wear: Think very chic boating or yachting-themed, but with an edge. And make sure it's something you can dance in!
Image: Yacht party photo from last year by Digital Crush Photography
The Event:
Macy’s Glamorama 2009: Fusion
August 14 at Orpheum Theater
The most highly-anticipated fashion event of the summer, Macy’s Glamorama boasts a line-up of famed musical headliners, a high-production fashion show featuring national and internationally-renowned designers, and the most over-the-top after party of the year. So far this year Macy’s has only confirmed the show’s designers – which include Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel, Just Cavalli, Sportmax, Maxmara and CNC Costume National. (8 p.m. $75-$500. Orpheum Theater 824 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-339-7007.)
What to Wear: It's attended by a fairly mainstream crowd, who are more likely to throw on a basic little black dress. It's a rare chance to really go all out, so I say try to stand out and wear anything but basic black.
Image: Marc Jacobs fall 2009 runway shot
No comments:
Post a Comment