Le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode: February 2010

Friday, February 26, 2010

Copyright Infringement: Red Shoe vs. Rogue Status

Check out this side-by-side comparison of a couple of very similar t-shirt designs. The left shirt is by Red Shoe Clothing Co. by Kerry Riley, a local designer, and was co-designed by local graphic design label Anthem Heart. The design first came out in Spring 2008 during Voltage: Fashion Amplified, I believe. The other shirt is an L.A.-based brand called Rogue Status and is new for spring 2010, so obviously Red Shoe was there first. (I'm the proud owner of the women's version in dark grey/V-neck and slate blue/crewneck.) Kerry, call your lawyer...

Thanks to Hina for pointing out the comparison.

[via High Snobette]

Saturday: Fashion Fight Night

For the fourth year running, I am doing fashion styling for photographer Nic Marshall at METRO Magazine's Fashion Fight Night. This year, hair will be by Catlin Weston of Mezzanine Salon and Romeny Chan will provide the makeup. Clothing will come courtesy of my friends at Blacklist Vintage. Our model, well - we're leaving that as a surprise.

I believe it is sold out, so I hope you already have your tickets.

Some of my favorite shots I styled with Eclecticoiffeur and Nic Marshall from previous years:

Fashion Fight Night 1 (2007)
Model: Monica Ulrich

Fashion Fight Night 2 (2008)
Model: Ashley Hawks

Fashion Fight Night 3 (2009)
Models: Coco & Breezy

Click here for more

All images by Nic Marshall and styling by Eclecticoiffeur.

Here's my recaps from last year's event: Bout 1; Bout 2; and my bout, Bout 3.
Here's City Pages' A-list spotlight on this year's event.
Here's l'etoile magazine's writeup and a video from last year's event:

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Metro's Fashion Fight Night 4

@ Uppercut Boxing Gym
1324 Quincy St. NE
Minneapolis

7:30 doors, 8pm show/ $50

Ok, so maybe you won't catch us DVRing the lastest Ultimate Fighting Championship or hanging up shirtless posters of Oscar De La Hoya on our bedroom walls – at least not that we'd admit – but it doesn't mean us fashionistas can't get behind a good fight. Hyped as the one of the most anticipated fashion events of the season and a Vegas/ANTM/Haute Couture mixture, Fashion Fight Night 4 has boasted a sold-out crowd for the past three years and strangely no one's ever even lost an ear. Metro Mag hosts this metaphor-ridden competition where six teams of photographers and models go head-to-head in a stylish fashion photography deathmatch/shootout. And to add that extra element of fight realism, the event is held in an actual boxing gym! Plus, $5 of every ticket purchased goes towards the fantastic non-profit, LEAD Project. Dress to impress. Mouthguards not included. As of this post, there are still a few tickets available, but we'd hurry up if we were you!

Click HERE for tickets and more info

Check out this video from last year's FFN by Capture Studios

Fashion Fight Night 3 from capture studios on Vimeo.

Monday, February 22, 2010

In review: Calpurnia Peach Spring 2010 line

[Originally published at Vita.mn]

Local fashion darlings Calpurnia Peach showed their Spring 2010 line Sunday afternoon with a private, salon-style presentation at their Northeast studio. Co-designer Luci Kandler introduced the nine-piece collection with a sunny enthusiasm, saying the collection was inspired by "a new twist on lace." Accordingly, many pieces in the collection were punctuated with an oversized, Victorian-styled lace print that was delightfully modern. The melon-pink, grey, and turquoise line featured Calpurnia Peach's signature girly details - bows, pleats, and ruffles - while incorporating body-conscious and loosely-fitting looks alike.

An easy-fitting melon top paired with a pencil skirt in shades of gray was chic, wearable, and showed the duo is more than a one-trick pony of a line. The melon dress was another strong piece, tempering the girls' trademark girlish femininity via bow and pleated details with origami-esque construction. A simple turquoise print dress was sweet without being saccharine - easily something a girl would want in her closet some summer.

The show wasn't without its missteps - namely when the designers seem out of their element. The kimono-sleeve shirt and legging combo seemed uninspired. For one, leggings should never be worn as pants, and secondly, leggings just seem a bit 2008 (and unnecessary) at this point, and the bows at the ankles aren't selling me on the idea.

But it's a minor complaint when compared to the collection as a whole. Its latest collection show Calpurnia Peach to be retaining its girlish, whimsical aesthetic while offering an increasingly sophisticated, focused vision. The collection will be available at Design Collective in Minneapolis and Picky Girl in St. Paul.

[Images by Lauren Gantner]

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Local fashion roundup for 2.15.10-2.21.10

Every week, I gather all the best in local fashion links, fashion show photos and reviews, and social media updates from local fashion makers - so you don't have to.

Mini Apple hits the Big Apple
Minnesotans hit up New York Fashion Week with aplomb, including Juut hairstylist Pearson Knight, six models from local agency Vision, photographer Stephanie Colgan shooting for New York Times, and Coco and Breezy in their debut fashion show.

[Pearson Knight backstage at Ports 1961; Image via facebook]

Minneapolis-based Juut hairstylist Pearson Knight was behind many of the hair looks at New York Fashion Week. He was lead hairstylist for Aveda on shows for Rodarte, Ports 1961, Jason Wu, Elissa Palomino, AAU, Organic by John Patrick, Trias, Leanne Marshall (Project Runway season 5 winner), and Marisol Henriquez.
Star Tribune reports on Knight leading hair backstage at Jason Wu.
I'm Not Obsessed! blog interviews Knight on his work with Aveda and what it's like working with the Rodarte sisters.
The Alloy Girl blog has a recap of Knight's makeup work backstage at Ports 1961.
Visit Knight's facebook page for behind the scenes shots from Ports 1961.

[Will Defiel in Calvin Klein at New York Fashion Week; Image courtesy style.com]

Star Tribune reports on local Vision model Will Defiel walking for Calvin Klein during New York Fashion week last week.
Check out my recap of all the local Vision models at New York Fashion Week - including Defiel, Megan McNierney, Mike Elmqiust, Black Kuchta, Diane Johnson and Nique Jenkins.
Jane Belfry also has a recap at her blog The Fashion Critic.

[Badgley Mischka at New York Fashion Week; Images by Stephanie Colgan]

Local photographer Stephanie Colgan photographs behind the scenes and the runway at New York Fashion Week while on assignment for The New York Times. She shot Philip Lim and Norma Kamali for the Times, as well as Simon Spurr, Rad Hourani and Badgley Mischka.
Here's my photo recap of some of her behind-the-scenes and runway shots.

Former Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub was in attendance at the season seven Project Runway finale show at New York Fashion Week. He gives his picks for the seventh season's best collections at New York Fashion Week and his recap of Episode 6 at RealityWanted.com.
Straub dishes on New York Fashion Week and Project Runway on Shop Girls. Tune in, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on myTalk 107.1 or online at www.mytalk1071.com.

[Accessories by Coco & Breezy at New York Fashion Week]

Coco and Breezy showed their collection at New York Fashion Week last week. Check out more images over at facebook. They showed new eyewear, headgear and necklaces on body-suited models.

Star Tribune reports on more Minnesotans at New York Fashion Week, including celeb hairstylist Ted Gibson (who styled for Lela Rose), and Linda and Kim Renk of jewelry line Sequin, who made pieces for Badgley Mischka's show.

Kelsy Osterman styles at New York Fashion Week

Former Minneapolitan hair stylist Kelsy Osterman is sure keeping busy in NYC. Kelsy, who I worked closely with for years via Eclecticoiffeur and Voltage: Fashion Amplified, just posted images from behind-the-scenes at New York Fashion Week's Fall 2010 shows, which she styled for Cutler Salon. Shows she worked on included Mackage, Irina Shabayera (winner of Project Runway season six), Toni Maticevski, Mara Hoffman, Graeme Armour, and Vessel by Lois. So proud of this girl. Here's a sampling:

Toni Maticevski

Irina Shabayera

Graeme Armour

View more images on Kelsy's facebook page.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Mike Elmquist in Ice by Iceberg campaign

Mike Elmquist, originally from the Twin Cities, landed the Ice by Iceberg campaign for Spring/Summer 2010. Though he's since relocated to New York, he's still represented locally by Vision Models. Check out the photos from the campaign below:

Stuff I wrote: 2.18.10-2.24.10

My weekly roundup of everything I've written this week.

Over at Vita.mn:

[New Land of Milk and Honey]

I cover the Annie Larson, Erin Smith and Brett Smith performance/installation New Land of Milk and Honey, which opens tonight at Soap Factory. Check out my preview of Annie Larson's sketches for the show, posted last February on Le Petit.

A performance art meets fashion show meets art installation, New Land of Milk and Honey is an ambitious project from a trio of designers. The press release has the group exploring such seemingly unrelated topics as communal living, electronic sleep, synesthesia, technicolor, prenatal learning and chronobiology. A bit out-there and lofty, sure, but designers Annie Larson, Brett Smith and Erin Smith all have sturdy reputations. Larson, a onetime Target designer and Voltage alum, is well regarded in the local fashion community for her innovative designs and impeccable construction skills. She'll debut her all-new line of brightly colored, multi-patterned knit sweaters, leggings and onesies (think Gap on crack). For their part, it's a sure bet that brother-and-sister team Brett and Erin Smith will bring their skills as sculptor/installation artist and product designer, respectively. Opening reception 7-11 p.m. Sat 2/20.

One-woman play I Heart Hamas: And Other Things I'm Afraid to Tell You" at Bedlam Theatre this weekend and next;

Vita.mn's Midnight Movie Society's screening of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" at Red Stag last night.

For the second installment of the Midnight Movie Society, Vita.mn once again teams up with DJ Jake Rudh to present a cult film, drinks, a themed soundtrack and prizes for best dressed. Next up is sexploitation director Russ Meyer's 1970 "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls," regarded as a cult classic for its equal doses of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. The movie, which originally received an X rating from the MPAA, centers around an all-girl rock band that goes to Hollywood to make it big, a goal that quickly dissipates into endless nights of decadence. Think lesbian sex scenes, women masquerading as men and plenty of pill-popping. Dress up as your favorite character for a chance to win prizes, take in a "Dolls"-inspired soundtrack by Rudh, and get your photo shot in the Vita.mn photo booth. A complimentary midnight champagne toast and truffle popcorn are included in the price of a ticket.

National designer Margaux Lange's Barbie jewelry at SooVAC's Soo Too gift shop.

Fashion meets pop art in Margaux Lange's Plastic Body Series, an art jewelry collection that incorporates parts of plastic Barbie dolls in quirky but cute configurations. The line has a cheeky sense of humor -- take the "Have-a-Heart Bust" pendant, which features the doll's chest cut into a heart shape ($180). Year-round, Lange donates part of the proceeds of the Have-a-Heart Collection to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Other pieces from the self-professed "art jeweler" include the doll's arms, legs and face fitted with sterling silver and pigmented resins.

and the Local Jewelry Trunk Show at Parc Boutique today, featuring Liebling Designs among five others.

Six local jewelry designers welcome spring this weekend with all-new collections. The latest work by Liebling Designs, known for delicate, retro-inspired beading and floral motifs, is decidedly bold while staying true to its ladylike aesthetic. Candied Yams combines semi-precious stones (turquoise, onyx, agate) into configurations fitting for a modern-day flower child. Those collections and four others will be priced 15 percent off during the trunk show.

At Le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode:

[Vision model Diane Johnson in Threeasfour at New York Fashion Week]

I blog on Vision Models at New York Fashion Week;
Local photographer Stephanie Colgan shooting at New York Fashion Week;
And an eyebrow-raising comparison of Richard Chai vs. local designer Emma Berg.

At l'etoile magazine:

I update my weekly shopping guide.

At l'etoile's LOL-OMG! blog:

[Bight Club via Vita.mn's Best New Bands contest]

I give my take on the best new local bands that entered Vita.mn's "Are You Local?" best new bands competition.

At the651.com:

I cover St. Paul weekend nightlife for the651.com.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Vision Models at New York Fashion Week

Vision Models' Elijah Chhum tells me that six Vision models walked in New York Fashion Week shows last year. That includes: Megan McNierney (Alice + Olivia, Christian Cota, Rachel Roy), Will Defiel (Calvin Klein), Blake Kuchta (Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis), Nique Jenkins (Victor Glemaud, Copperwheat), Mike Elmquist (DKNY, Partik Ervell, Bess), Diane Johnson (Chris Benz, Threeasfour, Chadwick Bell). I'm also including some shots of T.J., who was once represented by Vision "back in the day." Here are the runway shots I was able to compile:

Megan McNierney
The most prolific Vision female model at the moment. She's also appeared between the pages of Elle Italy. I see big things for this one.

Megan @ Alice + Olivia

Megan @ Christian Cota

Megan @ Rachel Roy

Will Defiel
The former face of Calvin Klein still walks the runway for Calvin Klein menswear, along with fellow Vision model Vision Blake Kuchta. Vision owner Teqen-Aida Zea was in attendance at the show and says via facebook, "Though Will's campaign is now history - there is still major buzz around him - we are looking forward to his entering the arena a bit more full force."

Will @ Calvin Klein

Blake Kuchta
A new face at Vision - and on the runways of New York.

Blake @ Calvin Klein

Blake @ Perry Ellis

Diane Johnson
This was Diane's first Fashion Week. I personally worked with her a couple of years back on a test shoot; it's amazing to see her have come so far!

Diane @ Chris Benz

Diane @ Threeasfour

Diane @ Chadwick Bell

Mike Elmquist
I love Mike's edgy, skinny Brit look. He's another one to watch.

Mike @ DKNY

Mike @ Patrik Ervell

Mike @ Bess

Nique Jenkins
Another new face to watch for.

Nique @ Victor Glemaud

Nique @ Copperwheat

T.J.
Vision owner Teqen Aida-Zea had this to say about T.J.: "T.J. returned to the New York runways with total swag. It is good to see him back, more mature, and better than ever. The look is always all American prep - but this time their was a cinematic edginess mixed into the look lineup. Regardless - it was amazing to see T.J. be a part of the final curtain (of Tommy Hilfiger) at Bryant Park."

T.J. @ Tommy Hilfiger

I'm looking forward to getting the full report from Teqen as soon as he comes back from New York. Stay tuned!