Askov Finlayson becomes first local retailer to sell Annie Larson's sweaters

After successfully selling out of her line of knit hats last fall, Askov Finlayson has become the first store in the Twin Cities (and one of only a handful of retailers in the world) to sell Annie Larson's limited-edition line of whimsical, brightly-patterned sweaters. The Minneapolis-turned-Brooklyn designer's line, ALL Knitwear, has received international acclaim as of late, including high-profile press in Time Out New York, Refinery29, Coolhunting.com, and Australian magazine YEN. Though the designer no longer calls Minneapolis home, it's nice to have a little bit of Annie back.

Video: Annie Larson knits get the Super 8 treatment

Minnesota-turned-New York knitwear designer Annie Larson just released a fun new video featuring her colorful knitwear. Inspired by this mural by Minneapolis-connected artists Eric Carlson and Aaron Anderson of Hardland/Heartland fame, Annie and her pals don her retro wares in front of the mural, shot on Super 8 film by local filmmaker Sam Hoolihan. It's colorful and cheerful, to say the least.



Filmed and edited by Sam Hoolihan
Song "When You're Out" by Velvet Davenport
With Lindsay Noble, Erin Smith, Annie Larson, Tim Hudson,
Brett Smith, Eric Carlson, Derek Maxwell, and Aaron Anderson
Mural painted by Eric Carlson and Aaron Anderson
Filmed in Minneapolis, MN

Fashion link roundup

A smattering of local fashion news from the Twin Cities and beyond.

[Photo: Mary O'Regan/Art of Wore]

Mary O'Regan does a studio visit with local knitwear designer Kevin Kramp, and it includes a really cool video of the designer in action with his knitting machine.

Local line K.Jurek Couture's "The Galaxy Next Door" skirt is now available on ModCloth.com.

Elizabeth Dehn of Beauty Bets gets interviewed by (and lands the cover of) Twin Cities-based publication HerLife.

Minnesota-based knitwear designer Kevin Kramp has been featured in Spain's We Are Selecters.

BRAVE Magazine does a Q&A with eyewear designers Coco & Breezy.

Plymouth Magazine interviews local designer Adrienne Yancy of ArielSimone.

Amy Gee shoots Monday night's Joynoelle fashion show. Beth Hammarlund of l'étoile reviews the Joynoelle fashion show, as does Mary O'Regan of METRO and Allison Kaplan of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Check out my review for Vita.mn here.

Beth Hammarlund of l'étoile reviews the Christopher Straub show, and so does METRO's Mary O'Regan. I review the show for Vita.mn. Good Morning Northland interviews Straub on his new collection for maurices.

Nancy Ngo of Pioneer Press catches up with Project Runway designers Christopher Straub and Danielle Everine.

Arts and style writer Joan Erakit interviews METRO Magazine's Mary O'Regan.

E-retailer Of a Kind does a studio tour of former Minneapolis designer Annie Larson's new Brooklyn pad and talks to her about the creative process leading up to her recent Jerome grant project, and Birchbox blog asks Annie how she keeps her super-long hair in check.

Gregory J. Scott's Q&A with fashion designer and arts curator Emma Berg for last week's Vita.mn cover stories on the Twin Cities' most influential people from the past five years.

Check out a new interview with ROX Jewelry designer Robyne Robinson by Harlem's Fashion Row.

Annie Larson's fall giveaway

If you're as big of a fan of Annie Larson's brightly patterned knitwear as I am, you'll want to get in on this. She's giving away two hats from her ALL Knitwear line to two lucky winners. Simply enter your name and email address in the comments over at her blog and answer the questions, "What are you most looking forward to this coming winter season, and/or which hat would you choose, and why?" See here for hat options. Entries will be accepted through the end of the day Thursday, November 10 and the two randomly selected winners will be announced on Friday, November 11. While you're at it, be sure to check out her new Facebook page for ALL Knitwear for more updates.

Annie Larson knitwear featured in Nylon Korea

Hot off her move to NYC from Minneapolis last month, the press just keeps flowing for knitwear designer Annie Larson. Here is her feature in November's issue of Nylon Korea:

Copyright Infringement: Annie Larson vs. Urban Outfitters

Another day, another major retailer knocking off an independent designer's work. The latest culprit: hipster haven Urban Outfitters, who've apparently copied a knit hat design by Minnesota native Annie Larson. According to a post on Annie's blog entitled "F.U., U.A," the pattern was developed for a collection of her ALL Knitwear line that was released in April 2010, and was used in two different pieces as well as multiple times in alternate colorways. Ironically, the company has featured Annie Larson's work on their blog before, but she says they've never solicited her work.

[Left: Annie Larson's hat, 2010. Right: Urban Outfitters' version, 2011]

As Annie states on her blog, "Even though neither of these styles are available on my site any longer, I am pretty dismayed with this situation. However, I am not surprised and nobody I have mentioned it to has been surprised either. Why is this? It's because Urban Outfitters and many other mass market retailers blatantly copy the work of other people without permission and attempt to pass it off as their own."

What can you do as a consumer? For one, you can support Annie by purchasing the original version or visiting her e-shop, and look for her forthcoming collection for Madewell.

Curious about what other local designs have been copied? Click here for more Copyright Infringement.

Weekend wrap-up: Local fashion links

• Knitwear designer Annie Larson (who just moved to NYC after starting her career in Minneapolis) was mentioned in a Forbes Magazine article about limited-edition e-commerce websites like Of a Kind, where she sells her knitwear. Her fall collection has also just become available on her ALL e-shop, including 12 new hat designs, a new selection of sweaters, and new basics in black and cream.

• Minnesota Monthly puts the spotlight on local line Hackwith Design House.

• Modern Salon Magazine recently selected local hairstylist Faatemah Ampey (who appeared as a contestant on Bravo reality show Shear Genius) as one of its "Women of Style" in its October 2011 issue, and profile her on her big break, her mentors, and her latest project.

• Mary O'Regan picks her favorite looks from Zara's Fall 2011 lookbook, noting that the collection is finally available to us Minnesotans now that the Spanish brand's e-store ships to the entire U.S.

• Allison Kaplan reports on local line Nelle Handbags' new showroom at L'atlier Bridal in downtown Minneapols for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

• Eyewear designers Coco & Breezy get new spreads in XO Magazine, XEX Magazine and Fiasco Magazine.

• Beauty Bets editor Elizabeth Dehn writes about the new beauty swap trend, and how to put one together yourself, for Star Tribune.

• I preview a number of events for this weekend's issue of Vita.mn, including Walker's After Hours preview party (which encourages attendees to dress in their favorite PANTONE color) on Friday, the opening reception for "The Curative" at Burnet Art Gallery and A Holiday Bazaar fashion show and sale at Ritz Theater on Saturday, as well as the ongoing Haunted Theater at Loring Theater (which asks for guests to dress in their '60s best) and new men's store Askov Finalyson. Check out l'étoile's shopping blog, which I edit, for more locally-focused weekend shopping events, sales and news.

ALL + ETC Moving Sale

Local knitwear designer Annie Larson and her boyfriend, graphic designer/artist Eric Carlson, are moving to New York next month. So you know between the two of them, there's bound to be a stellar garage sale. This Sunday, the two are unloading before they trek out east, and the sale will include everything from the duo's own creations to studio equipment to household items.


Full item listing: "Upright "ORGAN" piano, 2000 VW Passat, black Ikea 5x5 shelf, Yamaha alto saxophone, full size female mannequin, hide-a-bed couch, clothing, furniture, music, kitchen wear, art supplies, books, electronics, nik-naks, chotchkies, comforts, visuals, treats, presents, yarnies, dongles, doodles, bobbers, & whatnots."

Details:
Sunday, September 25. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
512 E. 24th St. Minneapolis

This week in Vita.mn: Danielle Everine, Annie Larson & Cliche's "Crosswalk"

In this week's back-to-school issue of Vita.mn, Jay Boller profiles five local celebs, including Project Runway season nine contestant Danielle Everine. I contributed a back-to-school shopping guide to the issue:

[Click here to read more.]

I also recap Danielle Everine's elimination from Project Runway last week:


And preview Friday's "Crosswalk" fashion show put on by local boutique Cliché:


As well as write about Annie Larson's upcoming collection for national store Madewell and next week's Fashion's Night Out local festivities.

Annie Larson announces giveaway

Local designer Annie Larson is doing her first-ever giveaway on her blog this week for a Dash Dot Triangle Hat with a watermelon pom pom - one of only three in existence. Entries will be accepted through the end of the day Monday, September 5th and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 6th. see details here.

Annie Larson to be carried by national retailer Madewell

Despite having a relatively low profile in the Twin Cities, local knitwear designer Annie Larson has been enjoying international renown for her bright, early '90s-Espirit-esque machine knits under her brand ALL for Everyone. Most recently, she has been working on an order of hats and scarves for national retailer Madewell - her first order for such a sizable retailer - which will be available in select stores and online this fall. Go, Annie, go!

[Image via AllDailyReport.com]

Annie Larson gives me an Anniecure

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to get to sample knitwear designer Annie Larson's new "Anniecure" manicure. The design is all hand-painted by Annie herself. I really liked the stained glass/mosaic effect we ended up with. (Click here for another version of the Anniecure.) She would like to try to do one Anniecure per week between now and October (when she moves to New York), so contact Annie if you're interested. She says, "This one hour service is free for volunteer participants, and intended to be approached with open minds from both parties. Boys accepted, no feet please."

[Photos by Annie Larson]

Local inspiration: muses and lenses

The best in local portrait, street style and fashion photography from local muses and lenses, gathered via Twitter, Facebook and blog uploads from the past week.

Dearling Physique's Dom Davis and Matt Vannelli get shot by Benjamin John (William Clark Studio) and Kevin Kramp in knitwear by Minnesota-based designer Kevin Kramp. (Makeup by Hannah Eustis)

Knitwear designer Annie Larson tests out her new Anniecure nail treatment on pal Beth Chekola. Keep your eyes and ears peeled to Le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode for updates on when she plans to launch this service.

Hairstylist Emily Angelo shoots a pal on the banks of the Mississippi River wearing a retro suit by Amanda Peterson.

Ellen Dahl Lawson snaps a lady in a vintage floral dress at Walker's Music & Movies in the Park for The Minneapoline.

Style blogger Kitty Cotten shows off her new CP117 handbag with a winning mustard and navy combo.

Minnesota model Rikki Roath of Ignite (left) gets witchy at a graveyard while working in Hong Kong. (Photo: Corallin Photography)

Ignite model Alex gets her makeup done for a Minnesota Bride shoot in a barn. Visit Mary O'Regan's blog Art of Wore for more behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot.

Local men's style blog MPLSTYLE.com captures Clark looking cool at the beach. (Photo: Drew Krason)

Neil Zumwalde of Britney Spears cover band Spearz gets snapped in front of Sex World for their forthcoming music video for "Masquerade" by Erik Janzen.

Style blogger Shannon Licari shows off a new cropped 'do on her blog Dirty Hair Halo.

Photographer Amy Gee does a basement photo test with beauty blogger Kara Nesvig. Click here for more photos from the set.

Yen Magazine features ALL Knitwear by Annie Larson

Australian print glossy Yen Magazine's winter issue includes a feature on ALL Knitwear by local designer Annie Larson, who will soon be moving to New York to pursue design.

Local fashion link roundup: 3.30-4.3

• The April issue of METRO features a vintage dress from Mighty Swell Vintage.

• The Mighty Swell pop-up vintage shop has found a permanent home in the former digs of Umber Studios. Their next sale will be April 30 and May 1.

• METRO does a Q&A with local men's fashion blog Trnds.com founder Corey Tenold.

• METRO also spotlights new local handbag line Ila Handbags.

• The Minneapolis Examiner has a new interview with ROX jewelry's Robyne Robinson on moving from a full-time journalist to full-time jewelry designer, and her recent travels to Greece.

• ALL Knitwear by local designer Annie Larson is now available at two new retailers: Douglas + Bec in New Zealand, and General Store in San Francisco.

• Local beauty blogger Kara Nesvig tries on a couple of spring makeup trends: DIY matte hot pink lips and Yves Klein blue nails.

Local fashion link roundup: 3.7-3.13

The week in local fashion writing, blogging and reporting:

Knitwear designer Annie Larson has launched her spring collection on her e-site, allforeveryone.com. (Via alldailyreport.com)

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar reportedly is working on legislation to combat designer knockoffs after being lobbied by Project Runway's Tim Gunn. (Via TheHill.com)

Local beauty blogger Kara Nesvig interviews local designer Maritza Ramirez on her beauty routine. (Via Vanity Project)

Lady Gaga ends her deal with Target over LGBT issues. (via Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal)

Annie Larson featured on CoolHunting.com

The national press just keeps coming to Annie Larson. The local knitwear designer - who was recently featured on the Urban Outfitters blog, Time Out New York, and Refinery29 - is now being featured on those deemers-of-all-things-cool, CoolHunting.com for her ALL for Everyone line. They have this to say on our Annie: "It's a rare thing these days to find a fashion label that truly stands out for originality and design. It's even less common to find one that is not only made locally but also made by hand by the name behind the brand."


Check out the Q&A HERE.

Annie Larson featured in Time Out New York

Local knitwear designer extraordinaire Annie Larson has just had one of her scarves featured in a Time Out New York spread, "Ski Weekend Essentials." The scarf is available in Annie's e-shop, ALL for Everyone for a cool $80.



Oh, and it's also the same scarf we used in a recent knitwear spread for l'etoile magazine that I styled:

[Photo by Nicholas Marshall]

Annie Larson featured on Urban Outfitters blog

Celebrated local knitwear designer Annie Larson - just recently one of the focal points of l'etoile's recent spread "The Knitting Factory" that I styled - has gotten another high-profile burst of national press. This time, it's on Urban Outfitters' blog. Say what you will about the controversial brand, it's a great bit of exposure from the rising local star.


Some choice quotes:

Who taught you how to knit?
I learned to knit from a woman named Lora Kinnan, owner of Daisy Knits in North Minneapolis. She is the one who sold me the machine I use now. Right after I bought the machine, I would go for lessons every week. The first thing I learned was how to make a tiny sock.

What do you love about Minneapolis?
I love Minneapolis because my friends live here and they are wonderful. Minneapolis has many small-town aspects to it that help me relate more to my childhood. I like knowing the people that are serving me coffee. It's also a nice city for biking and exploring nature, but I hate winter.

Click here to read more.

Local fashion link roundup

[Designs by Frances Zerr. Photos by katherine j photography]

• METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan spotlights 2011 METRO Keeper Award winner Frances Zerr for her blog Art of Wore.
• Knitwear designer Annie Larson is spotlighted in the latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.
• Annie Larson designs laptop-sleeve sweaters.
• Cliche's Avoid the Grey inspiration explores spring 2011 trends.
• Fashion designer Mackenzie Labine tries on - and reviews - wedding dresses from local shops for her upcoming nuptuals.
• Minnesota-bred model Raina Hein has been offered a role in a short film.
• Sara Glassman profiles the home of a stylish local couple for Star Tribune.
• Ellen Dahl Lawson captures the stylish crowd at the final night of the 501 Club for Vita.mn.
• The ride blog interviews Jared Zachary of local men's neckwear line Freedom From Doubt.
• The Minnesota Historical Society offers a preview of RetroRama 2011.
• FairShadow Photography shoots local clothing line Blasphemina's Closet at the Landmark Center.
• Local jewelry designer Kristin Berwald of Bionic Unicorn previews her spring jewelry collections.
• Salon Takeover's Tabatha Coffey was in town this past weekend to sign copies of her new book at the MOA; Sara Glassman does a Q&A with the stylist on her haircut tips for Star Tribune.
• Mpls.St.Paul's Allison Kaplan hangs out with Tabatha Coffey at the MOA.
• Ellen Dahl surveys the crowd at last Thursday's "Recess" dance night at the Varsity Theater.
• Check out recaps of last Thursday's the Spring MNfashion Week Buyer Event by Sara Glassman for PopFizz Daily, Metromix, Examiner, and Stacey Tuthill Rammer (with photos by Emily Utne) for City Pages. My recap for Vita.mn is here.
• Sara Glassman spotlights local acrylic jewelry designer (and Voltage 2011 designer for Frances Zerr) Jennifer Merchant for PopFizz Daily.