Kerry Riley debuts Needle & Black designs

Now that Kerry Riley has re-launched her brand as Needle & Black, she's making it known with a shoot featuring her newest designs. From the looks of it, Riley's not making any grand departure from her work under the name Red Shoe Clothing Co., but with the added variety and color, it's fun to see Riley stepping outside of her comfort zone just a bit.

You'll be able to see these designs (including the above garment I commissioned from her to make for the recent vitaminwaterZERO "Flourish" fashion show), new screen-printed Needle & Black t-shirts, and jewelry by Lauren Neal's Carrier Pigeon at next Thursday's Studio Launch Party for the studio they share at Thorp Building in Northeast.

Loving the Parisian-style print of this top - and the easy-chic fit of it.

This is the dress (minus the train) Riley created for Laura Bennett of Red Pens for Voltage 2010 this past April. It's hard to see in this picture, but the bleaching is quite lovely. Riley says she plans to incorporate more of the bleached-out look in her t-shirts and future designs.

A lovely, simple little dress that is ultra-wearable. It's a silhouette Riley first debuted in January at Cliche's Avoid the Grey show, but looks so much different with this print.

This spy coat was part of Riley's "The Death of Red Shoe" show in May. The epaulet chain design is by Carrier Pigeon.

Photographer: Brian Bradshaw
Model: Kristina Lezepekova / Ignite Models.

RetroRama 2010 preview

Once again, the Minnesota Historical Society's annual fashion-infused event RetroRama is returning to the grounds of the Minnesota History Center. The MNfashion-produced show is one of my favorite events to style every year, as it gives me the chance to delve deeper into retro style inspiration and explore how it affects modern fashion. (I'm lead stylist for the show.)

As usual, a crop of some of the most exquisite local fashion designers known for incorporating retro style inspiration will showcase one fantastic piece inspired by a decade from the 20th century. This year's designers include Ivan Idland (1920s), Joy Teiken of Joynoelle (1930s), George Moskal (1940s), Max Lohrbach (1950s), and Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. (1960s). Each took a particular leisure activity popular in the decade as a point of inspiration. Here's the designer's sketches to give you a glimpse into what to expect at Thursday's show:


Ivan Idland's coat and dress are inspired by the flapper style of the 1920s.


Joy Teiken's gown is inspired by 1930s Old Hollywood glamour.


George Moskal's jumper and jacket are inspired by beach styles of the 1940s.


Max Lohrbach's tulle and plastic gown is inspired by 1950s promwear, record albums and clear plastic-covered purses.


Kerry Riley's 1960s look is inspired by shapewear and sleepwear. (Think underwear as outerwear.)

More on RetroRama:

Guests can also pick up retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores, and unearth unique finds at vintage boutiques, courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Design.

Belt out favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the karaoke lounge, and make throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe. Who knows more about specs than Ben Franklin? Learn about the man who invented bi-focals in the History Center exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.” Visit with chef Dan Ritter as he shares a few tips on mid century cuisine and bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.

Vintage attire is encouraged. For inspiration, visit www.mnhs.org/retrorama and check out past RetroRama evenings with an online video showcasing some of the most fashion-forward vintage looks. Plus, explore a timeline of fashion history from the 1920s through the 1960s.

RetroRama is May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fee is $15 or $12 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Parking is $5. Cash bars will be available and snacks can be purchased. Advanced tickets are recommended; for more information, call 651-259-3015 or purchase tickets online at www.mnhs.org/retrorama.

[Originally posted at the651.com.]

Just announced: "The Death of Red Shoe"

A longtime fixture of the local fashion scene is rebranding herself. After some copyright complications, Kerry Riley is ditching the Red Shoe Clothing Co. brand that she's been building for the past six-plus years, but she's not letting it go out without a bang. She just announced her first solo fashion show, happening during Art-A-Whirl weekend on Friday, May 14 at Thorp Building. It will be a sort of retrospective of the designer's work throughout the years and include some new pieces - expect plenty of the designer's signature stripes in a palette heavy on black, white and red. I'll be lending a hand to the designer in the styling of the show, and l'etoile magazine sponsors. See below for full press release.

[Photo courtesy Red Shoe Clothing Co.]

Red Shoe Clothing, Co. Presents:
The Death of Red Shoe

Friday, May 14th, 2010
8 p.m. / Free
(to be held during the Opening Night party, 5pm-10pm…….see more info below)

@ Thorp Building,
1618 Central Ave NE
Northeast Minneapolis

Local fashion designer, Kerry Riley, will present a fashion show/retrospective entitled “The Death of Red Shoe” at the opening night Art-a-Whirl party at the Thorp building. The show will take place at 8pm on Friday, May 14th.

An Art-A-Whirl newcomer, Riley recently moved her studio from her apartment to the Thorp building, the birthplace of Art-a-Whirl, late last year.

The fashion show will feature a combination of past, present and mostly future Red Shoe looks. A dress and leather holster from the first Voltage Fashion show will be one of the examples of past looks. The first part of the show will be dark, but colorful, and evolve into a much lighter, optimistic, blank canvas ideal.

THE “DEATH” OF RED SHOE?

A few months ago, Riley began the process of trade marking her long-time business name and logo. Shortly thereafter, she received the bad news: someone else had “Red Shoe” trademarked since the year she was born.

“I wouldn’t have even had a chance!” laughs Riley. “It was my only solace moving forward at that point.”

“It’s been very challenging to come up with a new name. I’ve been passing around a list of possible names to people to get their opinions, but I’m still undecided. I may unveil the new name at the show. If not, I, like Prince, will have to be just a symbol for awhile,” Riley laughs; referring to the button & needles logo she’s currently in the process of trade marking.

“Although it is a ‘death,’ this show will be uplifting and show my optimism for the future,” Riley says.

ABOUT RED SHOE CLOTHING, CO.

Red Shoe Clothing, Co. is the playground for Minneapolis design maven, Kerry Riley. While studying in London at the American Intercontinental University, Riley worked under legendary British designer Zandra Rhodes. After completing her BA in Apparel Design in 2001, Riley honed her skills as an assistant designer and patternmaker at one of the leading dancewear companies in the country, Satin Stitches.

Since then Red Shoe was born, earning a reputable following by creating classic, tailored, professionally constructed clothing and leather accessories for both men and women. The label’s designs have been displayed in countless fashion events such as Diva MN and the Midwest’s premier fashion show, Voltage: Fashion Amplified every year since its inception in 2004. Riley has also designed costumes for a number of Zorongo Flamenco productions, the Sandbox Theater, and currently teaches a weekly Fashion Class at Old Arizona.

Visit www.redshoeclothing.com for more.

Rapport vs. Red Shoe

When the print on the "Grace" wallet from the Spring 2010 collection by local accessories line Rapport caught my eye, it felt familiar for a good reason - it's the same fabric used in a signature piece from local fashion designer Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. from her Voltage 2007 spring line. In fact, I own said shirt - here's a comparison shot for fun. The shirt may no longer be available, but you can snag the wallet at www.shoprapport.com for $160.

[Images courtesy The Minneapoline & shoprapport.com]

RetroRama 2010 announced

RetroRama, the annual retro-meets-modern fashion show and event, returns to the Minnesota History Center on Thursday, May 13. I'll be returning as the show's fashion stylist, joined by MNfashion (producer) and DJ Jake Rudh.

[Image by Nic Marshall, styling by Eclecticoiffuer, courtesy Minnesota Historical Society]

The show takes the decades of the 1920s through 1960s, and each of six local designers offer their modern spin on the styles of that era. This year's designers include Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, George Moskal, Joy Teiken of Joynoelle, and Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co.

More from the press release:

Guests can also pick up retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores, and unearth unique finds at vintage boutiques, courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Design.

Belt out favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the karaoke lounge, and make throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe. Who knows more about specs than Ben Franklin? Learn about the man who invented bi-focals in the History Center exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.” Visit with chef Dan Ritter as he shares a few tips on mid century cuisine and bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.

Vintage attire is encouraged. For inspiration, visit www.mnhs.org/retrorama and check out past RetroRama evenings with an online video showcasing some of the most fashion-forward vintage looks. Plus, explore a timeline of fashion history from the 1920s through the 1960s.

RetroRama is May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fee is $15 or $12 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Parking is $5. Cash bars will be available and snacks can be purchased. Advanced tickets are recommended; for more information, call 651-259-3015 or purchase tickets online at www.mnhs.org/retrorama.

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]

Stuff I wrote: 2.4.10-2.10.10

Here's stuff I wrote last week for Vita.mn, including a mini recap of last week's Avoid the Grey, Voltage Preview and Commingle fashion shows, my article on Lowertown First Fridays, plus writeups on Red Shoe T-shirts, Pierrepont Hicks ties, (In)Sight U of M fashion show, "Till Death Do Us Part," VERVE Spoken Word Showcase, and "Young Frankenstein."

[A look from Voltage Preview by Danielle Everine; Image by Stacy Schwartz for MNfashion]

Crawl: Fashion week in January? (via Vita.mn)
January has never been a big month for fashion, but local designers are becoming so productive that Minneapolis was blessed with fashion shows three nights in a row last week. It started on Jan. 26 with the first-ever Voltage retail preview, in which Voltage's 2010 roster of designers previewed a selection of their most retail-ready designs for Twin Cities buyers at Vision modeling agency. Highlights included avant-garde men's knits by Kevin Kramp and silk draped separates by George Moskal. One night later, the annual Commingle show at the Fine Line featured an underground, DIY edge that seemed to hark back to 2003, when local designers preferred the avant-garde over the wearable. While much of the fashion struck out, looks from Elizabeth Chesney and SoHo Exchange were a treat for the eyes. Finally, Cliche's annual Avoid the Grey show returned to the tiny Old Arizona last Thursday. The show ended with a surreal, "Midsummer Night's Dream"-meets-"Twin Peaks" finale that had soot-covered models in plaid holding glittering axes, surrounded by men in suits and animal masks. The rest of the show packed in an astounding 15 designers including Brianne Jones and Christine Carmichael. (View full recap with images here.) -Jahna Peloquin


Fashion: Red Shoe T-shirts (via Vita.mn)
After struggling to keep the tees in stock at local boutique Cliché, Red Shoe Clothing designer Kerry Riley is now selling her popular screen-printed tees in a newly launched e-shop. Her signature chain-print shirts, designed in collaboration with Anthem Heart and printed on super-soft Alternative Apparel T-shirts, are available in various colors and cuts (V-neck or crew) and men's and women's sizes. -Jahna Peloquin

Fashion: Pierrepont Hicks ties (via Vita.mn)
Guys are dressing up more and more these days, thanks to the influence of "Mad Men" and the resurgence of classic menswear. Locally designed neckwear company Pierrepont Hicks is capitalizing on that trend via one of a well dressed gent's most vital accoutrements, the tie. Manufactured in New York's Garment District, Pierrepont Hicks' dapper selection includes both neckties and bowties in various tweedy fabrics. And now's the time to shop: Select ties are up to 20 percent off (originally $59-$89) through Valentine's Day at www.pierreponthicks.com. -Jahna Peloquin

[A look by Emily Bryngelson from (In)Sight; Image by Erin Johnson]

Fashion: (In)Sight U of M Senior Fashion Show (via Vita.mn)
The University of Minnesota’s annual fashion show has long served as a launching pad for fledgling designers. Last year, it was Calpurnia Peach’s Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch, as well as Voltage 2010 designer Brianne Jones. This year, all eyes should be fixed on Emily Bryngelson, who has a substantial head start: she’s been selling her line Tender Cuts at Cliché since this fall. Her innate ability to combine a strong point of view with wearable, well-constructed separates is a rarity for such a green designer. Other designers to watch out for are Lee Jackson, the lone male designer in the show, who combines conceptual thinking with wearable, architectural lines, as well as Judy Bender, who says she “finds inspiration from around the globe” for her sophisticated designs. -Jahna Peloquin

[Art by DC Ice, who is featured in an opening reception at the AZ Gallery as part of Lowertown First Fridays in St. Paul]

Art: Loving Lowertown (via Vita.mn)
The St. Paul artists' community moves to the fore with First Fridays crawl.
By Jahna Peloquin

Much has been made of the entertainment boom in St. Paul's Lowertown district over the past year, thanks to the success of bar/eateries Barrio and the Bulldog. Now, thanks to new First Fridays monthly open studio and gallery crawl, the Lowertown arts community comes front and center.

In fact, it's the arts scene that has long given downtown St. Paul's eastern end its distinct flavor. Lowertown has a long history of artist residencies dating back to the late 1970s when a group of artists formed the Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative. "I think it's one of the oldest artist communities in the United States where artists have been living continuously, because the artists actually live in the community," says Robyn Priestley, executive director of the St. Paul Artist Collective, which has been around for about as long, and has organized the biannual St. Paul Art Crawl for 15 years.

Another element that makes Lowertown unique is the high concentration of artists living and working within a four- to five-block radius. Priestley, an artist herself, estimates there are about 500 artists in the studios and co-ops of Lowertown. "I don't really know of any other community with that amount of artists in such a small area," Priestley says.

Despite the longevity and depth of the community, it took more than 30 years before it would institute a monthly studio crawl, a standby of any thriving arts community. But given the conceptual, right-brained nature of artists, it's not too surprising. It all started late last year when photographer Rhea Pappas joined forces with fellow Lowertown artists Barbara Evan, Tracy Olson and Ann Larson and began trekking to the area's various studios and galleries to propose the monthly crawl.

Pappas says it came out of the need to connect with the outside community and showcase its active artist environment. "The [St. Paul] Art Crawl is great, but it's literally only two weekends of the year," she says. "Then we shut down for the rest of the year." Besides, she says, "it's a good excuse to produce work and hang out with my friends."

Hooking up with neighboring galleries Black Dog Cafe and AZ Gallery was key, as the two have been serving as anchors at the Northern Warehouse for 12 years and have partnered on joint gallery openings for two years. Black Dog co-owner Sara Remke, chief curator of the cafe's art gallery, has the benefit of having seen the community develop over the years. "The Art Crawl has just expanded every year," she says. "Even though people come and go, there is a strong core of people who live here. It's just always been sort of hidden and off the grid."

But now with First Fridays, the Twin Cities' most obscure arts community is making its way to the surface. AZ Gallery member artist Cheryl LeClair-Sommer espouses its perks: "You get to snoop in people's houses, see their art and talk to them, and the buildings themselves are really historic." Besides, she says, "it's the cheapest date in town."

[Karen O'Bryan's "Goat Girl"]

Art: 'Till Death Do Us Part' (via Vita.mn)
Love and hate are popular themes during the month of love. In this dual show from artist couple RM Hanson and Karen O'Bryan, the subject matter reliably focuses on those expected topics, but there's some variety thanks to the conversely different styles of each artist. While Hanson's horror and graphic novel-inspired illustrations emphasize the ugly, monstrous side of relationships, O'Bryan's pastel paintings of animal-headed human figures showcase a gentler, subtler take on love. By managing to balance the sticky-sweet with the dark, there should be something here for everyone to relate to, regardless of the current status of one's love life. -Jahna Peloquin

Performance: VERVE 2010 Spoken Word Showcase (via Vita.mn)
Unless you've attended the weekly Soap Boxing Poetry Slam at the Artists' Quarter in St. Paul, the thriving local spoken-word scene may have eluded you. It's so hot that just last year, a St. Paul team took home championship honors at the National Poetry Slam. Now the best spoken-word artists in the Twin Cities will gather in Minneapolis this weekend at VERVE's annual Spoken Word Show Showcase, which honors emerging Minnesota-based spoken-word poets with grants totaling up to $3,000 a year. Performers include a few members of the winning Poetry Slam team, including Kyle "Guante" Myhre, known for his darkly funny monologues, and Khary "6 is 9" Jackson, whose theatrical poems command the audience. Also on hand will be Poetic Assassins and their rapid-fire, hip-hop-infused poetry, Tou Saiko Lee's bilingual ruminations on Hmong identity, and musings on life, love and loss from Tish Jones. -Jahna Peloquin

Performance: 'Young Frankenstein' (via Vita.mn)
It's unusual for a Broadway musical to be based off a (nonmusical) film, but less surprising when there's a quirky comedy genius behind it. After their runaway success with 2001's "The Producers," Mel Brooks and his songwriting partner Thomas Meehan penned the musical version of 1974 comedy-horror spoof "Young Frankenstein." For the most part, it's a faithful rendition of the original film, with the same gags and biting humor -- the main difference being the addition of the campy score. It almost goes without saying that fans of the film should enjoy the musical version, despite the lack of Gene Wilder's eccentric presence. -Jahna Peloquin