Blythe for McQ for Target

I had wanted to share the lookbook images from the upcoming McQ Alexander McQueen for Target line, but when I stumbled across pictures of Blythe modeling each look, I thought it'd be a great chance to compare look by look.

All Blythe images by Gina Garan / Lookbook photos provided by Target

Alexander McQueen's latest collaboration with Target stars none other than Blythe. That's right - the googly-eyed semi-creepy doll that was first introduced in the '70s and has since made a resurgence among collectors. The doll is customizable - you can change her eye color, cut her hair, and even carve into her "skin" to create expressions. It's no surprise the doll has become a hit in the fashion crowd. For the ad campaign, which was created by a Minneapolis ad agency, Blythe is wearing doll-sized versions of McQueen's collection for Target. Though they're not available for purchase for your own Blythe dolls, they're awfully cute. The line hits Target stores nationwide on March 4, and Manhattenites get a preview at a special pop-up boutique at St. John's Center on Feb. 14-15 from noon to 10 p.m. during Fashion Week.

Unfortunately, they will not be reproducing the collection in Blythe-sized versions.

View the entire McQ lookbook

Look for my write-up in this week's issue of Vita.mn with some juicy details about the line's ad campaign starring vintage Blythe dolls.

The latest designer diffusion lines: Charlotte Ronson + Isaac Mizrahi

One of my obsessions are the cheap-chic designer collaborations that make high-end designs affordable to the masses. They can be done well, as in the case with Isaac Mizrahi's new collection for working-moms-who-lunch label Liz Claiborne - or lackluster, to the point of looking downright generic when you look past the well-styled promotional looks.

Don't let the styling fool you: Looks from I [Heart] Ronson

The designer in question: Charlotte Ronson (the sister of Mark and Samantha), whose I [Heart] Ronson line for JCPenney is now available on the JCPenney site, and it appears to be on the cheap, generic side. Nylon Magazine had previously gotten ahold of the line and based on the way they styled it, the line has potential when mixed right. Either way, it may be worth checking out in person. There are a few pretty floral dresses and a cute but basic vest, and after all the price is right - it retails for $15 to $65, while Ronson's contemporary line wholesales for $70 to $130. If nothing else, the line should make up for the shockingly inappropriate junior line Kimora Lee Simmons did for the discount retailer.

A look from Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne

On the other hand, Isaac Mizrahi’s collection for Liz Claiborne is surprisingly good. It retains the use of color and smart separates that made his Target line successful, but replaces the occasional frumpiness of that line with a little extra chicness. To be fair, it’s doubtful that Mizrahi did much of the designing on the Target line himself, so it appears he’s more hands-on with his Claiborne gig. The price points are a bit higher than what we’re used to, ranging from $149 for a simple strapless wool dress and $49 for a crew-neck sweater, but judging from the online lookbook, everything looks higher-end than it really is - which, after all, is the point of cheap chic lines.

Local fashion preview: New Land of Milk and Honey

One of my favorite local clothing designers Annie Larson of Swank Dollar and equally-excellent jewelry line SisBro are joining forces in late spring for a fashion event/performance, and they've just released a preview of the line on which they're collaborating, New Land of Milk and Honey.

Annie tells me there will be "ten-ish looks all together, with a good portion of it being sweater knit pieces on the knitting machine I just bought with Erin Smith (of SisBro)." I, for one, am excited for these knit pieces, and the designs depicted in the sketches make it clear that Annie is one of the few Twin Cities designers really pushing fresh, new design concepts. While it's clearly not for everyone, I can see at least a few pieces that I can see myself wearing.

What else we can expect: "The premise for the performance is that it is an expose on a peaceful commune of people that resides in Wisconsin, and in anticipation of the future they construct their lives around the use of Segways (you know, those little gyrscope scooter things)." There will actually be Segways in the performance, showcased on a futuristic landscape designed and constructed by Brett and Erin Smith of SisBro. The show, location and date to be confirmed, will also include a variety of other visual artists, musicians, and projection artists.

Vita.mn for 2.5.09-2.11.09

"Paper Hearts" necklace by Emily Johnson

Check out my writing in Vita.mn this week:

Locally-designed handbag line goes Hollywood and local jewelry designers Karin Jacobson and Emily Johnson sell their latest wares: Fashion: Alexis Hudson handbags + Local jewelry trunk show

Jewelry from the "Lotus" collection by Karin Jacobson

This Northeast art-meets-performance studio event Art Ache should get you ready for Art-A-Whirl.

Get a new perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the locally-produced "Cafe Intifada: An Intellectual Salon"

More weekend events: Vita.mn's Hotness Party, "Ice Yourself," Art Sled Rally, Dessa's book discussion, and Second Runway fashion show.

A preview of JoyNoelle's look for Second Runway via PopFizz Daily

Minneapolis Spring Fashion Calendar - Update!

Mark your calendars: I've got the exclusive preview of spring fashion events happening in and around Minneapolis. Here's a sampling of the events I'm most excited about:

Feb. 11: Goodwill/Easter Seals MN presents Second Runway fashion show
This benefit fashion show held at Goodwill/Easter Seals' Minnesota headquarters features a wealth of local design talent, including professionals (like JoyNoelle and Russell Bourrienne) to independent up-and-comers (like Jenny Carle and Renate Adjei) to student designers. The premise: Designers recreate items from Goodwill stores into new designs.

Feb. 13: Walker After Hours: Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton at Walker Art Center
The subject of this Walker preview party is famed portrait artist Elizabeth Peyton, known for her portraits of celebrities, artists and iconic figures. A friend and muse of Marc Jacobs, who's visage is included among her paintings, Peyton has her eye ever-fixed on the pulse of art and pop culture. The party includes karaoke by Arzu of the popular Staraoke night at Grumpy's, tunes by Transmission DJ Jake Rudh, a screening of the film Kurt Cobain: About a Son, and a celebrity art-making activity.

Feb. 14: VD09 at Northrup King Building
Most of us consider Valentine's to be a cheesy holiday, but this Valentine's Day party turns up the cheese factor into kitsch territory. Part art show, part party, this free event encourages guests to "dress sexy" and wear "furry costumes" while drinking, dancing and - of course - eating plenty of chocolate.

Feb 21: Exposed: 41st Annual Clothing Design Senior Fashion Show at Rapson Hall
If you caught Calpurnia Peach's youthful yet sophisticated line last year at Voltage, you probably wouldn't have guessed the line's designers are still students. Designers Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch will be showcasing their senior lines (which doubles as Calpurnia Peach's Fall 2009 Collection), which they say is inspired by Peter Pan and The Lost Boys children's book.

Feb 21: Adorable new vintage store Blacklist Vintage, which specializes in affordable vintage headwear, is offering the chance to be photographed in their hats for display at the shop. Also: Free champagne!

Feb. 28: Dean and Britta: 13 Most Beautiful… Songs for Andy Warhol’s “Screen Tests” at Walker Cinema
Internationall-acclaimed singer-songwriter duo Dean and Britta were commissioned by The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh to compose music to accompany Warhol's Screen Tests, a series of silent-film portraits of well-known celebs and Factory superstars. They'll be performing the results live while the films screen in the background.

Feb. 28: Fashion Fight Night III at Uppercut Boxing Gym
Presented by METRO Magazine, the third annual event will feature six teams made up of a photographer, a hair stylist, a make-up artist, a fashion stylist, an assistant and a model that face off simultaneously in two rings. Every year the teams up the showmanship, so there's no telling what theatrics will ensue this time around.

Mar. 7: Fashion Forward at Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth
Yes, Duluth is a bit of a drive, but how many opportunities does one have to watch a rock show at an aquarium? The charity event features the dreamy music of Minneapolis' Bella Koshka, plus Duluth composer Amir Elmasry and Cello Dreams, fashions by Duluth designer Pacy James, and a group photography exhibition by Duluth Photographers.

Apr. 17: kjurek couture fashion show at W Minneapolis
The spring collection by local designer Kimberly Jurek of kjurek couture, described as "kimonos-meet-Little House on the Prairie," will be revealed at Minneapolis' swankiest hot spot.

Apr. 20-26: Spring MNfashion Week at various locations
For the first time, MNfashion has expanded from a "weekend" to a full week. Events include first-time solo fashion shows by Red Shoe Clothing Co., and Laura Fulk, with Voltage as the week's headlining event.

Apr. 21: 'Suffocate' at The Lab Theater
Always the most theatrical element of Voltage every year since its inception, fashion designer Laura Fulk is breaking out on her own with her first solo show. From what Emma Berg of online arts calendar mplsart.com tells me, it's an art-meets-fashion collaboration between Fulk and two visual artists.

Apr. 24: Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2009 at First Avenue
The annual fashion rock show is back for its fifth (!) year at legendary rock club First Avenue. As many longtime Voltage designers have stepped down to pursue solo shows or moved out of state, expect a lot of new faces at this year's show. Returning designers include the dreamy, '20s-esque looks of Max Lohrbach, the sophisticated designs of Amanda Christine, and the fairytale-inspired styles of Calpurnia Peach. The solid music line-up includes bands Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles, Gospel Gossip, First Communion Afterparty, Maria Isa and Mercurial Rage. Also new this year: A pop-up designer boutique in 7th St. Entry, an in-house after party DJ'd by Transmission DJ Jake Rudh, and a move to Friday night.

May 21: RetroRama at Minnesota History Center
The fourth edition of the Minnesota Historical Society’s exploration of retro style steps away from the ‘50s to include four other stylish decades of American fashion. This year’s local designers who reimagine looks of the past include Max Lohrbach (1920s), Ivan Idland (1930s), TBD (1940s), Calpurnia Peach (1950s), and Sarah Holm (1960s). It also kicks off Minnesota's Greatest Generation, an exhibition that focuses on local perspectives of the generation that came of age during the booms of the 1950s. Best of all, this year's show will be held outdoors under a tent, so we can all pretend we're having our very own Fashion Week show.

Keep your eyes on Vita.mn and La Petit Connaisseur de la Mode as details emerge!

Cliché's Avoid the Grey in Review

A look by Niki English Designs & Handbags/ Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

Cliché's bi-annual runway shows are always a can't-miss event, if not for the slew of fabulous people it brings out, for the chance to plan your spring shopping. Its spring 2009 "Avoid the Grey" fashion show showcased the work of 14 of its busy designers (paired with locally-designed accessories by Tea Tree Designs, Adrienne Grahn, Zoby, and others). In a departure from previous shows, Cliché owners Josh and Delayna Sundberg decided to keep it simple, showing only 5-6 looks per designer - a move which made the show move by more swiftly while maintaining its energy.

The show kicked off with Emily Weich's line of unapologetically feminine dresses, skirts and blouses in shades of pink and fabrics both sheer and satiny.

Dress by Emily Weich / Headpiece by Zoby / Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

Another highlight was Ivan Idland's line, which featured his usual graphic, intricately-seamed aesthetic. But this line seemed more sophisticated and playful for Idland, whose silhouettes have at times been at times difficult to pull off -unless, that is, you happen to be a 5'11", size 2 model. These cut and design elements of these dresses would flatter just about anyone's shape.

Dress by Ivan Idland / Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

I'll admit I'm biased when it comes to Red Shoe Clothing Co. I'm a fan of just about anything that Minneapolis fashion fixture Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. designs. I've already pre-ordered a pair of her spectacularly-fitting high-waisted, suspendered pants that come with an optional band at the ankle that can take the look from wide-legged to harem. Expert tailor that she is, she also does ingenius leather-work, including this hand-cut gold leather belt with a removable bow ($150 at Cliché).

Dress and belt by Red Shoe Clothing Co. / Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

I had been eagerly awaiting to see the collaboration between clothing designer Maritza Ramirez and graphic designer Anthem Heart, and it managed to retain both Maritza's structured, feminine aesthetic and Anthem Heart's stripped-down tribal prints.

Dress and t-shirt by Maritza Ramirez + Anthem Heart / Image by Tony Nelson for City Pages

Above looks by Maritza Ramirez + Anthem Heart / Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

Relative newcomer and Ghana native Renate Adjei showed her collective, a vast improvement over her debut at last summer's Cliché show. Thought was put into each seam and ruffle, and though the black and white dress below was my personal favorite, Adjei showed a masterful, unabashed use of color. Though lacking in a cohesive color story, Adjei seems to have a strong and distinctive aesthetic that I can only hope she continues to develop.

Dresses by Renate Adjei / Accessories by Tea Tree Designs / Image by Stacy Schwartz, courtesy Decider Minneapolis

The always-solid Amanda Christine never lets on just how busy of a designer she is. Every garment was perfectly fit and sewn, and the mix of soft florals with a curve-hugging little black dress made a strong, if not entirely groundbreaking, statement. But in the business of fashion, nothing beats a flattering fit, lovely fabrics and well-attended-to details.

Dresses by Amanda Christine Designs / Image by Stacy Schwartz for Decider Minneapolis

If you see something you like, be sure to hop over to Cliché - most everything in the show is one of a kind so don't miss out.

Check out Stacy Schwartz's review for Decider Minneapolis. You can view another photo set here.

The week in local shopping: Target's latest, Oscar de la Renta + ROX

New GO International Private Label Collection in store at Target

A look from GO International Private Label 5, $44.99

Target's GO International private label collections are never quite as good as the ones done by their guest designers, but they're still a step above the mass retailer's usual offerings in quality and design. The fifth collection, slated to hit Target stores and target.com today, is typical of these collections. As a whole, it's relatively disjointed - some punk rock here, some girlie frocks there. It seems there are always a few great pieces and a bunch of others that are either over-designed or generic. My favorites: A draped skirt in multiple shades of blue (below, $27.99) has a hand-painted couture look that's impressive for something so affordable, while the pink, fuchsia and grey one-shouldered dress (above, $44.99, available 2/15) would make a great pre-spring party dress. (UPDATE: As of Feb. 5 the line is still not available on the website and it has not yet been spotted in stores. What gives?)

A look from GO International Private Label 5, $27.99

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009 Trunk Show at Nordstrom

Images courtesy style.com

The chance to view the entire collection by an internationally-renowned fashion designer up close is a rare opportunity - even if you can't afford to buy any of it. If you're a true fashion lover, samples from Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2009 collection will be on display at Nordstrom at the Mall of America (11 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 4-5). The Spring 2009 collection features de la Renta's signature luxurious fabrics, embroidery, and ladylike elegance, though it could perhaps stand to loosen up a bit. In these trying economic times, wearability are just as key as quality and design.

ROX trunk show at Luna Vinca

Robyne Robinson in ROX / Image by Digital Crush

Even if you can't afford to take a trip to an exotic locale this winter, you can at least wear a piece of it. Local jewelry line ROX by designer Robyne Robinson fields most of the materials used in her one-of-a-kind designs from Greece to Paris to obscure tiny islands. She'll be showcasing her latest finds in elegant arrangements both delicate and bold at this trunk show Saturday from 12-5 p.m. at Luna Vinca.

For more local shopping news, check out my write-ups on the Fashion page of next Thursday's edition of Vita.mn.