There may no longer be an official Twin Cities Fashion Week, but there is still a lot of talent and energy in the Minneapolis-St. Paul fashion community.

I’m finally making my move to Minneapolis this weekend and it just so happens that a string of exciting local fashion events kick off right when I get the keys to my new digs.

Thursday, April 23

House of Gina Marie + Ruby3 Trunk Show
Sip on champagne and peruse a Kentucky Derby inspired collection featuring hats and fascinators with coordinating Allegra Lockstadt prints by Ruby3 will be available at June Resale, as well as Gina Marie sample sale pieces and limited edition items from the latest collection.

More information: http://juneresale.com/off-to-the-races-with-anna-lee-joy-teiken

Friday, April 24

Fashion Revolution Day
This global initiative to bring the issue of supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing to the forefront of the fashion industry really reminded me of why I started this blog in the first place. Started after the Rana Plaza factory complex collapse in Bangladesh on April 24, 2013, Fashion Revolution Day challenges consumers to think more about how their garments come to be. This year, they challenge us to ask “Who made my clothes?”. The free Minneapolis event will be at the Minnesota Textile Center and includes a runway show featuring participants in recycled/repurposed/handmade/thrifted/fair trade/eco/organic/ethically made clothing, pop up shops from local vendors, and screening of Cotton Road - a documentary which follows cotton from farms in South Carolina to factories overseas.

More information on the Minneapolis event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-revolution-day-minneapolis-tickets-16238026374
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1374869166175900/
More information on the Fashion Revolution (and to find events in other cities): http://fashionrevolution.org/

Saturday, April 25

North Loop Spring Crawl

Named one of Thrillist’s “Coolest Neighborhoods in America”, the North Loop/Warehouse District hosts a bi-annual “Crawl” through it’s various boutiques, studios, and businesses. Collect stamps on a passport that can be obtained at any of the participating retailers for a chance to win a $500 grand prize gift basket while exploring the neighborhood. Stores such as Roe Wolfe, Martinpatrick3, Statement, and D.Nolo are part of the crawl, all offering their own discounts, specials, and giveaways. I’m especially excited about this since the North Loop is not only home to awesome boutiques, but also the awesome place I’ll be working.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/462700807229062/

Tessa Louise Art Opening
One of my favorite Twin Cities fashion designers, Tessa Druley of Tessa Louise, will be showcasing sketches at Showroom inspired by fashion - her own designs and the ones that excite her.

More information: http://showroommpls.com/event/art-opening-tessa-druley/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/448273392005489/

Sunday, April 26

I AM FABULOUS!
Presented by Sarah Edwards of I Am Kindness, the Sunday brunch-time event celebrates style at every age at the Varsity Theater. Food, giveaways, hair and makeup, local pop-up shops, live music, dancing, a photo booth, a fashion show, and a screening of “Advanced Style” are all part of the fun.
P.S. The event falls on Sarah’s birthday!

More information: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-fabulous-tickets-16177011878?aff=es2
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/625077800959299

Wednesday, April 29

RAW Artists Minneapolis Presents: EXPOSURE

EXPOSURE brings art, fashion, music, film, photography, hair & makeup, and performance art together at the Pourhouse. Designers include Punkktual (who I remember from Voltage 2013), unisex (and totally badass looking) Form over Function, and Duluth-based, steampunk inspired designer Patricia of Chemistry Fashions, working with No One Fashion.

More information: http://www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/exposure
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1630443387191228/

Thursday, April 30

Hardt Jewelry Showroom Opening
Drinks, apps, prizes, and new pieces await at the grand opening of Hardt Jewelry’s showroom at the Northwind Lofts. Even more importantly, a portion of the proceeds of all sales from the night will go to Reclaim - an organization specializing in mental health care for LGBTQ youth.

More information:http://www.reclaim-lgbtyouth.org/hardt-jewelry-showroom-opening-event/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1378547099141212/

Saturday, May 2

Envision

The biggest bi-annual fashion event in the Twin Cities returns to Orchestra Hall for Spring 2015. A runway show featuring looks from local boutiques and designers is presented in the dramatic glass atrium. Part of each ticket sale and all of the proceeds from the silent auction during the event benefit Public Functionary. Live entertainment by Monsieur Adi and an after party at Coup d’Etat are included with ticket purchase. Check out my recaps of Fall 2013, Spring 2014, and Fall 2014 and be sure not to miss Spring 2015!

More information: http://envisionmpls.com/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1570632843176691/

Sunday, May 3

RISE: Advocacy Through Design Fashion Show
University of Minnesota's FAB (Fashion and Business student organization) hosts an annual fashion show/scholarship competition/fundraiser. Looks from local designers such as Tim+Thom and a student designer scholarship competition will be presented. Additionally, delicious doughnut pop-up by sssdude-nutz bakery will be available at the event. Proceeds from the event benefit Dress For Success-Twin Cities, the local branch of the global organization that “promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and life."

More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rise-advocacy-through-design-tickets-16372287954
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1377922449202505/

This list is not comprehensive (so much talent and energy in the MSP area!) and may be updated as I find out more information.

There are also some events of interest that fall out of this range but are worth mentioning, such as the Eye Candy | A Design Showcase of student-designed garments made of nontraditional material at Weisman Art Museum on April 22, ACG Designs Trunk Show on May 7, Design on a Dime youth fundraiser/fashion show in St. Paul on May 7, Minnesota History Center’s Inspiring Beauty: Fashion Show and Exhibit Preview for the “50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” exhibit on May 21, and the 2nd Annual Minnesota Fashion Awards/Rumble on the Runway later this summer on August 21.