Envision Spring 2015

Ah, Envision...the highlight event of each fashion season in the Twin Cities.  Clear skies and a warm sun setting over downtown Minneapolis created the perfect spring evening to celebrate the season's best in local fashion.  

Set in Orchestra Hall on May 2, the event consisted of two runway segments showcasing local designers and boutiques, with music and art before, after, and in between.  

The Atrium/VIP Room featured several artists creating new works for sale via silent auction, proceeds going to Public Functionary.  I noticed that this season, the artists works were the only items up for auction (as opposed to donated/sponsored gift sets and services) and that there were more artists.  

Also new this season was the addition of a pop-up shop.  Locally based online retailer Hotrocity had a bunch of accessories for sale in their pop up, including some items that walked the runway. Hotrocity carries Cynthia Rae, Objects & Subjects, Koon Yai, Hardt, and other Minnesota based accessory and clothing designers.

Hotrocity pop-up shop at Envision Spring 2015.

Hotrocity pop-up shop at Envision Spring 2015.

The runway background was a beautiful floral sculpture, really bringing home the idea of tying together fashion and art. 

Introduction to Envision.

Introduction to Envision.

Tricia Khutoresky, the curator at Public Functionary, kicked off the event in a stunning white maxi-dress with perforated leather top.  

Trisha in a white maxi dress hosting Envision. 

Trisha in a white maxi dress hosting Envision. 

She was excited by the support for Envision but reminded us that all the art and inspiration being showcased is made possible by local artists and businesses, and that if we like what we see, we should continue to support them.   

She was also excited by the fact that Beyonce’s tour DJ would be providing thing the music for the runway segments and the after party.  DJ Monsieur Adi worked with the designers to put together a set for each collection, another something different for Spring 2015. 

Part I: 
Emah Ellie Hottinger 
House Of Ginamarie + Mienkielo 
Yevette Willaert
Kjurek 
Idle Child 

EMAH by Ellie Hottinger 

Floaty white dress by EMAH from Ellie Hottinger.

Floaty white dress by EMAH from Ellie Hottinger.

House of Ginamarie + Mienkielo 
Loved how their collaborative looks were so sharp, but also seemed so effortless. 

Look by House of Gina + Marie and Mienkielo.

Look by House of Gina + Marie and Mienkielo.

Yevette Willaert 
I loved the fun spring prints and even more love Yevette’s dedication to sustainable style.  Her line and her philosophy are very in tune with mine, that supporting socially and environmentally conscious clothing is important for the betterment of the world and it doesn’t have to be boring. 

Excellent pattern mixing on this look by Yevette Willaert.

Excellent pattern mixing on this look by Yevette Willaert.

Kjurek 
Kim and Jen’s use of fringe was right on trend with a 70’s vibe, and it had gorgeous movement down the runway. The tie-dye made me want to take a beach vacation ASAP.  Everything looked comfortable and stylish, which can definitely be hard to do.  

Idle Child  
The collection was 20’s inspired, and I appreciated that it didn't hit you over the head with a flapper dress.  There was a lot of mixing of sheer and prints, and the iridescent beading was fantastic.  Monsieur Adi mixing in a lot of the Gatsby movie soundtrack definitely amplified my admiration of the collection.  

And the finale dress!

Part II: 
Jenny Carle 
Kozol 
Cliche 
Emily Trevor 
George Moskal 

Jenny Carle

Emily Trevor
The intro video revealed that Emily’s collection was inspired by the outdoors and tennis, two things I don’t super love. The clothes started down the runway and even though I’m definitely not preppy (maybe the 12 years of private school uniforms made me want to rebel?), I was really drawn to them.  Each look was clearly inspired by exactly what she said, but wasn’t over the top.  And the last dress had the crowd gasping and clapping...

And the finale dress...tennis wedding anyone?

George Moskal
George Moskal closed the show for a second season.  The sparkly prints mixed with soft fabrics would make an excellent sophisticated but playful spring wardrobe. 

Envision is always the highlight of my MN fashion season, and the Spring 2015 event brought in lots of new elements. I hope the video introductions continue and would love to see even more ways to shop the runway the night of the event.  

I’m very excited about the talented designers in the Twin Cities and hope that all my Vegas and Chicago friends reading can rest assured that Minnesota has a lot more for me than we all anticipated. 

What I wore:


Dress from Ragstock Duluth, Shuriken ring by Kristin Hassan, vest by Punkktual (bought it at RAW: EXPOSURE and saw it on the runway at Voltage 2013), leopard calf hair wedges by Banana Republic, clutch from Target.

Envision now has it’s own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/envisionminneapolis.

Save the date for the Fall 2015 show - Sept 25, 2015!

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