Fashion Week Minnesota Fall 2017

Happy Fashion Week, Minnesota! 

Fall/Winter 2017 brings a lot of changes to FWMN - from new events that I hope become traditions to the notable absence of Envision. 

My top picks: 

Flyover x FWMN

New this season is a half-day summit, produced by Midwest platform Flyover, for "influencers, brands, and consumers interested in making the fashion industry more inclusive."  The event features local leaders tackling topics like body positivity in fashion, ethnic and racial diversity in fashion & beauty, building sustainable and ethical brands, queer style, and fashion & politics.  As someone who has felt excluded because of my status or standards in more than one of the above mentioned topics, I'm excited to see what comes from the conversations that unfold and hope our community can become more inclusive.  

Saturday, September 9
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flyover-x-fashion-week-mn-tickets-36647340181

 

Northern Vogue

A runway event featuring Gina Marie, Gräsmark Menswear, Winsome Goods, and a collaboration I have been shamelessly Insta-stalking.  Designer Jeannine Cavallo, whose line J.Cavallo is based on supporting women, teamed up with one of my favorite makers of sparkly things (Sara Beth Goldfine of Goldfine Jewelry) and one of Minnesota's favorite bloggers - Lindsey Higgins.  Together they have created Fantasme Collection, and are even showing at NYFW this year before bringing it home to MN.  

Sunday, September 10
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-vogue-fashion-show-tickets-36830920274

 

A Night of Lexurie

Designer Alexis Brazil will be showing the latest collection from her sleek Lexurie line.  The show also includes collections from Hodan Ali and DBKC by Keandrea Chanel.  I was able to see DBKC at April’s #mplsjungle event and am delighted to see more.  

Monday, September 11
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-of-lexurie-tickets-36957487841

 

Plus Size Pop-Up Shop + Panel Discussion

Cat Polivoda of online (and soon to be in-person) plus size resale store Cake and Michelle Raven of Arc’s Value Village host a plus size pop-up shop and panel discussion moderated by Twila Dang of Matriarch Digital Media.  Hopefully Saturday’s Flyover summit gets this conversation started, but Cat and Michelle’s panel will really dive into the issues facing plus-size consumers.  Panelists include Jessica Barrett of Machine Shop, Char Dobbs of Char Style & Image, Ryan Kroening of Events by Lady K, Molly May of Six Peaks, and fashion designer/Project Runway contestant Samantha Rei.  I love that this is an official part of FWMN and hope it inspires change in the industry and society.  This panel is free to attend, reservation/ticket required.  

Tuesday, September 12
https://www.facebook.com/events/1452456088165149/?ti=cl

Image courtesy of Michelle Raven and Cat Polivoda. 

Image courtesy of Michelle Raven and Cat Polivoda. 

 

Numina

Kindred Folk’s latest collection will be presented in an intimate event at Showroom with live runway music from Thomas Nordlund and Ben Abrahamson.  In addition, poetry by Nayyirah Waheed will be read by Freya Ershadi Inanna.  Attendees of this show will be able to order pieces right off the runway!  Expect to see dramatic shapes, stretch velvet, different takes on signature silhouettes, and a fall color palette I am beyond excited about.  New this season is the addition of handbags to the Kindred Folk brand, a further expansion from the hand-dyed bedding they recently introduced.  I was able to get a sneak peek and now can’t wait to see the whole collection.  
 

Tuesday, September 12
http://fashionweekmn.com/event/kindred-folk-numina/

 

Bonus:

Samantha Rei Project Runway viewing parties on Thursdays.  From putting together a badass "metal ballet" inspired dress while sick with the flu, to creating a runway look from recycled materials, Minneapolis fashion designer Samantha Rei's run continues on Project Runway Season 16.  Watch the latest episode live, with Samantha's commentary, at Du Nord Craft Spirits.  The episode airs at 8pm CST but arrive early to try a craft cocktail and secure a spot to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/events/835202716642952 

ACG Open Studio at Northrup King First Thursday.  Designer Anna Chambers Goldberg may be showing at a buyer/influencer exclusive event during FWMN, but you can shop her studio (#466) at NKB tonight.

AK Collective has a couple of events lined up in September.  First, stop by B. Resale on September 16 for an AK Collective pop-up.  Next, a networking and pop-up shop event at Honey on September 20: 

TEN just made it even easier to get your frugal fashion fix.  Speakeasy-style St. Paul thrift shop TEN recently announced an online booking system to reserve appointments.  Most everything in the shop is $10 or under, with exceptions for high fashion finds - bf scored a vintage Versace pullover for $20.  

See you tonight at #MINNSTAFASHION - don't forget to RSVP for a chance to win an overnight stay at W!  Make sure to dress your best and keep your phone is charged to stay connected - there will be prizes for best dressed and best Instagram post.  

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Written by Urban Orchid On