FWMN Spring 2018
The snow from the mid-April blizzard finally melted and in perfect time for the Spring 2018 edition of Fashion Week Minnesota (FWMN). A recap of my top FWMN picks:
One of my favorite FWMN moments - These outfits (right and left) made of recycled Superbowl tents and computer parts at Innovations. Designer Lena Pelini (center) soldered the computer cables together for the look on the left.
Minnstafashion
April 19, 2018
The semi-annual FWMN kickoff party at the W Hotel Minneapolis is the intersection of fashion, socializing, and social media. Models on rotating platforms showed off garments from burgeoning designers Drazenka Designs, Spencer Versteeg, Hannah Johnson, Cassidy Glynn, and Coup De Fourdre.
A floral background anchored the red carpet where Anahita Champion interviewed fabulous attendees:
At Minnstafashion wearing a Vikse necklace and Winsome Goods dress.
FGI Presents - Accelerating Your Brand: Media, Styling & Exposure
April 25, 2018
Hosted by the Minnesota-St. Paul chapter of Fashion Group International, this panel discussion on branding was moderated by Ali Kaplan and included input from luxury shoe designer (and podiatrist) Marion Parke, Instagram star Doug Marshall-MacDonald, and Maya Clark of Culture Piece Magazine.
Panelists Marion Parke, Doug Marshall MacDonald, and Maya Clark
Major takeaways:
You are your brand even when you don’t think anyone is watching
Be clear and consistent about what you want your brand to be
Start from the inside/in your heart
Studio Progressive
April 26, 2018
Fashion sketch by Tessa Louise.
A behind-the-scenes peek into the process of six Twin Cities makers, Studio Progressive shared a unique perspective of our favorite locally made goods. Featured designers included Karen Morris Millinery, Strey Designs, ACG, ILO Studio, Tessa Louise, and Foat Designs.
Fashion and art as one from Anna Chambers-Goldberg of ACG.
Part of what I love about local fashion is feeling connected to the story behind the clothes, and events like Studio Progressive make it even more accessible to get to know the designers and their stories.
INNOVATIONS
April 28, 2018
Co-organizers of Innovations
The only zero-waste fashion event in the Twin Cities, Innovations combines creativity and sustainability through unconventional design and styling challenges as well as showcasing ethical brands. Local designers like Crave by Carli Rae Vergamini, Sseko shoes, and Joeleen Torvick hosted pop-up shops.
The Eco Design Challenge brought attention to issues affecting the earth including water, agriculture, transportation, energy, and bees/animal conservation.
The Stylist Design Challenge showcased the creativity of 11 Twin Cities stylists/bloggers as they put together looks from pieces various thrift and consignment stores.
The final portion of the show featured boutiques and designers WAY the label, Spoils of Wear, Slate Collective, and The Icon Effect.
Circa Now
April 29, 2018
Another celebration of the overlap between FWMN and Fashion Revolution Week, Hazel & Rose’s Circa Now event exemplified how vintage and secondhand garments can be an excellent and sustainable way to shop. Looks combining pieces from Hazel & Rose and secondhand pieces from Keep, Moth Oddities, The Golden Pearl, Arlee Park, and Arc’s Value Village.
After the runway, a panel discussion on vintage clothing as part of the future of sustainable fashion with representatives from each of the featured boutiques took place, moderated by Emma - founder and co-owner of Hazel & Rose.
Panel discussion on vintage/secondhand clothing and the fashion revolution #fwmn @hazelandrose #circanow pic.twitter.com/8eZcBkHPZL
— Liz (@UrbanOrchidBlog) April 29, 2018
The Spring 2018 season of FWMN brought a lot of changes to FWMN. The addition of Senior Advisors to the FWMN team helped shape the lineup to include more options for shopping directly from featured designers as well as incorporating events from the coinciding Fashion Revolution Week and voices from communities that are not always included in mainstream fashion events. Also, the update to the FWMN website to include a local fashion directory and original content by FWMN writers marks a new direction for the group. Can't wait to see what next season brings!