Freelancing

It’s been quiet here, but I’ve definitely been busy. 

In addition to a mess of work deadlines, projects, and even winning an award; I have started to pick up freelance work with City Pages Arts & Culture online, writing about fashion happenings in the Twin Cities.  I am working on catching up on posts here (FWMN Spring 2016 review on the way!) and continue to pick up work for City Pages as it comes up.  

In the meantime, check out what I’ve worked on for City Pages so far:
11/18/2015 - Now open: Flirt Boutique offers lingerie in the North Loop - http://www.citypages.com/arts/now-open-flirt-boutique-offers-lingerie-in-the-north-loop-7837490

12/17/2015 - Hardt Jewelry, a brand with a heart, celebrates one year today http://www.citypages.com/arts/hardt-jewelry-a-brand-with-a-heart-celebrates-one-year-today-7901119

03/17/2016 - Hazel & Rose fights fast fashion with ethical and sustainable clothes- http://www.citypages.com/arts/hazel-and-rose-fights-fast-fashion-with-ethical-and-sustainable-clothes-8129047

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Inaugural Season of Fashion Week Minnesota in Review

September 20 – 26, 2015 marked the first official Fashion Week Minnesota. 

Before FWMN, there was MNFashion- an organization that provided the local fashion community with a hub of resources and peers, produced fashion showcases such as Voltage and The Shows, and defined the official Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week (MSPFW).   As the fashion community grew, MNFashion was no longer able to do what they were formed to do, and more independent designers produced their own shows.  MNFashion dissolved shortly after I moved to Minnesota, so I am not able to speak to fashion in Minnesota before this.  I can say that it was clear at last summer’s Rally Cry: Fashion hosted by Pollen that this too was becoming unmanageable. 

Among the major discussion points at Rally Cry were how to bridge the disconnect between people who go to the shows and the people who actually buy the clothes, and to encourage designers to treat fashion like a business…because nobody is making a living throwing fun parties. 

Enter Fashion Week Minnesota – an initiative formed by “a collective of independent producers and designers with a goal of engaging the Minnesota fashion community and celebrating the best designers, brands, retailers, stylists, and producers in Minnesota fashion through a series of public events”.

FWMN excites me because there is such a large and talented creative community in Minnesota, that having a central focus week and way to connect everything will hopefully inspire collaboration and strengthen it. 

I had a few work/personal conflicts over the week, but was able to participate in most of the events.  

I AM INSPIRED

I actually won a raffle at a pre-FWMN event for tickets to I Am Inspired and I’m so grateful I did!  Hardt Jewelry and Moth Oddities had a pre-fashion week shopping event/clothing drive with raffle entries for fashion show tickets as an incentive to donate.  I Am Inspired was the only show I hadn’t already planned to attend, so I entered the raffle and ended up winning.  

Event program for I Am Inspired

Event program for I Am Inspired

The event aimed to merge art and fashion, and was in collaboration with The Art Institutes International Minnesota.  Art students had were snapping photos, created animations inspired by the boutiques, and made garments inspired by the art of Justin James Sehorn.

Sarah Edwards in a floral dress by Emma Berg. 

Sarah Edwards in a floral dress by Emma Berg. 

Event mastermind Sarah Edwards said, “We are all artists in some way. We have different jobs and titles, but we are all artists.” to kick off the night.

There was harp music as the sun was setting – it was a beautiful way to spend a Sunday evening. 

Music provided by James Buxton

Music provided by James Buxton

The runway portion included six different boutiques/brands in Minnesota, including My Sister – an organization that works to stop human trafficking and encourage other women to empower each other. 

Feminist sweatshirt from My Sister.

Feminist sweatshirt from My Sister.

#MINNSTAFASHION

A portmanteau of “Minnesota”, “Instagram”, and “Fashion”; the event was presented by The Scout Guide and the W Minneapolis Foshay hotel on Tuesday, September 22.  

The Scout Guide is available in several cities and highlights local businesses both in print and online.  Through this event, I learned that W Hotels International partner with the CFDA to create different events and garments, some of which were shown on live models throughout the night and were given as prizes in an Instagram contest.  

Scarf and beanie by Orley for W Hotels

Scarf and beanie by Orley for W Hotels

There was also a pop-up shop where some of the CFDA+W Hotels items were available, as well as items from local boutiques Merilou, Stephanie’s, and Flirt Boutique.  The pop-up shop also featured jewelry by Valerie Carpender and accessories by Danielle Sakry.

Kaftan by Misha No Noo, necklace by Valerie Carpender

Kaftan by Misha No Noo, necklace by Valerie Carpender

LARK

In order to stay true to supporting the fashion community beyond going to shows and buying clothes, and at the suggestion of Thom Navarro, I wanted to help be behind the scenes at a fashion event. 

I still made time to get in front of the camera, though!

I still made time to get in front of the camera, though!

I loved being able to work with Tim and Thom Navarro, get involved with the community, and meet great Minnesota creatives.  The event opened with a pop-up gallery showcasing editorial photos of Jagress Intimates’s latest collection, as well as a pop-up shop of Black Spoke Leather accessories, and an Instagram hashtag printer. 

Black Spoke Leather Co pop up at LARK.

Black Spoke Leather Co pop up at LARK.

The runway portion featured not only the return of TIM+THOM, but Samantha Rei’s latest collection, and a collection from a Shiader Vue – an emerging designer and recent graduate of the Art Institutes International Minnesota. 

LARK was recently voted the year’s “Best Fashion Show” by CityPages.

PLUS-SIZE POP-UP SHOP 

Bella Moxie and Cat Inspired partnered with Second Debut in St. Louis Park for a pop up shop featuring discounted pieces from plus size faves like Torrid, Ava & Viv, Asos Curve, Lane Bryant, and more - including bags, jewelry, and shoes.  Also available were tumblers and mugs from The Golden Gurl and treats from Ginger and the Kid Sweets. 

I love leather and leather look pieces, so I had to have this pleather skirt.  I found it in Cat’s “costume/costume inspiration” section, but it’s definitely something I have been wearing just out and about.  And even to work.

Pleather skirt by Venezia Jeans I picked up at the Plus Size Pop Up.

Pleather skirt by Venezia Jeans I picked up at the Plus Size Pop Up.

ENVISION

Envision is the longest running fashion showcase in the Twin Cities, completing its eighteenth season at the end of Fashion Week Minnesota.  This season saw a more direct way to encourage interaction between attendees and artists – with the return of the Hotrocity pop up and a new artist designed washi tape photobooth with live photo editing. 

Photo by Alex Butterfield, editing by Allegra Lockstadt.

Photo by Alex Butterfield, editing by Allegra Lockstadt.

Live music was joined by live dance both during the pre-show party and at intermission, making the evening a full immersion in the creative community, very much thanks to art gallery and event partner Public Functionary.

This season was really exciting to me as it brought back menswear designers, saw the re-emergence of my favorite Minnesota designers (namely Tessa Louise and Caroline Hayden), and some fresh talents, including one I fell in love with at RAW Minneapolis’s EXPOSURE show in April – Form Over Function. 

Digging this menswear look by Russell Bourrienne.

Digging this menswear look by Russell Bourrienne.

Look from Kjurek at Envision all 2015.

Look from Kjurek at Envision all 2015.

Months later and I’m still absolutely obsessed with this jacket from Form Over Function. 

Neoprene and patent jacket by Form Over Function.

Neoprene and patent jacket by Form Over Function.

All in all, the first FWMN brought an amazing new energy to the Twin Cities fashion scene that continued on through the next season.  

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Spotlight On: Shopping Spots in Bemidji, Minnesota

School has started, sweater weather is imminent, and pumpkin spice everything seems to be rolling out.  If you are planning to head up North later this season to check out fall colors, stop by Bemidji.

Lake Bemidji

Lake Bemidji

There was recently a major renovation to a building on the Bemidji State University campus that I’ve had the pleasure of working on (and learning from) over the past few years.  Part of the construction process includes a walk through to ensure things were installed as designed and I was tasked with the electrical walk through.

Checking receptacles and luminaires in a restroom.

Checking receptacles and luminaires in a restroom.

It’s a 3 hour and 40 minute drive from Minneapolis to Bemidji and the project gave me a hefty amount of square feet to cover, so I knew I’d be needing more than one day.  I asked social media to give me suggestions on where to eat and what to see in my down time.  Other than Paul and Babe, because that was a given.  

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox 

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox 

Recommendations from social media included Bemidji Brewing, Bar 209, Tutto Bene, and Keg N Cork. 

One of the nice things about Bemidji is how close everything is to each other.  My hotel was near the BSU campus, and Paul and Babe were an easy .9 mile walk (much of it along the lake) from campus…and also about 2 blocks from all the food recommendations from Twitter and the spots on the Downtown Bemidji shopping map.  

Downtown Bemidji shopping map by Emily Krueger Illustration.

Downtown Bemidji shopping map by Emily Krueger Illustration.

It may or may not be common knowledge that I hate driving (but mostly parking), so after the ~4 hour drive up to Bemidji from Minneapolis, I opted to take cabs or walk to campus and around town.  Huge thank you to Bemidji Cab for being responsive, reliable, and for taking credit cards.  

I got to campus and worked until I couldn’t stand it anymore.  Luckily, the sun was only barely setting and I still had time for my photo op!  A lovely couple from Pennsylvania caught me awkwardly trying to fit Paul and Babe in the background of a selfie and came to my assistance. 

Afterwards, I walked to Bemidji Brewing and had the Summer IPA. 

Summer IPA at Bemidji Brewing.  A well deserved beer after a long day.  

Summer IPA at Bemidji Brewing.  A well deserved beer after a long day.  

People in Bemidji were very welcoming and laid back.  I had a great conversation with the gal working behind the bar in the taproom, who also recommended Bar 209.  I grabbed a glass of water from the cooler and that’s where I saw the handy Downtown Bemidji map.

On my way to Bar 209, I passed by Chocolates Plus and stopped in.  Bemidji residents are very, very friendly and I had an fun conversation with the enthusiastic staff at Chocolates Plus.  They had a variety of house made truffles and fudge.  I picked up a spicy jelly and peanut butter truffle and their Aztec (chile-chocolate) truffle.  Also, obviously could not resist the milk chocolate Babe the Blue Ox truffle: 

Babe the Blue Ox truffle from Chocolates Plus

Babe the Blue Ox truffle from Chocolates Plus

After the quick detour, I started to notice all the thrift stores, boutiques, and gift shops with surprisingly appealing displays.  They were all closed for the night, unfortunately, so I made my way to dinner.

I will say that the food at Bar 209 was good - the scorpion sauce they served was actually spicy, and not just Minnesota spicy.  

Chicken sandwich with fontina cheese and "scorpion sauce".

Chicken sandwich with fontina cheese and "scorpion sauce".

The long day on my feet tired me out so I went straight back to my hotel to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure - Food Network shows.  

I got up early the next day to make sure I had enough time to finish my walk through before the building was too crowded with students and to make sure I beat traffic back down to Minneapolis.  I finished earlier than anticipated and had time to stop by a few shops before heading back.

 

Kelsey's "As You Like It" Jewelry

Necklaces by Michael Kelsey.  I love the cut out designs on some of them that can be seen through the stones. 

Necklaces by Michael Kelsey.  I love the cut out designs on some of them that can be seen through the stones. 

Michael Kelsey's jewelry has had a presence in Bemidji for over 40 years.  He is based in Bemidji and the store features some other local jewelers, as well as other brands.  What struck me about their selection is that everything is fair trade/ethically sourced.  They also offer custom pieces, hence the "As You Like It" slogan.  

I swear I am not obsessed with Paul and Babe, they just seem so iconically Bemidji. 

I swear I am not obsessed with Paul and Babe, they just seem so iconically Bemidji. 

Pearl jewelry on the sales table.  Love the beaded structure on those earrings.

Pearl jewelry on the sales table.  Love the beaded structure on those earrings.

 

Morell's Chippewa Trading Post

From the outside, the Chippewa Trading Post looks like a tourist trap.  And inside, there are a lot of the gift shop keychains, salt and pepper shakers, and other trinkets and tokens you'd expect *cough, cough, Paul and Babe merchandise*.  But they also had a lot of copper, agate, gemstone, and beaded jewelry made by local (many Native) artists.    

The bright gems against bold shapes made these pendants really interesting.

The bright gems against bold shapes made these pendants really interesting.

I may be easily distracted by sparkly things.  Love those red and black earrings with the opalescent stone in the middle.  Also, there are buttons that rotate the racks in the jewelry cases so you can see everything without having to crouc…

I may be easily distracted by sparkly things.  Love those red and black earrings with the opalescent stone in the middle.  Also, there are buttons that rotate the racks in the jewelry cases so you can see everything without having to crouch over.  

 

Urbanesque

Urbanesque definitely had an Anthropologie feel.  From the shabby-chic furniture,  "found" light fixtures, and even to the styles of clothing.  There were a lot of cute things, including this plaid jacket, faux leather clutches, and a rack or so of plus size styles.  

Inside Urbanesque in Bemidji.

Inside Urbanesque in Bemidji.

What I really like about Urbanesque is that they carry Krochet Kids and other socially conscious brands.  The Krochet Kids tags are all hand signed by the person who made it and you can trace where your clothes are coming from.  

 

Urban Treasures

Urban Treasures thrift store (108 Third St NW 56601) was not listed on the shopping map, but from what I can tell is a new store.  There aren't a lot of fancy decorations and the lighting is a little stark, but they find a way to repurpose preowned clothing, and part of their sales go right back into the Bemidji community.  The store owners give part of the proceeds from donated items to the Bemidji School District lunch program.  

The items are in great condition and there are a variety of sizes for men, women, and children.  Not everything is my style, but I did pick up some fabulous colored jeans.  I'm no a stranger to colored denim and had cobalt, red, and grey pairs of Old Navy Rockstars a few years back.  Thrifting is a great way to reduce textile waste and update for fall without spending a lot of money.  

Yes, they are purple.  Yes, that's my favorite color.  No, I'm not sorry. 

Yes, they are purple.  Yes, that's my favorite color.  No, I'm not sorry. 

The pricetag on these ZanaDi purple pants?  $4.75! 

The pricetag on these ZanaDi purple pants?  $4.75! 

 

Other stores I visited included Yellow Umbrella, which had a lot of plaid and flannel, and Lucette Boutique, which had a lot of super cute/girly decorations inside.  

There's a phase two to the project I'm working on, so I'll be back in Bemidji and plan to check out other shops, both on the shopping guide and not.  

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Orlando Fashion Week August 2015 Opening Night

Just as my parents will always find the tennis on our family vacations, I will always find the fashion.  

Photo by Brion Price. 

Photo by Brion Price. 

This summer, my family and I spent a week in central Florida on vacation.  We enjoyed the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, spent time bumming on the beach with my aunt and her fiancee, and went shopping.  Rather, I went shopping while my brother spent time on his computer and our parents and sister played tennis.

 

Knowing our general game plan, I somehow still thought we’d have some downtime and I looked in to my options.  Lo and behold, the week we would be in Orlando coincided with Orlando Fashion Week.  I bugged my dad about which night(s) might work best if I wanted to attend an evening event and we figured out that opening night would work.  OFW consisted of 3 nights of shows: Aug 13 - 15 featuring 4-5 designers each.  

Promo poster by Orlando Fashion Week Corp.

Promo poster by Orlando Fashion Week Corp.

My little sister (who has her own fitness/lifestyle blog) had never been to a fashion show before so I asked if she wanted to go since it might be a fun way to spend time together.  Of course she said yes! 

The venue for the show (Baterby’s Art Gallery) was further away than we anticipated and a little hard to find for us tourists.  Luckily, Orlando has Uber so we were able to use that to get home safely rather than bug our dad to drive all the way back out to come get us (we were staying in Kissimee near the Disney parks, the show was in Winter Park - clear on the other side of Orlando).  

Having a fashion show in an art gallery further reinforces the connection between fashion and the arts, and I loved being able to get a feel for talent in other parts of the country.  Orlando didn’t previously stick out to me as far as fashion capitals, and the event was not as full as a Chicago fashion show or even Minneapolis fashion show; but there was an enthusiastic amount of support for each designer showing.  

VIP seating promised a “first look” at the collections, which meant the seats near where the models emerged onto the floor.  The path for the models went through that stretch looped through another room in the gallery before circling backstage.  The speaker system set up made it a little hard to hear the designer introductions clearly, but I definitely appreciated the prime view.

Showing on opening night were designers Vanessa Shelly, Hadascha Brutus, Senia Soto, Jacquelyn Brooks, and Fabiola Moreno.  

 

VANESSA SHELLY

Vanessa showed a wide variety of looks ranging from casual to office to cocktail.  There were a lot of different colors, fabrics, shapes, and techniques.  I really liked her creativity. 

 

HADASCHA BRUTUS 

Out of all the designers, Hadascha was the one I was looking forward to the most.  I had recognized the name a little bit from some Fashion Week Las Vegas coverage awhile back.  There were definitely looks that made me gasp, and I loved the play of solids, prints, and metallics.  Everything was really pretty.  

*Swoon* I love this look.

*Swoon* I love this look.

 

SENIA SOTO 

Jarix by Senia Soto was intriguing to me as Senia is only 18.  I was definitely impressed.  When I think about what I was doing at 18, I wasn’t nearly as started on my dream path as Senia is. Her segment had a lot of capes, jackets, and vests. 

IMG_20150813_210348183.jpeg
Model with the designer herself, Senia Soto.

Model with the designer herself, Senia Soto.

 

JACQUELYN BROOKS 

Strawberry Blonde by Jacquelyn Brooks ended up being one of my favorites from the night.  The flattering shapes in easy fabrics made a great base for the vibrant prints and colors.  I did a lot of “ooh”-ing and “ahh”-ing.  

Kelly Mock-Turtleneck Maxi Dress from the Animal Collection - http://shop.strawberryblondeclothing.com/The-Kelly-Dress-Day-and-Night-Collection-57.htm

Kelly Mock-Turtleneck Maxi Dress from the Animal Collection - http://shop.strawberryblondeclothing.com/The-Kelly-Dress-Day-and-Night-Collection-57.htm

 

FABIOLA MORENO

Fabiola had a really fun collection to close the night with.  Sequined sleeves, voluminous shapes, and lots of details.  

 

None of the designers were shy with using color and prints, which is really nice at a time when minimalism seems to be popular.

It was a very different experience attending a local fashion show outside my local community.  A lot of people already knew each other, and I could sense that there were attendees that  were prominent locally that I was oblivious to.  Also, we entirely missed the fact that an Orlando City soccer player was doing a meet and greet.  

Overall, I enjoyed supporting designers in another part of the US and definitely look forward to seeing as their work develops.  

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Fashion Week Minnesota: Celebrating and Supporting Fashion in the Twin Cities (and Beyond)

It’s surprising to me when I meet people that have no idea there is an active fashion community in Minnesota.  From my coworkers, to old friends, to people attending other fashion events, I get a look of disbelief every time I mention it.  

One of my main questions when attending Pollen's Rally Cry: Fashion was if MN Fashion would be resurrected, or if there would be some kind of consolidated event calendar.

My other question was how as a consumer, I could help support local designers and artists by encouraging others to also buy the clothes, and not just go to the events and shows. (I recall hearing something to the effect of "Designers aren't making a living throwing cool parties.”) 

Fashion Week MN graphic by Fashion Week MN http://fashionweekmn.com/

Fashion Week MN graphic by Fashion Week MN http://fashionweekmn.com/

I am very excited by the start of a new Minnesota fashion organization - a collaboration between event producers and creatives around the Twin Cities, including Sarah Edwards, John Mark of Hotrocity. and Tim and Thom Navarro.  #FWMN Fall 2015 runs from Sept 20 - 26.  There is also an extended event calendar, which I find very exciting. I keep track of a lot of fashion events in Minnesota, but even I've found some I hadn't already marked down.

Some highlights during FWMN include a men's show (the after party will be DJd by DJ Fundo, which is awesome because he's Prof's tour DJ and I'm a huge fan of both) and LARK from Tim+Thom.  Of course, no mention of fashion in Minnesota could be complete without Envision - the longest running fashion event in the Twin Cities.

Outside of fashion week, highlights include the (now postponed to November 20) Minnesota Fashion Awards/Rumble On The Runway, the screening of “The True Cost” film, and the 12th annual Full Fashion Panic, exploring the influence of anime, manga, and pop culture on fashion.

I am surprised that RAW Artist's Minneapolis most recent event, PARAMOUNT, or upcoming event, MERGE, isn't listed.  There is such a strong connection between the various arts communities that I would think an organization focused on supporting fledgling creatives would be more visible.  I am definitely looking forward to going to MERGE after having a great time at EXPOSURE and SPLENDOR, but missing PARAMOUNT for a work obligation. 

Image for MERGE by RAW Artists Minneapolis - www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/MERGE

Image for MERGE by RAW Artists Minneapolis - www.rawartists.org/minneapolis/MERGE

Other organizations that suggest a strong tie between arts and fashion are MN4MN and Made Here MN, the latter of which sponsors the various pop up art exhibits downtown.  Made Here MN also held weekly Loring Alley Rally events in Loring Park this summer, with free music and pop up shops.  MN4MN hosted a fashion weekend in St. Louis Park last fall, and recently displayed an exhibit at Public Functionary featuring 13 artists and 13 photographers collaborating on one blank canvas: a canvas shoe.  I loved seeing how many different takes on the same inspiration came together.  Also bringing Minnesota creatives together, Meet Minneapolis is hosting a Creative City Market on September 10 in downtown Minneapolis.  

For other fans of supporting US made goods and a good cause, Key North Boutique will be hosting "Fashioning a Future" with proceeds going to help Nepal earthquake survivors.  The show will be held on September 11 and will be hosted by Grant Whittaker, featuring clothes from Key North and custom jewelry by T Lee.  

I'm very looking forward to the International Interior Design Association - Northland Chapter's 10th annual Fusion + Fashion event, especially since it connects fashion with my career in building design.  The IIDA hosts an "unconventional material" fashion challenge to teams ranging from architectural/engineering firms, construction firms, or even the USGBC-MN chapter.  This year's theme looks like #findYourMuse and cites inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent, Andy Warhol, and more.  I'm planning to get involved in the competition this year, so stay tuned.  The show will be November 13 at Muse Event Center.

Logo by IIDA Northland.

Logo by IIDA Northland.

Not only is fashion in the Twin Cities gaining more support, but I am seeing more events and community in other parts of Minnesota as well.  Style on the Plaza will be taking place September 17 in Rochester, and the Zenith City Style zine/website in Duluth has recently launched. Also in Duluth are occasional pop up shops by DLH Clothing and Crave by Carly Rae Vergamini.

If I would be able to venture out to New Ulm, Modenschau would be fun to attend.  German for “fashion show”, Modenschau will be held on September 11 and include looks by Joeleen Torvick as well as boutiques in the area.  Part of the proceeds from the event will go to The Committee Against Domestic Abuse, Inc.  I’m a big fan of German culture after getting inspired by Rare Dirndls at Germanfest in Milwaukee for years with my cousins, and wonder if the event name has anything to do with the clothes that will be shown.

Other upcoming Minnesota fashion events of note:
*Showroom's "THE SWITCH" seasonal sale: Sept 2 - 9
*Silhouette Fashion Show & Gala hosted by Lindsey Herzog of Ruby Girl: Sept 17
*Fashion Forward with Hardt Jewelry and Moth Oddities: Sept 18  
*Faribault Woolen Mill's tent sale: Sept 25 - 26
*Plus Size Pop Up Shop by Amanda of Bella Moxie: Sept 26

Fashion Week Minnesota is going to be great for the fashion community in Minnesota and I'm looking forward to getting involved, and also to see how the community can grow and support each other. 

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