Twin Cities Fashion Week (Month?)

Even though MNFashion has declared September 12 - 19, 2014 as the official Twin Cities fashion week, fashion related events are popping up throughout September and into October.  

The Cut might have a listing of all the shows going on at New York Fashion Week as well as the dates for upcoming shows in London, Milan, and Paris, but I’m more excited to take part in what’s going on right here in Minnesota.

I’ve got a round-up of events, and even though I can’t make it to all of them, I’ll definitely be front row at some of them!  Many of these events are not only an exciting showcase of local talent, style, and businesses, but also serve as fundraisers for different causes.  

Thursday September 11 

Fashionopolis

This now sold out event features trends out of MSP Magazine’s September issue featuring local boutiques.

More information: 

http://mspmag.com/Contests-And-Promotions/Fashionopolis/

Friday September 12 

Envision

My favorite so far, Envision is put on twice a year by Ignite Models and includes two runway shows featuring a dozen different designers, live music, and an auction benefitting local arts.  Check out my recap of

Fall 2013

 and

Spring 2014

, definitely can’t miss this!

More information: 

http://envisionmpls.com/

Friday September 12 - Saturday September 13

North Loop Fall Crawl 

A number of the North Loop Neighborhood Independent Business members will hold sales, raffles (including a $500 Grand Prize Giveaway), and other special promotions as a way to introduce people to the North Loop.

More information: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1437873409827264/

Saturday September 13 

Avant Garden 

This annual benefit for the Walker Art Center takes place in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

More information:  

http://www.walkerart.org/calendar/2014/avant-garden-2014

Wednesday September 17 

Brides Against Breast Cancer Celebrity Bartending “Fashionista” Edition 

This networking/fundraising event will be held at one of my favorite downtown Minneapolis spots, SEVEN Steakhouse, and proceeds will “benefit those impacted by cancer"

More information:  

http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/upcoming-fundraising-events/celebrity-networking-minneapolis-mn-september-2014/

Thursday September 18 

Angels & Divas 

The 8th annual benefit for Emergency Financial Assistance and Facing Cancer Together includes a runway show featuring models who are cancer survivors as well as a the ability to shop looks from a variety of boutiques and retailers, including looks right off the runway.

More information:  

http://www.mnangel.org/events/item/112

Friday September 19 - Saturday September 20 

MN4MN Fashion Weekend

I am extremely excited for this weekend-long event at The Shops At West End in St. Louis Park.  MN4MN focuses on businesses and designers not only based out of Minnesota, but many that produce in Minnesota as well (

Duluth Pack

included!).  There will be two runway shows, one on Friday and one on Saturday.  In addition, there will be an all day market on Saturday where these designers and businesses (and food trucks) will be available to talk and showcase their wares.  

More information:  

http://mn4mn.com/

Thursday September 25 

Mercedes Benz & Fashion: A Perfect Combination

Fashion Group International & Mercedes Benz of Maplewood present a “delightful evening of luxury, fashion & style”.  Men’s and women’s styles will be presented as well as luxury vehicles. 

More information:  

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/fgi-mercedes-benz-of-maplewood-present-mercedes-benz-fashion-a-perfect-combination-tickets-12043752187

Saturday September 27 

Woman’s Club of Minneapolis Fall Fashion Show: Step up-Step out, Retro Glam

The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis puts on an annual luncheon fashion show. 

More information:  

http://www.womansclub.org/club/scripts/calendar/view_club_calendaritem.asp?CID=2083830&GRP=12277&NS=PE&src=w

MCAD Full Fashion Panic 

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design SGMS (Schoolgirls and Mobilesuits: Culture and Creation in Manga and Anime) group hosts an annual academic conference dedicated to the understanding of manga and anime, a highlight of which is a manga and anime inspired fashion show. 

More information:  

https://www.facebook.com/events/680587628692486/

Nite of Fall Fashions 

Corset Styling & Fashion Boutique in Edina hosts a catered fashion show including styles for both men and women.

More information:  

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/nite-of-fall-fashions-tickets-12452364357

Sunday September 28 

RAFA 2014 

The Rocco Altobelli Fashion Awards are held yearly and include a runway show and awards for salon of the year, a beauty school student competition, and other fashion and beauty industry awards.

More information:  

http://roccoaltobellisalons.com/index.php/rafa

Friday October 3 

IIDA Fusion + Fashion

A few friends and acquaintances I have met through work have a team together for this show.  The Northland Chapter of the International Interior Design Association puts on an annual fashion event in which each team creates a look inspired by a building and created out of non-traditional materials.  This year’s theme is “Get Amplified” and each look is to be inspired by a different amphitheater/concert hall. Fittingly, it will be held at Orchestra Hall.  Part of the proceeds go to the Northland Chapter Education Fund - a not-for-profit philanthropic organization whose primary mission is to advance Interior Design through education, research, and knowledge to benefit IIDA and the Interior Design profession.

More information:  

http://www.iida-northland.org/events/fusion.html

Saturday October 4 

Twin Cities Fashion Expo 

The fashion expo will be held at Joule Event Center and "bring the Twin Cities fashion industry together to combine a mixture of different exhibitors, retailers, designers, fashion experts and the hottest fashion show into one area.”  Also, since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the expo presenters hope to raise raise awareness and hope to encourage people to break the silence and take a stand against domestic violence. 

More information:  

http://www.twincitiesfashionexpo.com/

1st Annual Rumble on the Runway/Minnesota Fashion Awards 

I don’t yet have my ticket for this but you bet I am working on it.  This first-of-it’s-kind black tie awards ceremony for the Minnesota fashion industry will also include a design competition showcasing not only clothing design, but hair, makeup, styling, and more to be judged by a panel of local fashion industry members and the audience.  

You can vote now for your favorites and see them awarded in October.  Voting ends September 15: 

http://rumblemn.com/voting/

More information: 

http://rumblemn.com/

And I know I’m super behind on my redesign as well as catching up with posts on Sasha Howell’s Spectacle and Cult Collective’s ICONS.  All of those items are in the works, but here are some teaser photos until they go live: 

Sasha Howell's fashion show was indeed a spectacle.

Love that Duluth is growing it's fashion community.

http://instagram.com/p/oYyyj0FMB3/

Designer inspiration sketches from ICONS: Film. Fashion. Rock N' Roll.

http://instagram.com/p/rh_tqdFMMT/