Seems like there's a new hotel popping up downtown every other week. The most recent addition was the new W Minneapolis Hotel. At their opening party, the W received some celebrity visitors including a few Timberwolves, a former Viking or two, Molly Sims from the Las Vegas TV series and some American Idol contestants. After a purple carpet reception, I was set loose indoors, free to roam and find fun, trouble and free drinks.
Jazzing up the party were the amazing Sotu Performers. In keeping the 20's era theme (the Foshay Tower was built in 1929), these entertainers dressed as flappers and perked up the whole mood by dancing, flirting and effortlessly adding some charismatic zest. -Stephen Stephens
Click the image below for more photos or visit www.digitalcrushphoto.com
As quickly as they appeared, the sweet summer months seem to be bidding adieu before we had a chance to really get to know them. But don't cry too hard, the icy months are still aways off, and the lovely autumn season will be sweeping in with all its gorgeously colored glory soon - and that means fabulous fall fashion! Wool, cashmere, suede and all those decadent textiles that go so well with a harvest moon will soon be moved to the front of your closet. This weekend, however, will probably be your last chance to rock those short shorts - so live it up!
xo-l'étoile
BONUS: Peep our Fall Fashion Weekend recaps in the post below this one! More to come...
Photo by Amy Pierce/Art Direction Molly Roark for l'étoile magazine
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Dinner with Estate
@ Beasthouse Brin Building 600 Washington (Enter through the back) Minneapolis
7:30pm-10:30pm / Free
It's becoming a trend! Thursday evenings at the Beasthouse are stellar with not only a free live performance from a kick ass local band (this week it's Estate) but also free dinner! Yes, you heard us right. Enjoy a deliciously catered din-din of spicy Thai food while you lounge comfortably in Beasthouse's swanky loft, making flirt-eyes at that swarthy stranger across the room. Why not? Isn't that what Thursdays are for?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ESTATE SITE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Jeremy Messersmith CD Release
@ Varsity Theater 14th & 4th St. SE Dinkytown
7:30 / 18+ / $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Local phenom Jeremy Messersmith celebrates the release of The Silver City, his new album comprised of songs inspired by the Twin Cities. Melodic and heartfelt without being saccharine, Messersmith's album is already one of the most buzzed about local releases of the year. Be sure to wear your sensitive hipster face and your heart on your sleeve. You'll blend right into the crowd.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JEREMY MESSERSMITH MYSPACE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25th
Dildo Bingo
@ Pi Bar 2532 25th Ave S Minneapolis
7pm / suggested donation
You know you want to play, don't lie! As always, this special form of bingo - or “dingo” as they call it, has high stakes. And as always, it’s a fundraiser for worthy area organizations. Smitten Kitten sponsors, so you know the prizes are mint quality, and your host Gogopimp Tif hilariously struts around screaming about the sex-ay prizes. Get there early, grab a table, order some food (mini-burgers, hello) and win big! (No pun intended)
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PI MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: IVO GRETENER
Once in a blue moon an artist comes along that makes us scream for joy. Ivo is it. His foam sculptures of safes and photos of everyday objects turned magical and digital-looking paintings from security tapes and the like are too, too good. Check out his comics, making fun of typical art blather, and his plaster sculptures. Is there anything this Swiss man doesn’t excel at?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE IVO GRETENER SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH (THROUGH OCTOBER 5TH)
Oktoberfest
@ Black Forest Inn 1 East 26th St. Minneapolis
6:30pm/free
It is very important that you attend the first day of Oktoberfest, appropriately ongoing at the Black Forest through October 5th. Alphorns will set the tone (you know, those long horns that lay on the ground?), and the ceremonial kegtapping will take place at 7:30 by Sven Sundgaard (ooh-la-la), marking the solemn beginning of this beer free-for-all. It’s "Hacker-Pschorr night" which means samplers accompanied by even more horns and an accordion, Deutsch-tastic!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK FOREST SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH
Themes
@ 7th Street Entry 701 1st Avenue Downtown Minneapolis
8pm / 18+ / $6
This local star-studded ensemble features former and current members of Vox Vermillion, Claire de Lune, End Transmission, and A Whisper In The Noise. Known for their lush folk melodies and haunting instrumentals, Themes is emerging as one of the Twin Cities band to watch. Former l'étoile model Kelsey Crawford and her bandmates will remind you just how painful it is to encounter people with beauty, brains, and talent.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THEMES MYSPACE Photo by Kris Drake
Make it a danceable double header this evening with two-times the fun at Barfly, with Shelter upstairs in the Loft and So Electric downstairs. Legendary local DJ E-Tones entertains at Shelter with a 4-hour set of signature beats, while So Electric gets, well, electric, with some of the best dance party starters in town such as DJ Bach, the Moongoons, Tendercakes, Alex Hegewald, DJ Silver Wolf, and Gigamesh. You're guaranteed to find the dance party you've been fantasizing about all week - tonight at Barfly!
CLICK THE E-TONES FOR THE BARFLY SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH
Cirque Du Soleil: Saltimbanco
@ Target Center 600 1st Ave N Minneapolis
3:30pm and 7:30pm/ $42-97
Saltimbanco is this oldest touring show of Cirque’s repertoire - an exploration of the urban experience. Acrobatics, juggling, an “artistic bicycle” act, bungees and the Russian Swing are a few of the death-defying feats these well-costumed contortionists have in store. Through September 28th.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CIRQUE SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th
COOL LINK: MN FASHION SURVEY
After this past fashion-fueled weekend, you probably have some constructive criticism of what was amazing, and what could have been even better. Now is your chance to contribute your opinion to MNFashion! Take this survey, let them know what it’s important to you, what you wish the local fashion scene had more of, and get involved! Plus, isn’t filling out forms when you're supposed to be working fun?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SURVEY
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Seward Redesign Open House
@ Seward Redesign 2619 E. Franklin Ave Minneapolis
2pm-5pm / Free
Before heading to Jagerfest for what may be your last chance to sit on a patio this season, come support your community! Seward Redesign, the non-profit community renovation corporation behind the new Franklin Ave revamp project, invites you to visit their space and meet the businesses (new and old alike) in the Franklin/27th Ave. area. Fast and Furless and Animal Right Coalition moved their “Vegan Emporium” to the neighborhood last spring and will be holding a trunk show featuring vegan shoes, totes and accessories. ArtiCulture, an organization offering art classes for kids and adults, hosts their Grand Opening which will include family art activities, music and a clothes-line affordable art sale. While your in the area, check out the expansion of neighborhood cuisine favorite, True Thai. Enjoy food, refreshments, and activities throughout the afternoon and be a part of the planning for a better neighborhood.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Jagerfest
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Avenue N North Loop
5 pm / 21+ / $5 (Free Summit beer with admission)
Ring in autumn with local bands and fresh beats at Clubhouse Jager! Join Beatrix Jar, Bella Koshka, First Communion Afterparty, and Solid Gold on the outdoor stage, followed by pure hotness that is Attitude City inside from 10pm to close. The Fox Tax Grill will be providing yummy treats from 5 to 9, and the $5 cover includes a complimentary Summit Octoberfest. Celebrate the end of Summer on Jager's awesome outdoor patio, and make sure to keep your pretty peepers peeled for l'étoile/Digital Crush-ites Kate, Robyn (aka The Bachelor) and Stephen, who will be snappin' pix of all ya'll the entire night to commemorate the occasion!
At Umber Studios, the word "undead" gets stretched to its limit, with melancholy portraits of (found) dead birds, as an homage and documentation, while Zombie pub crawls round out the definition in question. These two alternate views are played out in a photo show featuring the work of Paul Armstrong and Jesse Mullan. Perfect timing really, since it's getting colder and more fall-like, and those zombies are stirring in their lairs. Through October 15th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
No Easy Explanation
@ First Amendment 1101 Stinson Blvd Basement Studio A Minneapolis
7pm-10pm/free
Gig poster extroidinaire, comic book maven and illustration master, Dwitt has been at it for years. Next time you rock out to Guitar Hero II, thank Dwitt for the bitchin’ graphics. Yep, this is the caliber of artist that call Minneapolis home. Martin Devaney provides music to admire art to and First Amendment provides the cool basement gallery and the beer. Now get down there and bask in Dwitt's awesomeness! Through October 26th.
Films and videos from far-off lands like Chicago and Los Angeles are coming to Art of This to show us what they’re made of. From the trailers, we’re already pretty impressed. Handmade puppets act out a Russian airplane crash in Know Your Enemy, by Märon Studios, a look at enemies during the Cold War. Mason Hall curates this stellar evening of entertainment for AOT’s One Nighter series.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Muja Messiah
@ Triple Rock 628 Cedar Avenue West Bank
10pm / 21+ / $7
Local hip hop artist, and l'etoile fave, Muja Messiah brings his brings his lyrical stylings to the Triple Rock once again. Featured as one of the City Pages "Picked to Click" artists, Mr. Messiah has begun to receive plenty of much deserved attention. His latest album, featuring Slug, Black Thought, and Samahra of Black Blondie, will be re-released nationally later this year. Take advantage of the opportunity to see him live before all that fame and success drive up the ticket prices.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MUJA MESSIAH SITE Art by Chuck U
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: ANNIE
If you've worn out your copy of Swedish pop star Robyn's self-titled album, consider getting your dance pop fix from fjord country. Norwegian sensation Annie has just released "I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me," the first single off of her upcoming album Don't Stop. If you plan on taking dancing inspiration from her video girls, be sure to rent Paris Is Burning to practice your Vogueing. Annie made waves in the United States with 2004's Anniemal, featuring "Hearbeat," which several Pitchfork Media writers named song of the year. Her follow up appears to be just as packed with danceable power pop hits.
Watching Ian film Drinking with Ian live at First Ave is better than watching this public-access show home, alone, drunk in a recliner. Sip along with this variety show filled with interviews, drinking tips, music and a bartender that invents surly shots and hands them out during the show. Featuring Grant Hart, Comedian Mary Mack, Beatrix Jar, Rockford Mules, and Baby Guts. Only in Minnesota could a program focused on drinking gain so much steam. Ok, well, maybe in Wisco.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DRINKING WITH IAN SITE
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29th
Jeff Horwich and The Smarts with Bla Bla Blacksheep
@ Acadia Café 329 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis
8pm / $5
Ever wonder what MPR show hosts do when they’re not doing radio news and commentary? They’re in quirky bands. Two of MPR’s In The Loop hosts battle bands at the new Acadia Café on the West Bank. Our favorite Cute-core band, Bla Bla Blacksheep, open for Jeff Horwich and The Smarts (In The Loops’ house band). Prepare for your mind to be blown as more instruments are played by two bands than you thought physically possible.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ACADIA CAFE SITE
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30th
Silver + Gold
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave. North Loop
Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free
Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.
BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!
@ The Bedlam Theatre 1501 S 6th St. West Bank of Minneapolis
9pm / free
Here are your plans from every Wednesday from now on: around 9pm you’ll ride your bike or take the light rail to the Bedlam. You’ll walk in, pay no cover charge, and get a tall boy of PBR from the long gorgeous bar. You’ll cozy up in the Fireplace Lounge and listen to the accordion, musical saw, vocals and special guests of the Dreamland Faces. old-timey tunes of love and climactic monster movie themes will be played, and if all goes well, you’ll score one of their 7” records.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DREAMLAND FACES SITE
COOL OPPORTUNITIES
Call for Artists: The Gallery @ Fox Tax
Submission deadline September 30th
The Gallery @ Fox Tax and guest curator Emma Berg of mplsart.com invite artists to submit works to their exhibition entitled, ART FORM 1040: US IDEALISM RETURNS. The top 10 entries will not only be on display, but will also have 10 limited edition high quality prints made and sold for $40 each (thus the 10-40 part). The show will run from January through April 2009.
Downloadable instructions and Fillable .pdf Application Form are available online by clicking the image below.
Please email completed submissions to: info@foxtaxservice.com
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUBMISSION FORM
What's What Editor: Kate Iverson Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Beth Hammarlund, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright
Check back this week for recaps from our writers and more pictures by Digital Crush!
THUNDERBALL @ The Annex 9/20
Sprouting in northeast Minneapolis between the Red Stag Supper Club and City Salvage, the Annex is a semi-finished, semi-vacant space with a huge, metal and glass chandelier, a backlit Art Deco bar, a cement floor and an exposed wood ceiling. It's vintage flavor made it a perfect place for "Thunderball: An Evening of James Bond," the flagship party for MNfashion's Fall Fashion Weekend 2008 and a celebration of all things Bond through fashion, music and film.
Local bands Revolver, Bella Koshka, and Mercurial Rage performed new interpretations of iconic Bond tunes. Local fashion-forward collective, Eclecticoiffeur, styled models after Bond girls to match the Bond songs chosen by the bands.
Rounding out the artistic triumvirate, Digital Crush helped hand-craft 3 short films just for the event (shown at the link below). Each was inspired by a different Bond film intro sequence and was shot in August at Seventhsin Studios in Minneapolis. Check out page 4 at the link below for stills from the video shoot.
But bar close wasn't the end of the evening - the mod masses made more mayhem, marching up the nearby stairs to Tucker's swank pad. There, they had all the ingredients needed for a great time at 4 am: dudes with skateboards on a half-pipe, floods of red lighting, Tendercakes DJ's, buckets of cheap booze, and Robocop playing on a big screen. -Stephen Stephens Event photos by Stephen Stephens and Robyn Lewis. Video production stills by Kate Iverson.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THUNDERBALL PICS AND VIDEO!
SUGAR
@ The Aloft Hotel
Thanks to all who came out last weekend for our Fashion weekend party (co-hosted by our bffs at Metro Mag!) We've been swamped this week, so check back tomorrow night for a full recap plus more pics and writeups from the Beasthouse event with Santino from Project Runway, The Ruby3 Fashion Ride, and The Goldstein Museum of Design!
In the meantime, check out the awesome pics by Digital Crush from SUGAR by clicking below!
Hold on to your designer hats, kids, Fall Fashion Weekend is back and better than ever! It has been so thrilling to watch our local fashion scene thrive over the years, and we're incredibly impressed by the creative output that seems to grow and expand with each passing day. This weekend shows off the Twin Cities' best and brightest, and exudes a collaborative vibe that warms the cockles of our fashion-lovin' hearts. While this edition of the What's What will shamelessly, and obviously, plug our own party, SUGAR, at the Aloft Hotel numerous times, don't forget to check out the other amazing events on our list, which includes everything on the Fashion Weekend schedule, plus some!
xo-l'étoile Photo by Digital Crush for SUGAR
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
SCENEaSOTA
@ 331 Club 331 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis
9 PM/ +21/ $5 donation suggested
Fashion aficionados, scenesters, and anyone searching for that unique new fall look, join local trendsetting boutique Cliché for SCENEaSOTA. The Minnesota-grown fashion event showcases the talent and designs of the most promising up and coming designers: Anthem Heart, Jenny Carle Designs, Carmichael Claith, Ivan Idland, Renate Adjei and Maritza Ramirez. And with catwalk tunes courtesy of DJ Talk Radio the event should be too sexy for your shirt.
Bonus: All designs will be available to purchase the next day at Cliché.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLICHE SITE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)
Foat Design Open Studio
@ Foat Design Studio 1828 Marshall St. NE #11 Minneapolis
Going green is a family affair. Created and run by twin sisters and trained yoga instructors, Kaja Foat and Zoë Foat-Naselaris, Foat Design is three eco-friendly collections: bridal, active wear, and street wear. The Foat Design sisters are true “apparel salvagers,” protecting the earth by using recycled fabric and sweatshop free construction while keeping the comfort of active wear and causal appeal of street wear. Come see why these ladies are already getting national recognition in popular magazines such as Yoga Journal for their uniquely stylish, attractive and earth-friendly wear.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOAT SITE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
EDP Textiles Open House
@ EDP Textiles 1400 Van Buren St. NE, Suite 170 Minneapolis
4pm-7pm / Free
We are living in a digital world and Willetta DeYoung is a digital girl. Exclusive Digital Printed Textiles, locally founded by DeYoung, opens its doors for an innovative look at digital textile printing. EDP is dedicated to combining custom textile designs with digital textile printing to create a truly distinctive product. Their prints are offered to design firms, clothing designers, and anyone with a creative textile vision. Take a tour through the extensive library of fabrics and watch as EDP Textiles demonstrates their progressive concept of personalized design.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE EDP SITE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
Dinner with III Kings Sound System
@ BeastHouse 600 Washington Ave N Minneapolis
7:30/ 18+/ Free
Take a dinner break from all your fashion-related shenanigans to re-fuel! DJs I-Roach, Pushie and Trichrome of III Kings Sound System have been spreading the good vibes of reggae to MPLS since 2003. Tonight experience the sensations for yourself while enjoying a free show and complimentary dinner. Gaining hype through word of mouth alone, Beasthouse is must-see venue. And if you have to enter through the back for an event, as in the case of BeastHouse's Brin Building, you know it must be a hot scene!
Bonus: Catch the III Kings Sound System boys every Tuesday night at the Nomad.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE III KINGS MYSPACE
FRIDAY DESIGN PICK: ANTHEM HEART
Unless you’ve been living under a rock all summer, you’ve probably noticed twin cities fashionables rocking the 80’s thrift-store chic of Anthem Heart. Adored by club hopping hipsters, Anthem Hearts' designs are heavily influenced by local music scene culture and they never shy away from bold graphics, bright colors and large prints. Anthem Heart present their trend-forward collection merging fashion, art and music at Fall Fashion Weekend’s hottest happening, SUGAR. (see our listing below!)
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ANTHEM HEART SITE Digital Crush for SUGAR / Clothing: Anthem Heart
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
SUGAR
@ The Aloft Hotel 900 Washington Ave. Downtown Minneapolis (Across from Open Book)
Indulge your sweet tooth with l'étoile magazine and METRO Magazine as we team up to host a FREE, candy-coated Fashion Weekend bash at the new Aloft Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis! Held in the swanky w xyz bar within the hotel, party-goers will enjoy a festive and contemporary environment sweetened by fresh new fashions by local graphic-inspired designers Anthem Heart and YouWorkForThem. The designers will present their work through styled models who will mingle with the crowd, serving up sugary treats and delectable fashion. See the world premiere of YouWorkForThem's latest motion graphics art project, thumb through complimentary copies of the latest issue of METRO, as well as collectible back-issues of l'étoile while you chill-out in the w xyz bar with the Twin Cities fashion elite, sip specialty cocktails made with home grown Prairie Organic Vodka, and dance to smokin' beats courtesy of buzzed-about red-hot sister DJ duo Tendercakes and DJ Jonathan Ackerman. Candy-colored fashion attire highly encouraged!
BONUS: Don't miss the official SUGAR after party at Honeymoon in the First Ave VIP room (from Midnight - 2am) with resident DJs The Moongoons and special guests. Come to Sugar and get your wristband for VIP admission to the after party!
Co-Sponsored by l'étoile magazine & Metro Magazine
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO Photo by Digital Crush for SUGAR
The Moongoons are at it again! Tonight's edition of Honeymoon is special, because not ONLY is it the SUGAR after party, but our pal Josh Clancy of the Moongoons is celebrating his b-day! A kick-ass, nationally known graphic designer by day and a dance floor polishing DJ by night, Mr. Clancy certainly has reason to celebrate. So, after getting a sugar rush at Aloft with us, party train over to the VIP and give the birthday boy his spankings!
Co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MOONGOONS SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
Goldstein Museum of Design: A Resource For Designers
@ Goldstein Museum of Design 1985 Buford Ave St. Paul, MN
6–9pm / FREE
You don’t have to be a student at the U to gather inspiration and ideas from their expansive collection of apparel items from around the world. As part of MN Fall Fashion Weekend, the Goldstein Museum of Design offers an introduction to its resources and the opportunity to explore the collection to enhance your designs. See the exhibition 'From Sportswear to Streetwear: American Innovation,' featuring apparel from the museums collections, and enjoy refreshments and the music of Parisota Hot Club.
Start your evening out at this fantastic and informative event before heading to SUGAR!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GOLDSTEIN SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
Project Santino
@ Beasthouse Brin Building 600 Washington Ave North North Loop (enter around back)
8pm-11pm / Free
Our cooler than cool pals over at Beasthouse will be hosting one of the most talked-about events of the weekend (aside from SUGAR of course!) So, before heading up the street to Aloft, pop into Beasthouse to meet designer Santino Rice of Project Runway fame, check out his new collection (with styling assistance from the fabulous dames of Eclecticoiffeur), nosh on complimentary apps courtesy of Azia, and down a glass of champagne - all in the name of fashion!
Its time again for what has become the hippest art 'round town, the $99 sale at The Soap Factory! In its third year, this annual sale will be the perfect opportunity to beautify your walls with your choice of over 200 unidentified pieces by local and national artists donating their work to benefit the gallery. Doors open at 7, but stake out your spot in line early, because things have been known to get crazy! All remaining works will be sold on Saturday, and admission that day is free.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
Pather Yang Trunk Show
@ Cliché 2403 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN
7-9pm / FREE
Fashion culture and awareness in Minneapolis is on the rise, and Cliché had a major hand in pioneering the movement as one of the most popular boutiques in town to carry clothing by local designers. Pather Yang is one of the most promising talents in town, with a style perfect for any young hipster looking for a classy dress with edgy, unexpected details. (aren’t we all, ladies?) A trunk show at Cliché on Friday night will feature Pather’s hot new collection and a chance to rub elbows with the designer herself!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CLICHE SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
Devon Driscoll Trunk Show
@ Design Collective 1311 W 26th St Minneapolis, MN
6-8pm / FREE
Pop into Design Collective for a treasure-filled trunk show hosted for NYC-based jewelry designer Devon Driscoll. Devon will be showcasing her new work and past collections featuring raw and refined metals at her first-ever show in Minneapolis. Meet Devon and be among the first to check out this metal smith’s one-of-a-kind jewelry. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and what better time to check out Design Collective’s fall arrivals!
Celebrate fall fashion weekend in style at Envision, featuring fall collections from the best emerging design talents and chicest boutiques in the Twin Cities. Spanish tapas and cocktails will be served, and DJs Timmay and A-Ray will be spinning a mix of house, rock & electro. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Young Survival Coalition, a breast cancer research fund.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ENVISION MYSPACE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
Toys in the Attic
@ Hangit Gallery 122 122 8th Street SE Minneapolis, Minnesota
7-10pm / FREE
Squad 19 presents "Toys in the Attic", a show examining the darkest fears from childhood—the stories, toys, and imagery that haunted their youth. The exhibition will feature paintings, illustrations, and custom toys by DC Ice, DWITT, Punchgut, Lon Unitus, Adam Turman, Steve Tenebrini and more. "Toys in the Attic" will run through October 31.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
She-Rock Festival of Sisters
@ Pi 2532 25th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN
8pm / 21+ / $10
Grrrl power will be raging this weekend as the She Rocks Festival of the Sisters takes on Minneapolis. A celebration of twin cities women in music, this year’s 2-day event will feature bands like The God Damn Doo Wop Band, Sirens of Titan, Desdamona, and the Menstrual Tramps among many others in genres ranging from punk to bluegrass to spoken word. Conservatives be warned: the event is sponsored by feminist sex toy store Smitten Kitten!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PI SITE
COOL LINK: YOUWORKFORTHEM
You probably know YouWorkForThem as an amazing graphic design group, but they’re also graphic-inspired fashion designers! Your chance to see their latest and greatest is at our fashion weekend event, SUGAR, at the Aloft Hotel this Friday! Anyhoo, if you're into design books, bitchin' vector art, typography, art prints and more, then you absolutely MUST check out YWFT's online store, but don't forget to come to the party on Friday!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YWFT SITE Photo by Digital Crush for SUGAR Wall Art by YouWorkForThem
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Thunderball
@ The Annex 509 1st Ave NE (between City Salvage and Red Stag) Northeast Minneapolis
8pm-3am/$10-$15
Bond is the new black! Go mod and channel your best Bond babe while sipping martinis and grooving to the beat of cool local bands such as Revolver, Mercurial Rage and Bella Koshka covering James Bond flick classics. Do it up and win the “best-dressed” contest, then get your pic snapped in the photo booth. Styling group Eclecticoiffeur will transform live models into Bond Girls in between band, set to the backdrop of video work by Digital Crush. This is THE place to be Saturday night, trust us!
Co-sponsored by l'etoile magazine
We recently caught up with Bella Koshka violinist and Thunderball producer Hilary Davis for a pre-fashion weekend chat....
How did you come up with the concept for ThunderBall? How did you choose the bands? Everybody loves Bond! The response has been so enthusiastic, there are a lot of die-hard Bond fans out there! The bands represent a complimentary variety of musical styles to cover the different eras of Bond theme songs – Mercurial Rage will get the crowd dancing, Bella Koshka will create a lushly cinematic mood, and Revolver will bring a darker, sexy edge. This party doubles as a fundraiser for the non-profit MNFashion - how important is an organization like this to the Twin Cities, in your opinion?
Immensely important! It is the hub of our local fashion community, bringing together creative individuals and providing them with opportunities to showcase and sell their work. No other city has an events like Voltage or unique runway shows at spaces like Solera.
What can people expect at the event that isn't the same old, same old? A mod-dressed crowd (I've talked to several gentlemen who will be sporting tuxes, and some Bond villains), plenty of dancing to '60s spy-theme music from 3 amazing DJs, Bond movie clips projected around the space, live Bond girls (oh yes!), a set for people to have their photos taken with the Bond girls...and a raging after-party very nearby! This is going to be a classy affair with the theme carried through every aspect of the party.
Tell us a little bit about this awesome new party spot, The Annex?
We're really excited to host the first event in this space! It's located on 1st Avenue NE between the Red Stag Supper Club and City Salvage. Stained glass windows, wood rafters, an amazing art deco bar with neon lights (serving custom Bond cocktails), and a twinkly-lit patio will create the perfect ambiance for the evening.
What do the babes from EC have cooked up for Thunderball? Can you release any hints?
In a first-time-ever, multi-media collaboration, the EC babes have joined forces with Digital Crush to recreate and update some iconic Bond intros...and there will be plenty of mod surprises, people will have to come see for themselves!
What are you going to wear to the party?
My band Bella Koshka is picking up the black/red/gold asian theme from "You Only Live Twice" (our opening number.) For my personal ensemble, all i will say is...gold sequins + black patent leather!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Studio Jams
@ SISBRO/Swank Dollar Studio 501 Cedar Ave S. 2nd level of Nomad World Pub West Bank of Minneapolis
1pm-6pm/free
You know what will be jammin’ here? Try...new jewels and porcelain prisms by SISBRO, black lacy things and skorts by Swank Dollar, “Don’t Smoke Drugs”, an illustration book and Knifeworld LP collaboration, and...womb suits by Aaron Ridgeway. See the hallowed ground where these hip makers have been toiling away for your fashion demands, and go forth with cash in hand.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Fall Flair
@ La Bodega Tapas Bar 3005 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis
Doors 6pm, runway at 7pm / $5
First of all, Jonathan Ackerman is DJing a runway event. What more do you need? Ok, how about drinking wine and eating tapas while taking in fall collections that include ostrich, crocodile and cowhide, plastic 80’s colored jewelry, and Scandinavian style laser cut acrylic and wood jewelry designs? This might be the most diverse show out there, and it’s only $5, so really, do you need more excuses?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MNFASHION SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Reevolution
@ Via’s Vintage 2408 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis
7pm-9pm
Everyone knows Via’s has top end vintage, but did you know they are also the exclusive carrier of local label Reevolution? This is your chance to meet and greet Sarah Holm, extraordinaire behind the line, get 20% off everything in the store, plus past seasons of Reevolution will be marked down to 50% off. Since you’ll be lusting over that fall line that was introduced Friday at Solera, why not talk to the designer herself tonight?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VIA'S SITE Photo by Eric Eul for l'etoile agency
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Grayline Clothing Release Party + Bike Ride
@ Design Collective 1311 W 26th St. Minneapolis
3pm-7pm, bike ride at 7:30 pm, cocktail hour at 8pm/free
Grayline’s so good it needs two release parties. Start at Design Collective and see Birk Stefan Grudem’s first collection of men’s and women’s hand-screenprinted scarves, bags, dresses, tights and more. At 7:30 get on your ten-speed and ride to Red Stag just in time for cocktail hour (isn’t it always time?) and more celebrating for Grayline.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Il Travatore
@ The Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul
8pm / $20-$150
Killer Spanish gypsies singing opera in St. Paul? Oh, yes. That Verdi knew how to write a drama, and this one includes ghosts, revenge, duels, abductions, religion and poisoning. Looks like nothing changes. There are only five shows, so hurry, add some operatic excitement to your life - and don't forget your opera goggles!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MN OPERA SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Rock to Party
@ Soundbar 414 3rd Ave N Minneapolis
11pm / 21+
Modernsextrash is a great name. It’s also a hot new local band that is launching their website - an answer to the changing music industry. Instead of full albums, they'll be releasing scheduled digital audio free on their site. Rock to Party will be the hybrid of a rock show and club night full of video, hot people and wild partying.
No offense boys, but what MPLS is really missing is sexy ladies in headphones. At the console, dropping those tracks, tweaking those synthesizers, pounding that bassline. Oh, it's really just time for the ladies to step up and rock their stuff. Enter DJ duo Tendercakes. These girls have been blowing up the scene and stealing the show all summer giving MPLS a touch of electro mash-up. If you haven't yet seen this flashy pair, head down to fashion elite l'étoile party Sugar at the Aloft Hotel this Friday where they'll be teaming up with DJ Jonathan Ackerman. And grab your wristband to double the fun for free admission to Sugar's official after party, Honeymoon, where Tendercakes party again in the First Ave VIP area from Midnight – 2 AM.
And YES, we are done shamelessly plugging our Friday Fashion Weekend party! See you there!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TENDERCAKES MYSPACE Photo by Digital Crush for SUGAR
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST
A Deep Root Romance: Keepsakes for a Modern Day
@ Design Collective 1311 W. 26th St. Minneapolis
Noon-4 PM
The Deep South, gumbo, grits, down home hospitality, Scarlett O'hara and fashion. Wait, fashion? Well, these girls know what we're talking about. Kristina Bell, 2008 Voltage Runway Designer of Standard Issue Clothing, and Ivey Brassil, 2008 Voltage Accessories Designer of Bombalurina showcase their Southern inspired Fall collections. And if handmade pieces, clothing and jewelry aren't enough to romance you, they also offer a goodies bar. As god is your witness, you will attend this event.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE SITE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST
Ruby3 Fashion Bike Ride
@ Robot Love Parking Lot 2648 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis
1pm-4pm / Free
There is nothing more liberating that hopping on your bicycle. Now throw in the line “dressed head to toe in the trendiest fashions” and we're close to a style revolution. This is fashion police on bikes. And what could be better than getting a little exercise while showing off your look. Join Anna Lee and her fashionistas as they tour de Minneapolis. The cycling hop starts in the Robot Love parking lot (run inside and get a locally designed t-shirt or hoodie if you're feeling a bit under dressed) and trail through the city. Some of Ruby3's last riders were featured in Vita.mn's fashion side; so remember, dress for success and wear a helmet; safety is sexy!
Route can be found at the link below!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RUBY3 SITE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST
Minnesota Historical Society Collections Treasures Tour
@ Minnesota History Center 345 Kellog Blvd. W. St. Paul
2 PM-3 PM/ free
Register early to reserve a spot for this prestigious event. Linda McShannock, textile curator for MN Historical Society, leads a tour of archive fashion collections from 19th - 21st century. Elaborating on techniques, color combination and contemporary designers, McShannock also shows off some of her favorite garments and gives a first hand look at some newly attained pieces. This tour is a must for designers looking for a reminder of fashion's recent history. But since this is a behind the scenes exclusive, it's limited to just 15 people. Contact event director Aleah Vinick via email with your name and the number of people in your group. aleah.vinick@mnhs.org.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MN FASHION SITE
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
Silver + Gold
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave. North Loop
Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free
Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.
BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!
To request an event listing on letoilemagazine.com, or to inquire about advertising, e-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com
To send a promo or press release for consideration through U.S. mail:
l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
2nd Floor
Minneapolis Mn 55413
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