l'etoile's Guide to Spring MNfashion Week 1: April 15-18

Here at l’étoile, MNfashion Week is one of our favorite times of the year. When else can you have so many stylish events packed in a one-week period? Of course, this spring it’s more like MNfashion Month, with fashion shows and events happening throughout the month of April. There’s so much going on, we can understand if you feel overwhelmed - so to help you out, we’re highlighting the must-be-at events, as well as offering a comprehensive listing of the rest.

Check back later this weekend for NEXT week's bountiful line up of MNfashion Week events!

THURSDAY, APRIL 15-SATURDAY, APRIL 17:

W7 Gallery Event & HAROLD handbag launch
What: Monthly artist mart W7 Collective makes its statement in the local fashion scene loud and clear with its MNfashion Week edition. Laura Nelli, famed for her NELLE line of delectable party clutches, is launching a new brand, HAROLD at the W7 event. (RSVP to www.nellehandbags.com/harold for your chance to win a tote.) The menswear-inspired collection features large totes and handbags, perfect for your everyday needs. The menswear-inspired looks should be a good match for up-and-coming designer Jared Zachary (who happens to be a Vision model) and his line of handmade neckwear. Perhaps most exciting might be the husband-and-wife duo of Jonathan Gomez Whitney and Veronica delCarmen Gomez Whitney will be showcasing work in their respective creative realms. Jonathan, a noted interior designer, is noted for his modern, sleek shelves, furniture and furnishings. Avant-garde clothing designs by his wife, Veronica, will also be on display for the first time in years (as she’s been busy raising their adorable daughter). Free.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, April 15-Saturday, April 17. HAROLD trunk show: 7-9 p.m. Thursday.
Where: Pilney Building, 1032 7th St. W., St. Paul. www.w7collective.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16:

Voltage: Fashion Amplified
What: The behemoth that started it all, Voltage: Fashion Amplified returns for its seventh edition. Local favorites George Moskal, Brianne Jones (Kelson), and Christine Carmichael (Carmichael Claith) return to show full runway collections, while some of the most highly-anticipated designers include recent Jereme grant winner and knitwear designer Kevin Kramp, arts curator and mplsart.com director Emma Berg, Hmong designer PFT Couture, and Honduras-born menswear designer Raul Osorio. Additional designers include Elena Mercurio, Frances Zerr, and Danielle Everine. Voltage favorites Laura Fulk, Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co., Calpurnia Peach, and Anthem Heart return to outfit bands Mayda, Red Pens, Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps, and Mark Mallman's Ruby Isle. (St. Paul boutique BlackBlue will outfit Blue Sky Blackout.) Afterward, head to OM for the official afterparty for DJ Bach, $5 Voltage-themed cocktails, and $5 specialty apps. ($25-30; 21-plus.)
When: Show: 8-11:30 p.m. After party: 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, April 16. (Pictured: A Voltage look by PFT Couture at the Voltage Preview.)
Where: First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls. 612-332-1775. www.first-avenue.com. OM, 401 1st Ave. N., Mpls.

Ivy Spring Exclusive & Domino Jeans Launch
What: Longtime Uptown boutique Ivy and its savvy owner Ini Iyamba know how to throw a party. This weekend, it’s for the launch of its latest line, Domino Jeans. All day, the store will feature special offers and deals; come later for a showing of the entire line on live models, complimentary champagne, and swag bags. Afterward, head over to Honey Lounge for the after party with DJ CXR and free Prairie Organic Vodka drinks. RSVP to rsvp@shopivy.com, and arrive early, as the guest list does not guarantee entry.
When: In-store offers: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. In-store event: 6-9 p.m. After party: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, April 16.
Where: Ivy, 1440 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-827-2764. Honey Lounge, 201 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (lower level). 612-746-0306.

Dearling Physique “Currency” EP Release Party
What: Music meets fashion at the EP Release Party for local experimental outfit Dearling Physique. The band will play its latest material amidst the backdrop of a multi-media stage exhibition in collaboration with art director Carl Atiya Swanson. The band will be outfitted in icy and metallic creations by local fashion designer Hilary Falk, with makeup and styling by Molly Roark. Special guests No Bird Sing, The Alpha Centauri, Xavier Marquis and DJ Sovietpanda (of Too Much Love fame) kick off the show in style. ($10 or $6 with Voltage ticket stub. 18-plus.)
When: 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show. Friday, April 16.
Where: Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. SE., Mpls. 612-604-0222. www.varsitytheater.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17:

Textile Center Garage Sale
What: The Textile Center’s massive annual textile garage sale is ten years running, and a boon for the serious crafter, artist and designer. Hundreds of square feet will be piled high with fabric, yarn, threads, notions, kits, patterns, magazines, tools, beads, buttons, equipment, and books. If you want to get a jump on the competition, head there Friday for the preview sale and enjoy live music and refreshments. Admission to the preview is $25, or just $1 per person during the sale. Thrifty types may want to hold off until the final hour of the sale on Saturday (beginning at 3 p.m.), during which you can fill a bag for only a buck.
When: Preview: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 16. Sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 17.
Where: Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. SE., Mpls. 612-436-0464. www.textilecentermn.org.

Local Artist T-Shirt Mart
What: Local t-shirt artists congregate at - where else? - the Walker Art Center for an artist-designed t-shirt sale unprecedented in the Twin Cities. Artists include Mike Davis of Burlesque of North America, Saman Bemel Benrud of Minty Fresh Monster, Kevin Hayes and Jamie Paul of Lovely Minneapolis, Helen Jerlach of Numsi, Sara Lintner of Too Many Suitors, Lester B. Morrison of Little Brown Mushroom, Sarah Nassif of Rectangle Design, and Christine Solheim of Future Lint.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 17. (Pictured: T-shirt by Burlesque of North America.)
Where: Cargill Lounge at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 612-375-7600. www.walkerart.com.

Fashion for a Cause! Style for Smiles
What: We always love fashion for a cause. Local line Kokoon is teaming up with Project Healthy Smile, which offers dental supplies to underprivileged children around the world. Kokoon will be showcasing its spring line in a fashion show and donating 20 percent of sales from the event to the cause. Enter to win a private photo shoot with photographer Serah Sauser, enjoy complimentary makeovers by makeup artist (and frequent l’etoile editorial contributor!) Kate Erickson, style tips from HMStyling, and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. RSVP to tiffany@projecthealthysmile.org to get on the list.
When: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show. Saturday, April 17.
Where: CW Lofts, 730 Stinson Blvd., Mpls. www.cwlofts.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17-SUNDAY, APRIL 18:

I Like You Trunk Show & Anniversary Party
What: We can hardly believe that totally adorbz local accessory and gift shop, i like you, has been open in its Northeast location for only a year. One of the few shops in town dedicated to local and independent artists, i like you is celebrating its first birthday with an MNfashion-approved trunk show featuring many of its local crafters and designers. Sunday’s featured designers include Third Willow, Hero Jones Designs, Lollycopter, Renee Larson, Silver Bug and Annie Fink, plus hula hoop demos by Joslyn Meyers and a live set by local band I Like You. Sunday, expect accessories by Voltage designer Pea’s and Bean’s, designer Rebecca Yaker, and more. (Pictured: Earrings by Renee Larson.)
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 17 & Sunday, April 18.
Where: i like you, 501 1st Ave. NE., Mpls. 612-208-0249. www.ilikeyouonline.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18:

Cliché VIP Mini Fashion Show
What: One of the foundations of the local fashion industry, Cliché, is hosting its bi-annual VIP fashion show. The seated, salon-style showing of its local lines Amanda Christine, kjurek couture, Tender Cakes, Jenny Carle and others as well as its popular national lines in the comfy confines of the shop. And don’t you just want to know how to get on the list? There are only 20 seats, but if you’re quick and RSVP to 612-870-0420 you just might get to be part of the in-crowd. (Pictured: A look by Amanda Christine.)
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 18.
Where: Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. 612-870-0420. www.clichempls.com.

Vintage City Classics Studio Open House
What: The lovely ladies of Vintage City Classics are keeping up the momentum from their Voltage 2010 showing as assessories designers for Frances Zerr to showcase their entire spring 2010 line and vintage collection. The Spring 2010 line features bright, ‘60s-inspired adornments, perfect for the lush colors on trend for this spring. Peep the designers’ recently-opened studio, enjoy refreshments, and meet the designers.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 18.
Where: Vintage City Classics Studio, 314 Clifton Ave., Carriage House C205, Mpls. www.vintagecityclassics.com.

InsideOut Fashion Show
What: This installment-style fashion show takes models off the runway and into styled vignettes. Live models wearing fashions from local designers Ilze Bruvelis, Maggie Dayton (MHD Couture), Brittany Hughes and Lauren Koehne (Flower Child Designs) will intermix with hair and makeup demo stations, a live-action photo shoot and the audience itself. Cash bar available downstairs. (Pictured: A look by Brittany Hughes.)
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 18.
Where: Spill the Wine, 1101 Washington Ave. S., 2nd floor, Mpls. www.spillthewinerestaurant.com.

Check back later this weekend for next week's MNfashion Week events!