MNfashion Week in review: Clothes Off Our Backs

by Natalie Gallagher

On Wednesday night, Blacklist Vintage's "Clothes Off Our Backs" event marked the halfway point of MNfashion Week with all the right attributes: creative retro fashions, an eclectic live DJ set, and - of course - wine abundant. Doubling as the grand re-opening of one of Minneapolis’ most-beloved vintage shops, the event brought in the most stylish and retro-loving among us.

[Hannah von der Hoff in Blacklist Vintage; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

Live models posed atop pedestals throughout the evening in ingenious ensembles that only vintage experts and Blacklist owners Jennifer Sapiro and Vanessa Messersmith could have conjured - as worn by local fashionistas such as musician Hannah von der Hoff, fashion designer Raul Osorio, and Blacklist resident designer Monica Ulrich, and other regular customers of the shop. Looks ranged from a high school band jacket to a sweet yellow '40s swimsuit that was given a sporty edge when paired with a blazer. All the looks were available for sale.

[Model in Blacklist Vintage; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

After the show, the packed shop was boisterous with attendees pawing greedily through the generous racks of colorful tweeds, plaids, and sweet retro prints and trying on the extensive hat collection to a soundtrack by DJ Double Trouble, spinning everything from Sharon Jones to Nirvana. We also spied an impressive wig collection, Charlie’s Angels and Smurf lunchboxes, Mr. T posters, tons of vinyls and even a vintage record player.

[Monica Ulrich in Blacklist Vintage; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

Not to be overlooked was the corner devoted to a collection of prints by local artist Zach Pearl, which will be sold on an ongoing basis at the store. In a clever twist, the shop grand re-opening also served as a launch of Sew Simple, Blacklist's new in-store alterations shop. And the custom-built fitting room mid-century modern-styled pods were a perfect addition to the store's aesthetic.

[Raul Osorio in Blacklist Vintage; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

Sapiro and Messersmith clearly know what they’re doing. Since their opening in fall 2008, Blacklist Vintage continues to be a treasure trove of tasteful eclecticism, with something for everyone, from the budget fashionista to the vintage connoisseur. The new, bigger and better location just a block up 26th from Nicollet is sure to be a smash hit!

[Model in Blacklist Vintage; Photo by Stacy Schwartz]

Blacklist Vintage is located at 25 E. 26th St., Minneapolis, 612-872-8552, www.blacklistvintage.com.
Hours of operation are noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.