In review: Cliché's "Cross Walk"

Text by Jahna Peloquin
Photos by Cody Lidtke


Forgoing its usual blowout summer runway show, local boutique Cliché instead brought its customer into the store - and out of it. Entitled "Cross Walk," the event cleverly put the "street" in "streetwear" as models styled in clothing by the store's national lines as well as local designers Ivan Idland, Danielle Everine and Elena Mercurio paraded outside of the store and onto the cross walk of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue.

The event kicked off with Cliché's showing of its national lines, styled with a streets-of-Tokyo-meets-Chinatown vibe. The bold painterly-print dresses, graphic tops and leggings were paired with fan headpieces and Japanese shopping bags for an effect perfectly suited to the Cliche customer - street-styled with a twist.


Next up was a brand-new five-piece line by history-referencing designer Ivan Idland, whose custom, one-of-a-kind pieces were his best yet. The adorable jumpers and dresses looked ready-made for a modern-day State Fair, if only the most chic of us dressed up for it - styled, of course, with cotton candy, balloons and state fair prize ribbons. Combining his penchant for folded sailor collars, contrast colors and button-front construction with a newly youthful and fresh sensibility, Idland has created some of his most wearable and saleable pieces to date.


Another designer to show a brand-new line was Danielle Everine, who's apparently been keeping herself very busy since debuting her memorable Voltage 2010 line this past April. The five-piece line served as a preview for her upcoming Fall 2010 collection, a diverse yet cohesive blend of separates highlighted by ivory lace and pastel prints. Inspired by the Wild West, the line was kitschily styled with faux mustaches, custom-made leather gun holster belts, and straw cowboy hats.


Last up was Voltage 2010 designer Elena Mercurio, showcasing her Voltage collection for a second time. Though the futuristic collection of color-blocked separates was nothing new for followers of local fashion, she added some glo-stick-infused headwear as a dramatic touch to the presentation as dusk fell over the city.

Though the show was apparently a cost-saving way to still showcase its local designers and latest offerings, Cliché made use of creative presentation and a novel concept to make for a truly memorable event.

All items available at Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.com

Visit Cliché's facebook page for more photos.