MSP Fashion Week in review: Emerging Designers Showcase

Text by Jahna Peloquin
Photos by Corey Tenold

Last night, l'etoile and MNfashion joined forces to co-present the first-ever Emerging Designers Showcase. Guests mingled within the artified walls of CO Exhibitions as model/singer Tearra's musical collective OSO performed short sets, accompanied by Mayda on guitar and vocals. Throughout the evening, five fresh talents on the local design scene showcased looks previewing their Fall/Winter 2012 collections, accented with locally-designed accessories. YQY by Vivian showed a Year of the Dragon-inspired trio of looks featuring hand-painting and hand-dying and bold colors, featuring with jewelry from KR Designs. Nicole Larson showcased a Gaga-ian take on Edwardian silhouettes using rich brocades, paired with Victorian-inspired jewels by Lefthand Originals. Marissa Bridges offered a new twist on last fall's lace trend by hand-dying it for an ombréd effect, accented with accessories by Vanessa Zahid. Gina Marie Vintage showed a mix of breezy, classically chic silk separates in a cream and black palette with jewelry by Camba. Caroline Hayden finished up the evening with a layered silk georgette cocktail dress and stunning gown with richly-colored jewels by Via Patina.

Look by YQY by Vivian, jewelry by KR Designs

Look by YQY by Vivian, jewelry by KR Designs

Look by YQY by Vivian, jewelry by KR Designs

Looks by Nicole Larson, jewelry by Lefthand Originals

OSO featuring Mayda

Dress by Marissa Bridges, jewelry by Vanessa Zahid

Dress by Marissa Bridges, clutch by Vanessa Zahid

Dress by Marissa Bridges, jewelry by Vanessa Zahid

Look by Gina Marie Vintage, jewelry by Camba

Look by Gina Marie Vintage, jewelry by Camba

Look by Caroline Hayden, jewelry by Via Patina

Look by Caroline Hayden, jewelry by Via Patina

Hair by Amber Brenke
Make-up by Julie Swenson
Modeled by Elle Lemler, Sarah Mraz & Ashley Moe

Click HERE for more photos by Corey Tenold.
Click HERE for Joan Erakit's review of the show for City Pages.