MNfashion Week in Review: The Red Dress Collection

Text by Beth Hammarlund
Photos by Chris McDuffie

Move over, little black dress - in February, it's all about the little red dress. Already a fixture at New York Fashion Week, the Red Dress Collection made its way to downtown Minneapolis for the first time on Monday night with an all-local cast of designers and celebrity models. Carly Aplin of CW Twin Cities, MNfashion and the Heart Truth campaign, which promotes the little red dress to raise awareness of heart disease in women, presented a collection of 11 crimson gowns by some of the top local designers in the plush lounge of Seven. Throughout the evening, well-heeled crowd sipped on $18 Red Dress Cocktails (it's for a good cause, you guys) and perused a chic selection of items and packages for silent auction, with all proceeds from the silent auction and ticket sales going to The Women's Heart Clinic at the University of Minnesota.

Dresses were modeled by a variety of local luminaries - medical professionals, style editors, and philanthropists were paired with designers to create looks that married their personal styles with the designer's aesthetic. ROX Jewelry designer and former Fox 9 news anchor Robyne Robinson was the first to walk the runway in a layered gown by Rachel Blomgren.

Dress by Rachel Blomgren

Max Lohrbach gave one of his signature silhouettes an extra Valentine's Day punch in lipstick red. The result was sweet and flirty, and it was fun to see Lohrbach working with such a bright color.

Dress by Max Lohrbach

Sandy Simmons was poured into a floor-length gown by Adrienne Yancy of ArielSimone. Simmons was even more statuesque than usual, a testament to Yancy's tailoring ability. It fit like a sexy glove.

Dress by ArielSimone

Danielle Everine dressed Kaela Humphries (that's Kris' plus-size model sister) in a floaty red dress that could've gone a bit too conservative, but a racy thigh-high slit gave it just the right amount of sauciness. Everine hasn't done much plus-size design, but it couldn't have been much of a challenge to design for the stunning Humphries.

Dress by Danielle Everine

Landyn Hutchinson closed the show wearing the finale gown by Emma Berg. The show-stopping number was, without question, the highlight of the event. It was bold and romantic, and guests could barely take their eyes off of Hutchinson.

Dress by Emma Berg

Kudos to the organizers, designers, models, and volunteers for putting forth so much effort for a good cause. The Red Dress Collection's introduction to Minneapolis went off without a hitch, and hopefully we'll be able to attend this event again in the years to come.

Dress by Laura Fulk

Look by Christopher Straub

Dress by Sarah M. Holm

Dress by Tim Navarro

In review: Christopher Straub Spring 2012 Collection

Text by Beth Hammarlund, l'étoile founder/creative director
Photos by Peter Holme

Christopher Straub unveiled his Spring/Summer 2012 collection on Sunday afternoon at the Westin Hotel in Edina, and it was without a doubt his strongest collection to date.


The Project Runway alum presented 21 sea-inspired looks that further revealed his strength with prints. The collection featured three original prints that Straub created, using his own digital photography as a building block. Though two of the prints highly resembled prints from Alexander McQueen’s legendary “Plato’s Atlantis” collection, they were truly executed within Straub’s aesthetic.

This was not the designer’s first foray into prints. His Spring 2011 collection included an original green and cream patterned motif that was fresh and sophisticated and left me wanting more. It was exciting to see the designer pushing further in that direction, and I’m interested to see where he goes with it.

A knee-length shift in golden earth tones and a fluttery number in sea greens and blues were chic and extremely wearable. The dresses themselves were tasteful, if simple, but the prints transformed them from off-the-rack basics to conversation pieces.

Straub showcased his signature densely packed petals, but instead of the flowery concoctions we’ve seen in the past, he graduated to spiky black stars. Thanks to Dolce & Gabbana, stars are having a moment on the runway and in editorials. The choice was extremely on trend, without being too on-the-nose. That said, the aggressive pieces felt disconnected from the rest of the collection to a degree that was almost jarring. The dress was overwhelming, but with the right styling, the mini-skirt and bolero jacket could be excellent statement pieces.

Structured ruffles in white python adorned dresses and skirts, and an extremely interesting top. However, the hardware details on the pieces were so small, they almost looked like pins holding the folds together. It was an unfortunate effect that did no justice to the strong construction.

The collection included a large selection of separates. A black and white print elevated a well-tailored blazer from simple to eye-catching. An incredibly accessible piece, it could be worn by both teenage rebels and ladies who lunch. (Just don’t let them know that they’re wearing the same thing). Straub had another hit with a chic belted jacket in white python print that would be elegant with wide-legged trousers or over a fitted dress.

However, several looks missed the mark. A strapless mini-dress with a ruffled detail was sexy and fun, but it belonged in a Whitesnake video. (There is nothing wrong with looking like one should belong in Whitesnake video, as long as the individual is aware that she looks like she should be in a Whitesnake video.) Compared to Straub’s other more sophisticated pieces, it felt dated and over-the-top.

Three pairs of leggings strutted down the runway, but there were no trousers in sight. The printed leggings were fun, but ultimately, printed leggings are still just leggings. They made little of Straub’s technical abilities and cheapened the otherwise interesting tops with which they were paired.

A dramatic cap-sleeved gown in white python closed the show. The finale dress found an found an appealing balance between ethereal and stark, but it was the penultimate look that reigned supreme over the collection. A full-length gown featuring fluttery sleeves and a high neckline, it would have felt overly conservative, and potentially girlish, in a solid color. But in Straub’s original print, it was at once edgy and sophisticated.

Straub still struggles with editing, and there were a few elements of this collection that could have been scaled back. Fewer ruffles and several more inches of hemline would have raised the level of sophistication. However, several looks showed a new sense of restraint. Straub constantly pushes himself, and though his collections are uneven, when he hits it right, the results are mouth-watering.

This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Child Neurology Fund, an organization which funds research and treatment for children with brain disorders. In addition to bringing attention to the cause and raising money for the organization, Straub also made a little girl’s year by designing a one-of-a-kind piece to wear in the front row. After the show, she joined Straub onstage and assaulted him with the kind of fierce hug that children save for those that they truly adore. You’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer guy.

Le'Talk: Life after the "Runway": A Q&A with Danielle Everine & Christopher Straub

by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile Fashion Editor

Calling all Project Runway fans: Two of the design competition's local contestants are showing their latest collections in two separate fashion shows this weekend: Danielle Everine on Friday, and Christopher Straub on Sunday.

After having made her mark in the local scene with last fall's MNfashion-produced runway show "Pale Rider" and making two appearances in Voltage: Fashion Amplified, Danielle Everine made it onto the profile-raising Project Runway, making her one of the most recognizable names in Twin Cities fashion. The busy designer gives us a peek at what's next for her with an intimate, in-store fashion show this Friday at Cliché featuring her abbreviated fall 2011 collection inspired by the sea, "Call Me Ishmael."

[Danielle Everine. Photo: Sara Kiesling]

l'étoile: For the show, you're collaborating with illustrator Lisa Luck on custom screenprints (who we worked with on a paper dolls-inspired spread last April). How did you and Lisa get hooked up?

Danielle: Lisa is an incredible illustrator. She drew the beautiful imagery for the Pale Rider lookbook and promotional material. We had been hoping to work on another project together. When I started to design this collection, she immediately came to mind.

We love your nautical, seafaring theme. What got your inspired? Have you been reading Moby Dick?

Danielle: I learned to sail on a 24-foot keel boat over the summer. David (Everine's boyfriend) races a sailboat with a few friends on Lake Minnetonka. I had to overcome my fear of falling in the water and get over my seasickness. We would go out only for a few hours at a time, which was always sufficient for me. I started to think about those travelers from yore that were at sea for months or years at a time. Their travels were rugged yet romantic. I revisited some whaling and sailing texts only to be more inspired by the structures and symbols of the boats.

[Poster art for the show by Lisa Luck]

How did coming out the Project Runway experience affect your latest creations?

Danielle: PR was a whirlwind, hectic experience that was not necessarily conducive to my spirited approach to design. With this collection, I have returned to my literary inspired way of thinking that defines me as a designer. I have once again embraced the adventurous freedom that comes along with living in Minnesota.

In the show, you'll be featuring your first line of handbags. Do you see yourself spanning out toward doing more accessories than just clothing?

Danielle: I found a new love for accessories! Leather and other rugged textiles are always on my mind, but can sometimes be difficult to wear as apparel pieces. Handbags and belts can be a stylish and utilitarian way to finalize an outfit. Plus, I am able to work with the materials I love.

[Fall 2011 sketches by Everine]

Meanwhile, season six's Christopher Straub has become something of a local darling, consistently showing up on Twin Cities talk shows, talking trends and offering his Project Runway-honed critiques. He's also in the midst of an upcoming collaboration with major retailer maurices, launching at the end of this month, not to mention his own namesake collection. He'll be showing his Spring/Summer 2012 looks this Sunday at a runway show at the Westin Edina hotel at Galleria. Straub gives us a look at what to expect.

[Christopher Straub. Photo: Bethany Young]

l'étoile: For the show, you're featuring some of your own custom prints. Did your experience on Project Runway inspire you to continue creating your own, versus buying already-printed fabric?

Christopher: The Create-A-Print challenges didn't begin until the season after mine so I didn't get to go through the process on the show. I had to source my own fabric printers and figure it out for myself. Now that I've done several collections with my own prints I cannot go back to buying pre-made ones at the fabric store.

[A Spring/Summer 2012 look by Straub. Photo: Social 360]

We first saw hints of a tougher edge in your Sol Inspirations pieces, which had almost an Alexander McQueen feel to them, and it looks like your collection is a continuation of this. Have you purposefully decided to move away from the ultra-feminine, be-petaled aesthetic you've become known for?

Christopher: I've decided to create a visual difference between my "runway-only" collections and my "ready-to-wear" collections. The runway pieces have more structure and architecture while the ready-to-wear stays true to the aesthetic that viewers of Project Runway are familiar with. I love creating digital prints...they are becoming increasing more popular thanks to such design houses as McQueen, Balenciaga, and Stella McCartney.

[A Spring/Summer 2012 look by Straub. Photo: Social 360]

What can we expect with your upcoming line for maurices?

I'm happy to say that my exclusive collection for maurices is going to mark my return to the textural petals look that I'm known for. Also, the price point is exceptional with pieces starting at just $12.

You've become something of a go-to local style expert. How did you get to be so good behind a camera?

Prior to Project Runway I was a fashion stylist, so that part of the business comes naturally. I've styled all over the country and have, also, worked in Paris a couple times styling photo shoots and commercials for a luxury fashion line.

Event details:
Danielle Everine presents "Call Me Ishmael":
Tickets: Free
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, November 11.
Where: Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.com

Christopher Straub Spring/Summer 2012 Collection:
Tickets: $50-100 VIP, $25 general admission.
When: Doors open at 3:15 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 3:45 p.m. for general admission, 4 p.m. fashion show, Sunday, November 13.
Where: The Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria, Edina, 952-567-5000, www.christopherstraub.com

Project Runway Premiere Party 7/28

The stylish masses convened at the Caterpillar Lounge this past Thursday to celebrate yet another of our talented local brethren's induction into the Project Runway hall of fame. Minneapolis' Danielle Everine passed the first challenge with an artful two-tone top and a perfectly tailored pair of high-waisted shorts. Upon being deemed "safe" Everine commented that being safe "wasn't good enough." And we agree! We can't wait to see what Miss Danielle comes up with next.

Last night's party was a packed house, with a who's who of local fashion in attendance. Beloved season six contestant, Christopher Straub even made a cameo and shared a couch and a few drinks with Danielle!

Join l'etoile at the Caterpillar Lounge each Thursday through the season to catch episodes, sip some drinks (including our drink special, The Everine Fizz!) and nosh on sushi to your heart's content. Click HERE for all the deets!

Check out past l'etoile editorial spreads featuring designs by Danielle Everine here, here and here.

Photos by Amy Gee

Danielle Everine and Christopher Straub





Models Ashley, Corey, and Hina pose with Vision's Elijah Chuum

Danielle and Christopher analyze the competition.

The Everine Fizz...only $6!

l'etoile and friends

Accessory designer Jennifer Merchant and friends enjoy some drinks

The Vision Models crew represents

Designers Frances Zerr and Ivan Idland

Everine and Jagress Intimates designer Sarah White

MNfashion Week Preview Party

by Beth Hammarlund
photos by Stacy Schwartz

Local fashion insiders were treated to a sneak peek of what to expect from the upcoming Fall 2010 MNfashion Week at a preview event at Honey Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis on Tuesday night. The event gave designers, buyers and MNfashion supporters the opportunity to rub shoulders with one another in an intimate setting - and get a glimpse of what's to come via an informal runway show. As is often the case at local fashion events, the sartorially gifted attendees practically served as their own fashion parade.

[A fall 2010 look from Danielle Everine]

A brief runway presentation served as a teaser for the upcoming events, with featured pieces ranged from delicate dresses to heavy knits and coats suited for Minnesota Novembers. Looks by Raul Osorio and Danielle Everine whet the audience’s palette for their upcoming runway show, "Pale Rider." The event is easily one of the most highly anticipated events of MNfashion Week, and Osorio's and Everine’s previewed looks didn’t disappoint. Expect beautiful tailoring and plenty of drama from their collections.

[A fall 2010 look by Raul Osorio]

[A fall 2010 look by "Envision: Artopia" designer ArielSimone]

[A Spring 2011 look by "Envision: Artopia" designer Christopher Straub]

[A fall 2010 look by Cliche "Crosswalk" designer Tender Cuts]

Though the event was brimming with eye candy, its ultimate purpose was to build excitement for the MNfashion Week Fall 2010. Considering the number of attendants seen scribbling down times and dates in their calendars, it was a definite success and a sign of good things to come.

Click here for more photos by Stacy Schwartz for MNfashion.

MNfashion Week in review: Christopher Straub premier collection

text by Jahna Peloquin
Photos by Stephen Stephens for Digital Crush Photography

It was a gorgeous spring evening this past Sunday in St. Paul as Christopher Straub, fan favorite of Project Runway's sixth season and Shakopee native, debuted his first full collection. Ever. That's right - the designer who won so many hearts with his earnest hopefulness and optimism, and a penchant for feminine, wearable designs, had never before created an entire ready-to-wear collection that would grace the catwalk.

[Satin shift dress with organza petal details by Christopher Straub]

The results? It was all very Christopher, to say the least. His signature petals, ruffles and folded organza detailing were all there, as were his tried-and-true one-shouldered, empire-waist silhouettes. That's all well and good -- and wearable -- but a bit predictable at this point.

[Leather petal dress by Christopher Straub]

It was on the strength of his design portfolio, a small collection of adorable dresses with a slightly tough, modern edge, that helped score him a coveted slot on the reality show (along with one-time Minneapolis designer Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman). Straub went on to place fourth, nearly making it to Bryant Park. In the beginning, Tom and Lorenzo of go-to Project Runway blog Project Rungay gave him high marks, saying it was "some of the best pre-show work we've seen yet. This stuff could be hung right on a rack in a boutique, ready to go."

[Sheer cotton dress by Christopher Straub]

And if nothing else, Straub's greatest strength continues to be the off-the-rack wearability of his garments. After all, it's hard to say no to a cute dress. And this is much of what the packed audience of fervant Straub fans and local fashion kingpins were treated to against the decadent, old-world glamour of the historic Saint Paul Hotel -- where incidentally, he celebrated (with Coleman) at the l'étoile-produced premiere party for Project Runway just last August.

[One-shouldered empire-waist dress by Christopher Straub]

Perhaps it's a nod to his born-and-raised, aw-shucks Midwestern roots that he appears to market to those outside of the world of high fashion. His designs don't necessarily take bravery to pull off - these are dresses for the girl who likes to dress up on weekends, out of the suburbs. And there ain't nothing wrong with making fashion accessible, say we. Besides, it's a way for a fledgling designer to make a living in what is a very tough business.

[Layered chiffon jacket and leather pants by Christopher Straub]

However, it would be refreshing to see Straub push his aesthetic a bit more in the future. His most forward designs of the night did just that, tempering his soft, petal and ruffle-drenched aesthetic with a tough edge.

[A faux-leather & knit look by Christopher Straub]

It was the new elements he incorporated into the collection that really worked: knits, jackets, leather-work, and pants (!), including one particularly hot pair made of electric blue leather.

[A faux-leather studded skirt by Christopher Straub]

The leather-like studded mini skirt was another favorite of the night, the swingy shape complimented Straub's aesthetic easily. Also particularly refreshing were the two well-styled menswear looks that hit the runway. One thing's for sure: the boy can cut a mean leather jacket.

[Men's leather jacket and denim jeans by Christopher Straub]

Another point of criticism not to be taken lightly: presentation. Presentation can turn a collection from bland and dull to exciting and fresh, at least to the eye of the audience. While the lighting and production were top-notch, the models were sub-par and the styling was uninspired. When included, his belts and handbags were integral to the show, but some jewelry, gloves, and hot shoes would've amped up things considerably.

[The metal foil leaf-cut finale dress by Christopher Straub]

All that being said, Straub debuted a well-produced show of wearable, sellable clothing, putting an exciting and ambitious cap on what has turned out to be the biggest and best MNfashion Week to date.

Christopher Straub accessories are available at www.christopherstraub.com. View more photos at www.digitalcrushphoto.com.

Jahna Peloquin is the Fashion Editor for l'étoile magazine, Lead Stylist for Voltage: Fashion Amplified, and a freelance fashion writer and stylist.