Last night, Lyndale boutique You and Me presented "Resurgent," their first runway show, at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul. A collaborative venture between fashion designers Tim + Thom, Camille Fashions and jewelry designer Katy Schmaty, the store is part studio, part custom shopping experience.
The show opened with musical performances by Loveless Aphrodite and Tiger Vs. DJ Encounter then took to the stage, which had been decorated in twisted twigs and branches, creating a simple, yet enchanting backdrop.
The clothing was presented in three different segments. The first was marked by a flag on stage that flew the initials "KS." This segment focused on jewelry by Katy Schmaty, but it was unclear whether the clothing was by Tim + Thom, Camille Fashions, or both. You and Me's line is a collaboration of the designers, but it would have been helpful to have a presentation or a program that explained whether the entire collection was a collaboration among all of the designers, or if the different segments did indicate different designers.
The "KS" segment featured truly fantastic animalistic hairstyles, some of which literally wove in strands of Katy Schmaty's ornate jewelry. Sculpting horns and antlers out of models' manes is not a new idea, but to see it executed so well at a show in the Twin Cities was a treat. However, it felt incongruous to have models with such elaborately crafted hair and feminine jewelry wearing what was, in several cases, casual sportswear.
The second segment, marked with a flag bearing the image of a bird, included a pair of excellent fitting jeans with contrasting fabric across the knees. (The bird image from the flag was embroidered onto a back pocket, as well.) The looks were hit and miss, and there were a lot of them. I lost track of exactly how many looks were shown throughout the show, but it would have been in the designers' best interest to bring down the number. Quality should always outweigh quantity.
The second segment's closing look was a bit strange. A male model glided down the runway in well-made black duster, but the safety pin fastenings looked less punk rock than they did a last minute necessity. He also wore a black gas mask and had a samurai sword holstered on his back. Though the look was certainly arresting and impressive, it seemed strangely out of place. The styling of the show suggested a narrative, but I couldn't pinpoint when we had moved from strange forest girls to post-apocalyptic urban warfare.
The final segment, marked with a "T+T" flag (presumably for Tim + Thom), included more pieces that were fairly hit and miss, and could have used some editing. But there were certainly highlights. I adored a pair knee-length cable knit trousers in a marled gray. I would love to see a longer and less chunky version of that design, as well. Another high note came from an unexpected place. While standing onstage, a female model appeared to be wearing an ordinary oversized men's pinstripe suit coat. But as she walked down the runway, it became clear that the suit coat was in fact tailored into a cape. (Unfortunately, due to the dark backdrop of the stage and the color of the cape, photographs do not do the silhouette justice.) It was a unique idea and a pleasant surprise.
Veteran model Tearra closed the show in a long coat wearing what I first thought was a pair of long slim jeans. However, on her return walk, it became apparent that they were more like a pair of slender denim leg warmers that ran from thigh past the ankle. I didn't love the coat and the overall look was uneven, but it's refreshing to go to a fashion show and be treated to little surprises like this.
Throughout the show, a number of pieces appeared to be either unfinished or poorly finished. Hems and closures were a problem, and some of the designers lacked for taste. I couldn't help wishing that the designers had cut several of the looks, and used that time to refine the stronger pieces. There were good ideas there, but they got a little lost.
The models walked slowly and strangely on the runway. It wasn't a strut of a stomp, but more of a step-drag, step-drag. The choreography choice received mixed reviews from the crowd, but I thought it worked well with DJ Encounter's music and the atmosphere. There were some strong styling choices that still stick in my mind, as well. In particular, a mock ponytail fashioned out a raccoon tail piqued my interest.
Though the event was charming and ambitious, it was significantly less refined than what we've come to expect at high-profile MNfashion events. There were some hiccups in timing, a few wobbly models, and the collection would have benefitted from significant editing and finishing. There's plenty of room for improvement. That said, every show has to start somewhere, and if Resurgent becomes a recurring event in MNfashion Week, it has the potential to become a can't-miss event. The ideas are definitely there. What they need is a good polish.
Art and fashion enthusiasts crowded the halls of the MIA last Thursday to support the museum's First Thursday collaboration with MNFashion. Four esteemed local designers selected inspiration pieces from the museum's vast permanent collection. Their final creations--three looks each--were displayed in a runway show held along the grand, marble-lined corridor of the museum's second floor.
Emma Berg opened the show with her Dali-inspired look: a sheer, buff blouse with a flouncy collar and a caged skirt of boning draped in the same delicate fabric. It was an elegant juxtaposition of hard and soft. Berg is known for her bright and playful palette, and it was a pleasant surprise to see her aesthetic captured in subdued neutrals.
The second piece, clearly influenced by Pablo Picasso's "Woman in Armchair," was Berg in her comfort zone. Pops of brilliant blue, green and fuchsia sequins brightened up the asymmetrical black and cream dress. Though it wasn't a great departure from her signature style, it was Berg's most daring runway look.
Berg's final look, inspired by an African Nkisi sculpture, consisted of a floor-length black crushed velvet skirt and a dramatic neckpiece over a sheer black blouse. The show-stopping element was the neckpiece, a tangle of cotton coil dyed black and intricately wound and sewn to create a collar that was gothic and aggressive.
Designer Laura Fulk, who has graduated to mostly solo shows in the Twin Cities, was back in the mix. The designer presented three variations of an oxford shirt and knee-length pencil skirt. As is Fulk's style, something was askew in each of the designs. There was a buttoned front opening that fell at a diagonal, a shirt collar twisted to the side, and a tie that hung off-kilter.
Fulk was inspired by Harold Edgerton's famous photograph of a bullet shooting through an apple, and the designer attempted to capture the freeze-frame the bullet's path with carefully placed explosions of white tulle. Unfortunately, the concept didn't quite shift into a fully realized sartorial interpretation. Fulk is one of the Twin Cities' most intellectual designers. She tells a nuanced and fully realized story with each collection. Sadly, in these pieces, the story didn't quite translate.
Fresh off showing his new men's collection at SCENEaSOTA, Raul Osorio constructed three looks inspired by the MIA's collection of Native American art. Though such a selection could tempt a designer to go off the deep end with something cliche like beading or fringe, Osorio kept it simple with subtle, consistent references.
Osorio's collection at SCENEaSOTA was created for the modern dandy. It's an aesthetic that suits him well. So it was quite refreshing to see the designer expand his range for the MIA show by creating pieces that were more understated, even a bit rugged. An elegantly draped black coat stood out, and I'm hopeful that the designer will eventually make a women's version.
Finale designer Samantha Rei surprised quite a few local fashion followers when she announced that she had chosen architectural furniture design as her inspiration. Rei is known for her extremely feminine, Lolita-like dresses. So to hear that she would be taking inspiration from artists such as George Elmslie was quite intriguing.
Her first look was an asymmetrical party dress in an unexpected burnt orange. Heavy rectangular fringe along the hem and criss-cross ornamentation recalled Elmslie's work. The lines created in the look were both flattering and impressively thought out.
The second look boasted a similar shape as the first, but this time the design was perfectly symmetrical. Though the hard lines and heavy fringe were still in place, this look was set apart with it heavy floral fabric, recalling the upholstery of one of Elmslie's signature chairs.
Rei's last dress, the finale of the show, combined both the strong lines of the first look and the heavy floral fabric of the second.It was a strong finish for the designer. Rei's work is not for the faint of heart. She walks the line between the princess and the warrior, and it takes a great deal of confidence to wear her creations. However, the women who wear her dresses are guaranteed to appear both fearless and feminine.
Between the runway show, the trunk shows, the l'étoile-sponsored scavenger hunt, and a performance by local punk act Pink Mink, there were plenty of activities for the art-hungry guests. The MIA was a perfect venue for a fashion event, and we're definitely hopeful that the museum will make this fantastic concept an annual happening.
On the November 18th, Third Thursdays will unveil the products of a design challenge poised to pair four local fashion designers with works from Minneapolis Institute of Art's extensive trove. Inspired by the pieces' artistic aesthetic and cultural elements, the designers have created looks that bring their visionary juxtaposition with art and fashion to life via a stylishly eccentric gala runway show. Prior to the event, l'étoile will be featuring a short Q&A section where readers not only get an insider's perspective on the designers' specific art choices but also catch a sneak preview of their wearable “works of art” collection. (photo of Laura by Marshall Franklin Long)
This week, we went behind the sewing machine with sculptress and fashion designer, Laura Fulk, as she talks about her personal connection to photography and how she plans to bring her clothing collection to life.
l'étoile: As fashion inspiration you choose pieces by photographer and electrical engineer pioneer, Harold Edgerton. What drew you to his work?
Fulk: I was a partial photo major in my undergrad and was always drawn to his work. I still get a little star struck to think that the MIA owns it here, in Minneapolis. I think generally even the average person would think his work is astounding. What he’s done – especially during his era –was ground breaking and it’s flat out bizarre to see time frozen in such a way. I'm excited to put that "frozen explosion" in to a garment that moves...and breathes.
l'étoile: Edgerton was credited for his contribution transforming the lab instrument, the stroboscope (aka the strobe). Do you have any plans to execute this concept of oscillation and cyclical motion in the collection you're showcasing?
Fulk: Initially I did, yes. As the concept and actual pieces developed it started to become more about “the era” and the physical act of “blowing up.” I did a similar series in my art school days by blowing up jackets with firecrackers.
l'étoile: These particular photographs feature a sort of severed disconnectedness, an aesthetic that reminds us of some of the dramatic collars and spliced geometric shapes your past garments have incorporated. Is this something you thought of when selecting Edgerton's photographs?
Fulk: Absolutely. There was so much visual beauty in his work it almost takes my breath away. It’s really something when you can create physical reactions through art/fashion such as a “gasp”. That’s what makes me do what I do.
For more info on Third Thursdays at the MIA on November 18th click HERE.
As New York Fashion Week winded its way down, MNfashion Week was just beginning. Though it officially kicked off Monday the 21st, the Twin Cities weren’t short on a surplus of fashion this past weekend. l’etoile Fashion Editor Jahna Peloquin hit the hot spots and gave us a recap.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Image: Jahna, left, with Anna Lee and MNfashion board member Jessica Palkowitsch [Images by Jahna Peloquin]
I kicked off the weekend early with An Evening at Eastcliff at the home and gardens of the President of the U of M in St. Paul. Though not officially an MNfashion Week event, MNfashion founder Anna Lee was on hand to address the crowd that gathered for the event put on by the Friends of the Goldstein (founded by local fashion icon Margot Siegel). We were served wine and hors d’oeuvres during the seated presentation and afterward mingled within the decadent surroundings.
(Image of Allison Quinnell with her design)
Anna Lee also brought in two local designers of her choosing, Amanda Christine and Allison Quinnell, who previewed their fall 2009 collections. Allison’s participation was fitting, as she graduated two years ago from the University of Minnesota’s apparel design program. The Voltage 2009 designer showed a gorgeous violet dress, modeled by Talia of Vision Models. She told me her fall collection, consisting of jewel tones with gem detailing, studding and ruffles, would be available soon at Drama and Design Collective.
(Designs by Amanda Christine)
Then there was Amanda Christine, one of my favorite designers to work with. I wore one of the pieces I had commissioned from her, a ruffled skirt based off a design she created for her spring 2009 collection, to the raves of the party-goers. She had two models with her wearing her fall designs: Zoby designer Heather DeLapp in a red plaid wiggle dress, Nikki Morris in a checked peplum top (which I also own), skirt and ingenious scarf-wrap. She makes them in a bunch of colors, and they’re currently available at Cliché and Drama for $40. Amanda wore one of her own ruffled pencil skirts.
Next, it was on to stop by Kingman Studios for this month’s edition of Gallery Grooves, co-hosted by Secrets of the City Arts Editor and l’etoile Editor-in-Chief Kate Iverson. It was the first time any of us could recall being at Kingman’s before midnight. The studio of artist Brant Kingman, one of the city’s indispensable characters, turned out to be a great place to mingle (and sip vodka drinks tinged with mint and served by Secrets publisher Kris Henning).
(Jahna at Drama with photographer Mike Feltault) [Image courtesy Mjf Foto]
Then it was onto the grand re-opening party for local boutique Drama, which recently relocated from downtown Minneapolis to Uptown. There I ran into the fabulous Gretchen Williams, former Vita.mn Events Producer and gal-about-town, who was in town from NYC for the weekend. Once inside I also happened upon local designer Kimberly Jurek, who counts Drama as one of the many boutiques her line kjurek couture is carried. (Her solo show, Exclusively Fall, will be held at the W Hotel this Friday.)
As with every Thursday evening, I ended up at l’etoile’s weekly Project Runway viewing party at Hell’s Kitchen. Since Kate was caught up at Kingman’s, l’etoile publisher Beth Hammarlund was joined by her boyfriend and l’etoile Business Manager Brian Goielli for fashion trivia before the show. Fortunately, both of our homeboys Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub managed to create great pieces, and were deemed safe by the judges.
Friday, September 18, 2009
After joining a bunch of well-connected peeps at a happy hour thrown by Gretchen Williams at Bev’s Wine Bar, I headed out to the Envision fall fashion show at the Graves 601 Hotel with Kate Iverson in tow. We started with fancy cocktails at downstairs bar Bradstreet, known for its “mixologists” (a fancy term for bartenders), and drinks in hand, headed to the sixth floor for the bi-annual runway show thrown by Ignite Modeling. Packed with more designers and boutiques than you could shake a stick at, the show is always a can’t-miss event on every local fashionista’s calendar. After traipsing through backstage to preview the looks and say hello to the models, we took our front-row seats (furnished with a swag bag that included a mini bottle of Grey Goose. Fancy!)
(Image of a look from Awryn Birch) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
From the beginning, the show was full of class and sophistication. It started off with a lone violinist who took a stroll down the runway, backed by a bumpin’ beat. (“Is that Ross from Friends?” Kate cheekily commented.) Then Arwyn Birch’s models hit the runway, in plaid coats with bell sleeves, hoods, and oversized buttons. They were surprisingly chic coming from a designer known for her simple, wearable knit dresses. The hair and makeup styling, by Rocco Altobelli stylists and L. Mae Artistry, respectively, superbly showed current fall trends and provided a seriously chic consistency to the show.
(Image of a look from Emily Weich) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
Emily Weich’s collection followed. The designer’s strengths are in concept, styling and a whimsical charm, but it was hard to tell what she was going for based on the four looks we were presented with. Some of the looks erred on the side of too sexy – one included a fur wrap, a black silk minidress that looked like a nightie, and black sheer thigh-highs worn with garters. The shredded fur stole the designer herself wore, however, was an intriguing, edgy piece when worn simply with skinny jeans and pumps.
(Image of a look from Kjurek Couture) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
(Image of a look from Amanda Christine) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
Next up were kjurek couture and Amanda Christine. Kimberly Jurek’s collection included a lot of cowl neck and ruffle neck details, waist-tie belts, and warm fall tones and pops of bright orange, worn with statement feather earrings by Zoby. (I’ll review her collection in full after Friday’s show at the W.) The standout of Amanda’s collection was a black-and-white belted jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves – a perfect excuse to buy some black leather elbow-length gloves this fall.
(Image of a look from Jenny Carle) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
Next up, Jenny Carle (also in this Saturday’s SCENEaSOTA show) showed her usual wearable strapless sheath dresses, which I’ve been told are a hot seller at Cliché. Her addition of cropped jackets and longer dresses showed her desire to grow in range, but the construction and fabric choices seemed a bit off. It was apparent that the long blue dress, while nice in concept, constrained the model’s legs as she attempted to walk down the runway, and her colorful print tunic rode up to reveal a peek of the model’s bum.
(Image of a look from Russell Bourrienne) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
Then we got to menswear designer Russell Bourrienne, a longtime staple of the local fashion industry. When it comes to construction and fit, no one does it better than Russell, and too few designers create menswear in this city. While sometimes his spring collections are a bit off to me stylistically, his fall collections are consistently strong. He showed his usual coats and jackets in plaid, orange and olive green military-grade wools, but added a twist with button and belted detail on the pant legs. After the show, he told me he was inspired by the burgeoning Steampunk movement, and I thought it was smart of him to incorporate unusual details with classic tailoring. It would be interesting to see how he would translate his aesthetic into womenswear.
(Image of a look from Peloria) [Images by Josh Stokes/Stokes Foto]
Local designer Peloria and some looks from boutique Local Motion followed. Peloria showed her usual quirkiness with asymmetrical hemlines and collars, and styled her models in very Prada-esque stocking caps and flats. While I appreciated the unique styling, I wish she would’ve chosen more expensive-looking fabrics; these knits have an unfortunate tendency to bunch at the seams.
[At La Nouvelle Femme with Emma Berg and Anna Lee] [image by Mjf Photo]
Though the show was only half over at this point, I had to rush out to catch Calpurnia Peach’s runway segment at La Nouvelle Femme at the Varsity Theater. In my rush, I was pulled over for speeding (fortunately I didn’t get a ticket), and missed the show (which started earlier than I was told). When I spotted Peach co-designer Luci Kandler, she offered to take me backstage to view the garments up close, and promised me pictures.
[Images by Charlie B. Ward]
I love the deep plum color and gold-leaf print of this dress. It should be a choice look come the holidays.
Another highlight was this ruffle-skirt dress with a charming whale print. The best part may be the back, which features a cut-out detail tied together with a bow.
Here we have somewhat of a departure from the duo known primarily for mini-dresses and one-piece jumpers. However, I feel the pairing of a long-sleeved shirt and full-length skirt seems stodgy and forced.
All in all, the show seemed to be a charming affair that pulled in an eclectic crowd. Having it at the newly-remodeled Varsity (boasting an expanded bar and capacity) didn’t hurt – it’s one of the most magical places to see a show in the Twin Cities, and was a definite step up in ambition and scope for the collective of artists, musicians and designers.
MNFashion still accepting donations for this weekend's sale and silent auction. Please contact annalee@mnfashion.org (before Friday) to coordinate a drop off.
Donate your gently used, fashionable items such as clothes and accessories, housewares and books, sewing supplies, or beauty products -- proceeds go to benefit MNFashion, a resource for local fashion designers.
About the MNFashion Garage Sale: Preview Sale/Silent Auction Friday, June 26 suggested donation $10 6-10pm
Sale Day Saturday, June 27 8am-4pm
Snap up deals on a fun and stylish mix of clothes and accessories, housewares and books, sewing supplies (including a dress form), beauty products and a few surprises!
On Friday, get first dibs at the Preview sale, where you can get your hands on the good stuff before it's ravaged by the masses, and also bid on cool silent auction items such as Guthrie tickets, items from local designers such as George Moskal, Ruby3 and Frances Zerr, photo sessions, and a lovely pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.
Location:Shelter Studios 2112 Broadway Street NE-Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55413
As quickly as they appeared, the sweet summer months seem to be bidding adieu before we had a chance to really get to know them. But don't cry too hard, the icy months are still aways off, and the lovely autumn season will be sweeping in with all its gorgeously colored glory soon - and that means fabulous fall fashion! Wool, cashmere, suede and all those decadent textiles that go so well with a harvest moon will soon be moved to the front of your closet. This weekend, however, will probably be your last chance to rock those short shorts - so live it up!
xo-l'étoile
BONUS: Peep our Fall Fashion Weekend recaps in the post below this one! More to come...
Photo by Amy Pierce/Art Direction Molly Roark for l'étoile magazine
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Dinner with Estate
@ Beasthouse Brin Building 600 Washington (Enter through the back) Minneapolis
7:30pm-10:30pm / Free
It's becoming a trend! Thursday evenings at the Beasthouse are stellar with not only a free live performance from a kick ass local band (this week it's Estate) but also free dinner! Yes, you heard us right. Enjoy a deliciously catered din-din of spicy Thai food while you lounge comfortably in Beasthouse's swanky loft, making flirt-eyes at that swarthy stranger across the room. Why not? Isn't that what Thursdays are for?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ESTATE SITE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Jeremy Messersmith CD Release
@ Varsity Theater 14th & 4th St. SE Dinkytown
7:30 / 18+ / $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Local phenom Jeremy Messersmith celebrates the release of The Silver City, his new album comprised of songs inspired by the Twin Cities. Melodic and heartfelt without being saccharine, Messersmith's album is already one of the most buzzed about local releases of the year. Be sure to wear your sensitive hipster face and your heart on your sleeve. You'll blend right into the crowd.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JEREMY MESSERSMITH MYSPACE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25th
Dildo Bingo
@ Pi Bar 2532 25th Ave S Minneapolis
7pm / suggested donation
You know you want to play, don't lie! As always, this special form of bingo - or “dingo” as they call it, has high stakes. And as always, it’s a fundraiser for worthy area organizations. Smitten Kitten sponsors, so you know the prizes are mint quality, and your host Gogopimp Tif hilariously struts around screaming about the sex-ay prizes. Get there early, grab a table, order some food (mini-burgers, hello) and win big! (No pun intended)
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE PI MYSPACE
FRIDAY ART PICK: IVO GRETENER
Once in a blue moon an artist comes along that makes us scream for joy. Ivo is it. His foam sculptures of safes and photos of everyday objects turned magical and digital-looking paintings from security tapes and the like are too, too good. Check out his comics, making fun of typical art blather, and his plaster sculptures. Is there anything this Swiss man doesn’t excel at?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE IVO GRETENER SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH (THROUGH OCTOBER 5TH)
Oktoberfest
@ Black Forest Inn 1 East 26th St. Minneapolis
6:30pm/free
It is very important that you attend the first day of Oktoberfest, appropriately ongoing at the Black Forest through October 5th. Alphorns will set the tone (you know, those long horns that lay on the ground?), and the ceremonial kegtapping will take place at 7:30 by Sven Sundgaard (ooh-la-la), marking the solemn beginning of this beer free-for-all. It’s "Hacker-Pschorr night" which means samplers accompanied by even more horns and an accordion, Deutsch-tastic!
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BLACK FOREST SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH
Themes
@ 7th Street Entry 701 1st Avenue Downtown Minneapolis
8pm / 18+ / $6
This local star-studded ensemble features former and current members of Vox Vermillion, Claire de Lune, End Transmission, and A Whisper In The Noise. Known for their lush folk melodies and haunting instrumentals, Themes is emerging as one of the Twin Cities band to watch. Former l'étoile model Kelsey Crawford and her bandmates will remind you just how painful it is to encounter people with beauty, brains, and talent.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THEMES MYSPACE Photo by Kris Drake
Make it a danceable double header this evening with two-times the fun at Barfly, with Shelter upstairs in the Loft and So Electric downstairs. Legendary local DJ E-Tones entertains at Shelter with a 4-hour set of signature beats, while So Electric gets, well, electric, with some of the best dance party starters in town such as DJ Bach, the Moongoons, Tendercakes, Alex Hegewald, DJ Silver Wolf, and Gigamesh. You're guaranteed to find the dance party you've been fantasizing about all week - tonight at Barfly!
CLICK THE E-TONES FOR THE BARFLY SITE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH
Cirque Du Soleil: Saltimbanco
@ Target Center 600 1st Ave N Minneapolis
3:30pm and 7:30pm/ $42-97
Saltimbanco is this oldest touring show of Cirque’s repertoire - an exploration of the urban experience. Acrobatics, juggling, an “artistic bicycle” act, bungees and the Russian Swing are a few of the death-defying feats these well-costumed contortionists have in store. Through September 28th.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CIRQUE SITE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th
COOL LINK: MN FASHION SURVEY
After this past fashion-fueled weekend, you probably have some constructive criticism of what was amazing, and what could have been even better. Now is your chance to contribute your opinion to MNFashion! Take this survey, let them know what it’s important to you, what you wish the local fashion scene had more of, and get involved! Plus, isn’t filling out forms when you're supposed to be working fun?
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SURVEY
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Seward Redesign Open House
@ Seward Redesign 2619 E. Franklin Ave Minneapolis
2pm-5pm / Free
Before heading to Jagerfest for what may be your last chance to sit on a patio this season, come support your community! Seward Redesign, the non-profit community renovation corporation behind the new Franklin Ave revamp project, invites you to visit their space and meet the businesses (new and old alike) in the Franklin/27th Ave. area. Fast and Furless and Animal Right Coalition moved their “Vegan Emporium” to the neighborhood last spring and will be holding a trunk show featuring vegan shoes, totes and accessories. ArtiCulture, an organization offering art classes for kids and adults, hosts their Grand Opening which will include family art activities, music and a clothes-line affordable art sale. While your in the area, check out the expansion of neighborhood cuisine favorite, True Thai. Enjoy food, refreshments, and activities throughout the afternoon and be a part of the planning for a better neighborhood.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Jagerfest
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Avenue N North Loop
5 pm / 21+ / $5 (Free Summit beer with admission)
Ring in autumn with local bands and fresh beats at Clubhouse Jager! Join Beatrix Jar, Bella Koshka, First Communion Afterparty, and Solid Gold on the outdoor stage, followed by pure hotness that is Attitude City inside from 10pm to close. The Fox Tax Grill will be providing yummy treats from 5 to 9, and the $5 cover includes a complimentary Summit Octoberfest. Celebrate the end of Summer on Jager's awesome outdoor patio, and make sure to keep your pretty peepers peeled for l'étoile/Digital Crush-ites Kate, Robyn (aka The Bachelor) and Stephen, who will be snappin' pix of all ya'll the entire night to commemorate the occasion!
At Umber Studios, the word "undead" gets stretched to its limit, with melancholy portraits of (found) dead birds, as an homage and documentation, while Zombie pub crawls round out the definition in question. These two alternate views are played out in a photo show featuring the work of Paul Armstrong and Jesse Mullan. Perfect timing really, since it's getting colder and more fall-like, and those zombies are stirring in their lairs. Through October 15th.
CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
No Easy Explanation
@ First Amendment 1101 Stinson Blvd Basement Studio A Minneapolis
7pm-10pm/free
Gig poster extroidinaire, comic book maven and illustration master, Dwitt has been at it for years. Next time you rock out to Guitar Hero II, thank Dwitt for the bitchin’ graphics. Yep, this is the caliber of artist that call Minneapolis home. Martin Devaney provides music to admire art to and First Amendment provides the cool basement gallery and the beer. Now get down there and bask in Dwitt's awesomeness! Through October 26th.
Films and videos from far-off lands like Chicago and Los Angeles are coming to Art of This to show us what they’re made of. From the trailers, we’re already pretty impressed. Handmade puppets act out a Russian airplane crash in Know Your Enemy, by Märon Studios, a look at enemies during the Cold War. Mason Hall curates this stellar evening of entertainment for AOT’s One Nighter series.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH
Muja Messiah
@ Triple Rock 628 Cedar Avenue West Bank
10pm / 21+ / $7
Local hip hop artist, and l'etoile fave, Muja Messiah brings his brings his lyrical stylings to the Triple Rock once again. Featured as one of the City Pages "Picked to Click" artists, Mr. Messiah has begun to receive plenty of much deserved attention. His latest album, featuring Slug, Black Thought, and Samahra of Black Blondie, will be re-released nationally later this year. Take advantage of the opportunity to see him live before all that fame and success drive up the ticket prices.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MUJA MESSIAH SITE Art by Chuck U
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: ANNIE
If you've worn out your copy of Swedish pop star Robyn's self-titled album, consider getting your dance pop fix from fjord country. Norwegian sensation Annie has just released "I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me," the first single off of her upcoming album Don't Stop. If you plan on taking dancing inspiration from her video girls, be sure to rent Paris Is Burning to practice your Vogueing. Annie made waves in the United States with 2004's Anniemal, featuring "Hearbeat," which several Pitchfork Media writers named song of the year. Her follow up appears to be just as packed with danceable power pop hits.
Watching Ian film Drinking with Ian live at First Ave is better than watching this public-access show home, alone, drunk in a recliner. Sip along with this variety show filled with interviews, drinking tips, music and a bartender that invents surly shots and hands them out during the show. Featuring Grant Hart, Comedian Mary Mack, Beatrix Jar, Rockford Mules, and Baby Guts. Only in Minnesota could a program focused on drinking gain so much steam. Ok, well, maybe in Wisco.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DRINKING WITH IAN SITE
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29th
Jeff Horwich and The Smarts with Bla Bla Blacksheep
@ Acadia Café 329 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis
8pm / $5
Ever wonder what MPR show hosts do when they’re not doing radio news and commentary? They’re in quirky bands. Two of MPR’s In The Loop hosts battle bands at the new Acadia Café on the West Bank. Our favorite Cute-core band, Bla Bla Blacksheep, open for Jeff Horwich and The Smarts (In The Loops’ house band). Prepare for your mind to be blown as more instruments are played by two bands than you thought physically possible.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ACADIA CAFE SITE
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30th
Silver + Gold
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave. North Loop
Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free
Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.
BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!
@ The Bedlam Theatre 1501 S 6th St. West Bank of Minneapolis
9pm / free
Here are your plans from every Wednesday from now on: around 9pm you’ll ride your bike or take the light rail to the Bedlam. You’ll walk in, pay no cover charge, and get a tall boy of PBR from the long gorgeous bar. You’ll cozy up in the Fireplace Lounge and listen to the accordion, musical saw, vocals and special guests of the Dreamland Faces. old-timey tunes of love and climactic monster movie themes will be played, and if all goes well, you’ll score one of their 7” records.
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DREAMLAND FACES SITE
COOL OPPORTUNITIES
Call for Artists: The Gallery @ Fox Tax
Submission deadline September 30th
The Gallery @ Fox Tax and guest curator Emma Berg of mplsart.com invite artists to submit works to their exhibition entitled, ART FORM 1040: US IDEALISM RETURNS. The top 10 entries will not only be on display, but will also have 10 limited edition high quality prints made and sold for $40 each (thus the 10-40 part). The show will run from January through April 2009.
Downloadable instructions and Fillable .pdf Application Form are available online by clicking the image below.
Please email completed submissions to: info@foxtaxservice.com
CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SUBMISSION FORM
What's What Editor: Kate Iverson Contributing Writers: Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Beth Hammarlund, Robyn Lewis, Juleana Enright
To request an event listing on letoilemagazine.com, or to inquire about advertising, e-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com
To send a promo or press release for consideration through U.S. mail:
l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
2nd Floor
Minneapolis Mn 55413
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