Le'Talk: Danielle Everine talks "Project Runway" and local fashion

by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile magazine fashion editor

Local fashion designer Danielle Everine first caught our eye in spring of 2010 when her line of menswear-inspired womenswear made a dapper statement on the Voltage runway. Since then, she's become a force to be reckoned with in the local fashion industry, showing a equestrian-inspired collection alongside designer Raul Osorio in the spectacular "Pale Rider" show last fall, followed by an ethereal sheer-on-sheer collection at Voltage again this past spring. Now, the rest of the world is about to see what the fuss is all about - Danielle has been selected as one of 20 contestants for the ninth season of fashion reality show Project Runway. On the eve of the premiere episode, we chat with Danielle about reality TV, the benefits of being a part of Minneapolis' fashion community, and her future nuptials. L'étoile hosts its first of weekly viewing parties tonight at the Caterpillar Lounge at Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen at 8 p.m. Click here for more info.

[Danielle Everine, courtesy Lifetime]

l'étoile: Hi Danielle! How are you settling in now that filming is complete?

Danielle: I just got back yesterday. I'm like, what do I do now? It's pretty crazy. It's hard to do nothing! I've just been doing interviews.

Are you still with Target?

Unfortunately I had to leave Target to go on the show. My director and manager really encouraged me and were really supportive of my decision, and they told me if I want to come back I'd be welcome to reapply.

Are you going to get going on a fall line right away?

I'm interested in pursuing my own design business more and seeing what opportunities are there. David (Heisserer, Everine's fiancé) and I interested in creating a design brand together, making things that are a little more well-rounded than just fashion - design objects for the home, architectural items and fine art. We actually put our wedding plans on hold to go on the show.

When are you getting married?

Well, we want to have an amazing event, sort of A Midsummer Night's Dream inspired event with boats, so it will take some time to put together.

You've been designing in the Twin Cities since 2006. How has your experience being a part of the local fashion community influenced you as a designer?

Being a part of this community has given me great resources. I've been able to work with great photographers and wonderful stylists and models. It's a small community but people here are so talented.

A lot of people seemed surprised that you applied to be on a reality show like Project Runway, since you're perceived as being serious and shy. Why did you decide to apply?

They contacted me because a few people had recommended me, so I thought about it and I was like, what the hell? I'll just apply and see if they like me and from there it just evolved. I was surprised myself, and it was a difficult decision to put myself out there on TV to be seen and ridiculed and to do things that I'm not in control of and let go. And I thought in the end I don't know what opportunities could come out of this.

What else can we expect to see from you now that you've been on the show?

I want to continue to sell my work at Cliché, and maybe do a handbag line, which is a great cross between my sculptural work and fashion. I'll continue to design in many different realms, and see what happens.

(Photo credits: Top: "Pale Rider" lookbook image by Ingrid Werthmann. Middle: image from l'étoile's "Kiss Me Cake" spread by Kate Iverson. Bottom: image from l'étoile's "Wanderlust" spread by Chris McDuffie.)

MNFashion Week in Review: Pale Rider

Text by Beth Hammarlund
Photos by Stephen Stephens

Last Friday, the raw, sparse surroundings of the Grainbelt Bottling Building were transformed into MNfashion Week central, thanks to an expertly-lit, angled runway, a chic soundtrack, and Twin Cities fashion insiders as far as the eye could see. For its first official runway production, the MNfashion team presented "Pale Rider," a joint show from two of the most promising local designers, Danielle Everine and Raul Osorio. Though varied and unique in their own rights, the duo jointly explored the masculine and the feminine - and East versus West - in looks that ranged from commercially viable to aggressive high fashion.


Up first, Everine's collection boasted a wealth of separates. Though the full looks were wearable, the coats, vests, blouses, ponchos, skirts and trousers will be sure to generate consumer interest as individual items. She opened her collection with a sheer floaty shirtdress in a pale paisley - a look that was both unconventional and accessible. The dress would satisfy tomboys and girly girls alike, paired with either vintage T-strap heels or broken-in cowboy boots.

A cropped drop-crotch pant in a slim cut and a fringed side seam led the transition to a modern take on traditional western wear. In this part of the collection, fur and leather details accented flirty, feminine looks and tailored women's suiting.

The finale look, a show-stopping quilted suit with exaggerated shoulders and wide-leg trousers accessorized with a fur ushanka-style hat, echoed both Julie Christie and Katharine Hepburn. The result made the impending Minnesota winter seem positively appealing.

Everine took her bow wearing a relaxed blouse and wide-legged trousers that epitomized the tone she captures in her designs. Though her collections feature plenty of structured pieces, her greatest strength lies in easy womenswear, pieces that effortlessly cultivate a mood. Since she seems to be taking plenty of inspiration from the late '70s, it would be interesting to see what the designer would produce after repeated viewings of 9 to 5. She certainly has the ability to capture the essence of Jane, Lily and Dolly.

Raul Osorio, known for his impeccable menswear, presented an equally successful dive into womenswear. Romantic lace blouses were paired with neatly cut shorts and skirts, upholding the evening's trend of sellable separates. A clever black bolero jacket and matching high-waisted skirt would satisfy a wide range of consumers without requiring the designer to compromise his trademark aesthetic.

An antique gold lace shirtdress with cascading ruffles was one of the evening's stand-out pieces. Interestingly, instead of pairing the piece with a coordinating slipdress, the styling team layered the dress over a pair of black biker shorts. Although it wasn't immediately noticeable, the choice referenced current ambitious runway trends.

The finale piece, a high-collared pink lace gown with tiered ruffles echoed American designers such as Ralph Lauren, renowned for his ability to reference the Old West in contemporary gowns. Osorio's interpretation was stunning.

Osorio seems to possess an innate understanding of silhouette. He can take a little black dress and turn it into a statement piece without sacrificing versatility. His challenge lies in his trousers. One look which paired tight white high-waisted pants with a bustier top was particularly unforgiving. Though beautifully made, the cuts and fabrics can be difficult to wear. It would be interesting to see him play with a wider variety of cuts in the future.

The styling team was spot-on throughout, pairing clean dewy makeup with loose upsweeps and fishtail braids. Brooches, hats and gloves were in abundance, and ponyhair made its requisite autumnal appearance. The designers' well-rounded collections masterfully balanced consumable pieces and statement looks, presenting plenty of wish list items for Twin Cities shoppers.

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.