Text by Jahna Peloquin, l'étoile Fashion Editor Photos by Nic Abrego
Steampunk-inspired fashion may be all the rage in mainstream fashion as of late, but it's been the name of the game for local neo-Victorian designers Samantha Rei (of Blasphemina's Closet) and Heather Luca (of Scoundrelle's Keep) for upwards of a decade. After presenting a preview of her Spring/Summer 2012 collection at last Friday's MNfashion Week runway show "Full Fashion Panic!" (which we review here), Rei hosted a trunk show introducing her brand-spankin'-new Minneapolis studio space as well as the opportunity to see her work, past and present, on display. Also in the mix was Bionic Unicorn jewelry by Kristin Berwald, a frequent collaborator of Rei, who offered a special name-your-price deal in honor of MNfashion Week. View more photos from the open house and trunk show by Nic Abrego here.
Then on Friday's runway show "Athenaeum: A Study in Fashion," Luca premiered her Fall 2011 line "Alkali" at the appropriately Victorian-era James J. Hill Reference Library in St. Paul. Accordingly, Luca showed a collection that held true to the Victorian aesthetic (corsetry, ruffles, bloomers, puff sleeves and high necklines) while adding a modern twist. I absolutely adored her leather satchel that connected to a corset - a hands-free innovation that dates back to Victorian times. Also smart were her pairings of traditional menswear items, like vests, with girlish ruffled skirts and bloomers, as well as her gender-bending incorporation of corsetry on her male looks. Luca demonstrated excellent craftsmanship and use of rich fabrics combined with a genre-pushing sense of style rare in the neo-Victorian fashion community.
The joint runway show kicked off with looks by emerging designer Tara Reich. Like Luca, Reich worked from a neo-Victorian aesthetic while incorporating modern, on-trend touches such as sheer fabrics, fishtail-hem skirts and - gasp! - short hem lengths in eye-popping colors one wouldn't ordinarily associate with Victorian times. Though some of the taffetas and shiny satins looked a bit cheap and dated (it's really hard to pull off a fabric so heavily associated with '80s bridesmaid gowns), Reich showed herself to be one to watch in the local neo-Victorian front.
View more photos from "Athenaeum: A Study in Fashion" by Nic Abrego here. Styling credits: Hair and makeup by MC Nelson Artistry, hats by the Blonde Swan. View more photos of the line by Photosynthetique here.
Join XYandZ Gallery at 7pm sharp for an in-depth artist talk with current exhibitor, Nate Young, moderated by Robyne Robinson. In his latest work, St. Paul-based Young takes a provocative jab at pop culture icons, celebs and pop stars by pairing carbon copy drawings of the famed subjects next to California license plates. The result is an exhibit where specific language and image choices form both subtle and exposing relationships. Expect Michael Jackson's mug next to a suggestive driver's plate with the acronym “4PRV013” and other elusively direct variables.
We'll admit we're not as in-touch with the antics of the under-18 crowd as we ought to be (children being our future, and all), but a recent run-in with up n' coming 16 year old Caleb Hinz definitely piqued our interest. A student of guitar for over 6 years, Caleb caught the music bug early on, eventually segueing into electronic music composition and production. In 2010 young Hinz put out his first two EPs and this summer followed them up with an 18-track album entitled Never Forget--an impressive feat by any standard. Using Abelton Live, Hinz crafts some seriously hot beats, throwing live instrumentation into the mix to keep things interesting. Tonight's show at St. Paul's Station 4 will be where he truly shines due to the energetic nature of his live performances--tweaking knobs never looked so rock n' roll! With Danger, Will Robinson, Elena, Asker, Jeanine Therrien and guests.
Fashion trends come and go, but there's one thing that never goes out of style: the little black dress. Some of the top apparel designers of the Twin Cities - including Emma Berg, Maritza Ramirez, Danielle Everine, Ivan Idland, Raul Osorio, Max Lohrbach, Laura Fulk, and George Moskal - offer their take on this wardrobe staple with their very own LBDs at the local design showcase. After kicking things off with a cocktail hour, a runway segment will showcase the designs along with another non-LBD look from each designer. Doors open at 7 p.m., runway show at 8:30 p.m.
@ Clubhouse Jager 923 Washington Ave N Minneapolis
9:30 p.m. / 21+ / free
You know you belt them in the shower, those classic, head-bangin' 80's hair metal power ballads. You may even harbor a few heavy duty crushes on the hot dudes that made gender androgyny a rock “it” factor. That's why tonight is your night to shed the shame and join DJs Danielle Morris and guest DJ Christy Hunt as they spin “macho hard rock” faves for your fist pumping and sing-a-long pleasure. Expect tasty jams from the likes of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Quiet Riot, RATT, Cinderella, Poison – you know, the all the bands your dad would be proud to find out you dig. Plus, sip down delish Jager libations conjured up by your resident no-nonsense, hot stuff ladytender, Robyn Lewis. Girls rock yer boyz; boyz rock yer girls; girls rock yer girls; boyz rock yer boyz...You get the picture.
@ Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen in the Caterpillar Lounge 533 Hennepin Ave S Minneapolis
8 p.m. / Free
Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen each Thursday as we host weekly 8 p.m. screenings of Project Runway Season 9 in the Caterpillar Lounge. This season features one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu. Danielle herself, as well as season six contestant Christopher Straub, plan to flatter us with appearances from time to time as well, so bring your autograph books!
9 a.m. to 10 p.m./ All Ages / Registration: $120 / After-party admission only: $8
Are you a creative entrepreneur looking to exchange, collaborate, and engage? Giant Steps, a one-day, interactive conference plus evening concert and after-party, gathers this Friday at the Guthrie. The day begins at 9 a.m. and continues into the evening with group sessions, workshops, and panel discussions led by influential leaders in the creative field, from journalists to musicians to artists to entrepreneurs of all stripes. Come and share stories, problem solve and collaborate creatively--your career will thank you for it later! Can't cough up the dough for the conference? Join the after-party in the Dowling Theater for a mere $8, where you can mix n' mingle with like-minded peeps and enjoy musical artists such as Maria Isa, Mayda and Mally and K. Raydio.
The bi-annual St. Paul Art Crawl has acted as a platform and inspiration for artists in Lowertown St. Paul for over 20 years (impressive,eh?). This weekend, join fellow artists and art enthusiasts for a traipse through galleries, warehouse studios, and jam-packed art buildings, where independent artists will exhibit their wares for your perusal (and purchase). Hop back and forth between buzzworthy buildings like the Tilsner, Jax, Lowertown Lofts, Northwestern Building and the Northern Warehouse (all within walking distance of each other, and many other tucked-away art spots). If you can’t make it Friday, no need to dismay, the event continues throughout the weekend, so come one, come all, and support local artists at the St. Paul Art Crawl!
@ MCAD Main Gallery 2501 Stevens Avenue Minneapolis, MN
6 – 8 p.m. / Free
MCAD and the Jerome Foundation kick off an exciting exhibition of the '10/'11 MCAD Jerome Fellowship recipients with a reception in the main gallery. This reception and exhibition showcases five emerging artists with a heady mix of media, print and installation pieces. Peep boundary-pushing works including slide shows, photography, performance and video projects and intriguing hybrid space installations. From what we've seen of this diverse group of artists, the exhibit promises to be both trippy and technically accomplished. Culled from a field of 322 applicants, these five talented grantees are poised to make a splash on the local art scene. Make this reception an early stop on your Friday night itinerary and you're sure to come away inspired by some fresh local arts talent!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Art by Brett Smith
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH
Fear Itself – Opening Reception
@ Altered Esthetics 1224 Quincy St. NE Minneapolis, MN
7 – 10 p.m. / free (donations welcome)
We'll admit to having a thing for the macabre, ominous and off-kilter, so the very notion of artists confronting the “creepy, crawly and things that go bump in the night” sets our tiny post-goth hearts all aflutter. Whether your phobias range toward the vanilla – ghoulish clowns and icy dark water – or the more unusual – if you ask us there's something alarming and unsavory about bunnies – Fear Itself is sure to include something that will haunt you. This season appropriate show digs deeper than your traditional scare tactics to explore the roots of our fears, phobias and the anxiety of everyday life. The confessional works expose the private terrors of 60 artists working in diverse media including print, paintings and installations. Check out the cool promo video for a taste of the action, but don't blame us if that spooky blinking doll shows up in your nightmares.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH
A Crow's Nest: New & Recent Work by Richard Barlow
@ Macalester College Art Gallery 1665 Princeton Ave St. Paul
7 – 9 p.m. / Free
Presented in an eclectic quint-part art series, Heliotrope music fest co-curator and local visual artist, Richard Barlow showcases his current work, from the unseen to the freshly premiered. Peep through the exhibits Covers,” a series of silver leaf drawings based on landscape LP covers; Daily Bromides, an ongoing series of watercolor postcards based on a sole Fox Talbot photograph; “Welcome to the Open,” chalk wall and oxide drawings inspired by SUV ads; Recognition Study Cards, a print series featuring US Navy ships named after former US presidents; and M3 Monoprints, mono-prints made from worn wooden floorboards. Catch tonight's opening reception and head back Saturday for the Fall Art Tour from 1 – 5 p.m.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH
Profusion/Glimmer – Drawings by Nick Howard
@ Rosalux Gallery 1400 Van Buren St NE #195 Minneapolis
7 – 11 p.m. / Free
Recently listed as one of Minnesota Monthly's “Artists We Love,” local talent Nick Howard is definitely one to watch. His first solo show at Rosalux is a psychological trip – swarms of masked figures and ominous and looming abstract structures juxtaposed next to illustrations of quieter, “ephemeral environments.” Tour through Howard's provocative exhibit, not to mention be among the first to check out Rosalux's newly remodeled gallery space in the Van Buren Building – a win win, if you ask us.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH
National Bird EP Release
@ Hexagon 2600 27th Ave S Minneapolis
10 p.m. / 21+ / Free
National Bird's singer/songwriter pair, Casey Nelson and Dan Wenz, are local proof that American indie rock can be saturated with pop and choral guitar yet still manage to be cohesive, all the while flaunting a bit o' sinister bravado. To celebrate the release of their latest EP, Veteran Beginners, the local studs can be found on the stage of the Hexagon tonight, primed and ready to bring you a sweet indie pop fix. Catch live sets by minimalist rockers, The Evening Rig, catchy melodica rock from Satellite Voices, and rad DJ tunes between bands.
Jeremy Messersmith & Lucy Michelle and The Velvet Lapelles Benefit Concert
@ Pioneeers and Soldiers Cemetery 2925 Cedar Avenue South Minneapolis
1pm / All Ages / $10 in advance, $15 at the gate
You've seen it passing by, the cool old cemetery on East Lake that lends a haunted, historic feel to the spirited neighborhood. Well friends, this "reluctant graveyard" is in need of some help, and its Jeremy Messersmith and Lucy Michelle to the rescue! This Saturday, the two will perform among the ghosts in support of Friends of the Cemetery’s efforts to restore and maintain the gothic steel & limestone fence surrounding these burial grounds. Round up the fam and procure your tickets quick at the Electric Fetus, as space is limited. Kids under 12 are free!
@ CO exhibitions 1101 Stinson Blvd NE #2 Minneapolis
7 – 10 p.m. / Free
Tis the weekend for fresh new art as CO Exhibitions presents Things You Carry, the latest body of work from King Mini comic producing guru and PUNY co-founder, Vincent Stall. From designing and directing shorts for the award-winning Yo Gabba Gabba kid's show to directing videos for Apples in Stereo's Robert Schneider and possessing some mad rock poster designing skills, Stall's “narrative-driven comic art” style and proactive design abilities have long transfixed and impressed local art hounds. In the exhibit, Stall recreates scenes from his work into installation, transforming CO Exhibitions into a playground labyrinthine of sinister humor and elaborate illustration work. Christopher Thompson (Los Marauders/Johnny Aztec) provides a live, improv soundtrack inspired by Stall's imaginary kingdom, Canyon Land, to keep things bumpin' throughout the night. Welcome to your chimera, ladies and gents. Not to be missed!
Bonus: Most works are priced under $75, so come ready to stock your walls with Stall.
4 p.m. – 2 a.m. / 21+ (MPLS) all ages (St. Paul) / freshly dead (early bird) $6.66, good 'n' rotten (reg price) $10, fully decomposed (last chance) $20
Like an evening of zombie fantasy role-playing, the Zombie Pub Crawl is your annual chance to openly embrace your undead fetishes without the nuisance of rank decaying flesh odors, the squalid lifestyle changes, or the annoying inconvenience of an actual zombie transformation. Meet your safe word. Yes, ZPC is back and the 7th installation is primed to be larger and more fierce than the last featuring tons of awesome bands, huge block parties, crazy good drink specials and myriads upon myriads of undead zombies with one thing on their vacuous minds: braaaaains...well, make that two things: beeeeeeeers & braaaaains. This year, catch the ZPC action on both sides of the river. While St. Paul's Mears Park All Ages ZPC block party featuring Andrew WK will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for “Largest Gathering of Zombies,” the MPLS' West Bank will be holding down the scandalous side with performances by 2 Live Crew, The Hood Internet, Retribution Gospel Choir, 4 on the Floor, Koo Koo Kangaroo, Bight Club and tons more, not to mention DJ sets, karaoke and food trucks – because even zombies need a little noshy variety in their life. Crawl, saunter and drag your limbs to this event and we guarantee you won't be disappointed. Zombie attire required. Viva la undead!
Up Six Vintage is officially 10 years old! This Friday, channel your inner vintage vixen or which ever old-school variation strikes your fancy and get yourself down to the Turf Club for a fash-bash, costume contest, and pre-Halloween party! Dress in your deadliest duds, because the best (vintage themed) dressed will receive a $100 gift certificate to Up Six. A fashion show with clothing provided by Up Six will curb your craving for fall fashion with the night coming stylishly full circle with performances by local legends, Grant Cutler, Red Pens, Little Man and Pink Mink.
SLAPS, the monthly DJ-packed, digital, dance phenomenon, is officially one-year old! This Saturday, the SLAPS crew will heat up Honey with special guests galore: Activist, artist, and Minneapolis hip hop legend, DJ Stage One; BRLSQ beatmaster with the mostest Mike 2600; and of course SLAPS vet, Franz Diego, whose party resume includes Turnt Up! dance party, Illumious 3, Listen to Minneapolis, and more. Last, but not least, King Otto will have you swayin’ to the beat in no time with his multi-genred, eclectic jams. Please come sip, SLAP and dance; booze specials will be available all night.
@ Hymie’s Vintage Records 3820 E Lake St Minneapolis
1:30 p.m./ All Ages/ Free
This Sunday afternoon, we reckon you ought to head on over to Hymie’s Vintage Record store for a little shoppin’ and a hip country show. Hymie’s, home to a huge selection of new and used vinyl, is hosting another great segment of Schlitz Kickin’ Country, a series that highlights local country music talent. Sunday's performers include The Lonesome Polecats and Mother Banjo. All 21+ attendees with a valid ID will collect a complimentary can o’ Schlitz at this crooning country corral.
Text by Jahna Peloquin Photos by Amy Gee with Patrick Kelley
Little black dresses don't a runway make. That is, unless they're one-of-a-kind dresses that aren't all that little or basic. Leave it to local designers like Emma Berg, George Moskal, Max Lohrbach and Danielle Everine to make the classic closet staple into statement pieces. The dozen LBDs walking the runway for the "Little Black Dress" fashion show at St. Paul's Amsterdam Bar and Hall on Thursday evening ran the gamut, from vintage-inspired (see: Moskal, Everine) to sex-on-a-stick edgy (see: Raul Osorio, Sarah M. Holm, Laura Fulk), and from cocktail-ready (Amanda Christine) to gala-ready (see: Berg, Maritza Ramirez). Though a group show at the heart, some of the evening's standout pieces included Everine's silk chiffon overdress with a beaded high collar, embedded with lace applique and paired with an underdress in a printed lace motif, as well as Berg's silk gazar bodice with a woven polka-dot ballgown skirt. It also served as a return to the runway from Fulk, obscure since her F/W 2010 collection showing in spring of that year, as well as the introduction to Nicole Larson, a young designer already showing a strong point of view. Though the additional segment showcasing a non-LBD look by each designer seemed a bit tacked-on and unnecessary, slickly-produced event as a whole (which featured stunning Vision models and styling by HAUS Salon) offered a clear, easily-accessible theme that seemed to point to a increasingly sophisticated aesthetic within MNfashion and the local fashion community in general.
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