From intimate gatherings to big runway shows, September is shaping up to be jam-packed with stylish events spotlighting local artists, businesses and venues.
Two fashion weeks are on the list this month. Fashion Week MN (FWMN) begins Sunday. A few days later, on September 23rd, Black Fashion Week MN (BFWMN) begins.
FWMN CEO and co-founder Sarah Edwards said events are about more than what to wear.
“At the end of the day it’s about people, connections and stories,” she said. “And fashion happens to be that last thread that unites us all.”
Edwards added that the fall installment of the biennial event will include a strong educational component, with panel events on sustainability, trendy technology and more.
At Black Fashion Week MN, look for events that highlight local movers and designers, as well as other members of the creative community.
“For us this round, it’s about culture for culture. When we say culture, it’s about working with the community,” said BFWMN founder Natalie Morrow. “It’s really about supporting and highlighting black-owned businesses. We’re partnering and connecting with them and really spreading the love.”
Events for Black Fashion Week MN will range from a mini fashion show at a restaurant to a salon to runway shows. A finale at the new Four Seasons Hotel will highlight black-owned businesses and wedding attire inspiration for brides and grooms and their guests.
“We’re doing a wedding cake that will be cut and there will be champagne and a DJ,” Morrow said. “So it’s going to be a fashion show/fake wedding.”
If you want to see what’s in style in the Twin Cities, check out these trendy events:
MN Fashion Week
Catwalk: A Vintage Fashion Show: Rose + Bull presents a second-hand fashion show with 80s-inspired styles. Guests will have the opportunity to shop from featured businesses before and after the show. (2 p.m., Sept. 18. $40-$50. auto shop, 300 SE. 2nd St., Mpls.)
In the studio: Local designers Danielle Everine, Eco Resale, Way the Label, Lastyles, Joshua Mcgarvey, Les Sol, Leo Footwear and Thrifted Crypto showcase sustainable fashion with a look at the design process. (5 p.m. Sept. 18. $30. Vandalia Tower, 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul)
Union: 1922: Coalesce Collective MN, an AAPI organization, presents a runway show featuring designs by Cindy Leewood, Suree Sompamitwong, Mimi Nguyen, Isabel Atkinson and more. (7:30 p.m., Sept. 19. $55-$70. Swedish American Institute, 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls.)
The future of fashion: A panel discussion on sustainability, inclusion and fashion technology. (5 p.m., Sept. 20. $25. Rand Tower Hotel, 527 Marquette Av. S., Mpls.)
Luxury Street Wear: BIPOC designers take center stage at the event, which showcases clothing, jewelry and more. Featured designers include Qe’Bella Couture, Corazon Clothing, VinoVassa, Michelle Dolan Design Fashion by Dufault, Coco Nashay and Lgendary with jewelry designs by Elan Gray Design and Susan Horowitz. (6:30 p.m., Sept. 21. $80. The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy., Mpls.)
Fusion: The Energy Gear and Ramadhan Designs show will mix streetwear and fashion with looks from Venci, Jacqueline Butterfly Designs, Petals for Purpose and more. The event includes a pop-up market and cocktails. (7 p.m. Sept. 22. $50. Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis, 8905 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley)
Golden Hour: The Legacy X Les Sol introduces a shopping experience highlighting durable and vintage designs. Guests can shop the entire store and view a fashion presentation. Store hours 11:00-19:00, fashion show 14:00 September 24. Free, registration required. Legacy, 1610 W. Lake St., Mpls.)
Develop: A showcase of ready-to-wear and couture from Alma Mia, Danielle Everine, Foat Design, Arianne Zager, Dottir Jewelry, Karen Morris Millinery and more. (7:15 p.m., Sept. 24. $40-$100. Aveda Institute of Arts and Sciences, 400 Central Av. SE., Mpls.)
Tickets for all of Fashion Week MN are available at https://www.fashionweekmn.com/fall-2022-tickets.
Minnesota Black Fashion Week
Karl Kani’s show: A special guest performance of the fashion show that designer and hip-hop fashion label founder Karl Kani produced in Minneapolis 20 years ago. (4 p.m., Sept. 23. $15-$30. W Minneapolis – The Foshay, 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls.)
BFWMN and Lutunji’s Palate present breakfast and fashion: This bakery and cafe will host brunch, music and a mini-fashion show. (11 a.m., Sept. 24. $30. Lutunji’s Palate, 1400 Park Av. S., Mpls.)
Show Mode Magic Girl Black: Fall fashion and clothing from local boutiques. (3 p.m. Sept. 25. $25-$50. AxeBridge Wine Co., 411 Washington Av. N., Mpls.)
Boujhetto Pop Up Fashion Show: Designs by JLX by Jael. (6 p.m., Sept. 26. $25. Beyoutiful Salon, 4305 Bryant Av. S., Mpls.)
Street Wear Culture: Fashion by Jay Prime, Joshua Reid and Penash. (6 p.m. Sept. 29. $20-$50. Ties Lounge and Rooftop, 921 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.)
Melanie’s Wedding Fashion Show: Runway show and reception with Sonelle Couture Renaissance and Lanoire Bridal gowns. ($35-$75. 7 p.m. Sept. 30. Four Seasons Hotel, 245 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.)
Tickets for all of Black Fashion Week MN are available at eventbrite.com.
Melissa Walker contributed to this report.
