Through Sept. 26: Fashion Week MN: This year marks the debut of this semi-annual event celebrating Minnesota’s fashion community and the designers, retailers, and stylists that comprise it. The goal of the event is to engage with producers and lovers of fashion through a series of events that put the spotlight on local style trends and innovations. Events, which will take place across Minneapolis, include pop-up shops, runway shows, an awards ceremony, and more. (fashionweekmn.com)
Now Open: Fjällräven in Uptown: The Swedish outdoor store, which recently opened its first Minnesota location at the Mall of America, is newly arrived in Minneapolis. Known for its weather-test, durable, and environmentally sustainable products, Fjällräven has proven itself up to the task of keeping us warm this impending winter. Shop outerwear as well as camping and hiking gear, and choose among the many brightly colored Känken backpacks that may be the store’s signature item. (2912 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, fjallraven.us)
FWMN: Sept. 22: The Scout Guide presents Minnstafashion: This free event gives patrons a closer look at some pieces that will be available for purchase at W Hotel’s Pop-Up Shop later in the evening. The collection is a collaboration between W Hotels and CFDA Fashion Incubator and was commissioned in financial support of the CFDA. Those in attendance will be able to watch the fashion show, check out the pop-up shop featuring looks from local boutiques such as Merilou and Stephanie’s and Flirt, complimentary drinks, and some giveaway prizes. (7 to 9 p.m., W Hotel, 821 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, facebook.com)
FWMN: Sept. 23: FWMN-Homme at Muse: Menswear is the centerpiece of this Fashion Week event, which includes a runway show featuring looks from MartinPatrick3, Arrow, Heimie’s Haberdashery, modeled by local cultural luminaries. Enjoy complimentary beverages from Bittercute and Five Watt Coffee, set to a soundtrack of tunes from DJ Fundo. (6 to 11 p.m., Muse Event Center, 107 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, fashionweekmn.com)
Sept. 24: The Posh Mommy Grand Opening: The online boutique will mark the debut of its first brick-and-mortar location with a grand opening celebration. The evening includes a chance to shop and sample wines from the Northern Vineyards Winery, a portion of the proceeds from which will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. Fifteen percent of all Posh Mommy sales are donated to charity, and the store prides itself on providing shoppers with designer clothes at consignment store prices. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7800 Metro Parkway, Suite 104, Bloomington, theposhmommy.com)
Sept. 24: NE Ladies’ Night Out with Parc NE and more: This one-night only event invites local ladies to treat themselves with in-store discounts, giveaways, and other events at several Northeast Minneapolis stores. Parc Boutique is celebrating the occasion with a 20 percent discount in-store and online (with online code NIGHTOUT), as well as complimentary treats and refreshments. Additional deals can be found at Bibelot, Aveda, SPOT spa, and more. (5 p.m., Parc Boutique, 320 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, parcboutique.com)
Sept. 24: Gretchen Ventura Jewelry Trunk Show @ Julia Moss Designs Showroom: This unique trunk show event brings together two local artists for a showcase of their unique works. Julia Moss’s innovatively refurbished silvers act as a display for Gretchen Ventura’s handmade jewelry pieces. Ventura’s jewelry juxtaposes raw and organic materials with fine gems, while Moss’s silvers have a similar old-meets-new quality as decades-old pieces receive contemporary makeovers. (5 to 8 p.m., Julia Moss Designs Showroom, 2508 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, juliamossdesigns.com)
FWMN: Sept. 24: FGI presents: Fall into Luxury: This runway event will showcase new fall fashions from international designer brands Gucci, Chanel, and Prada as styled by representatives of local fashion boutiques. Locals in attendance include June and Mona Williams boutiques, Stephanie Lake Design, and MartinPatrick3. Hosted by designer Christopher Straub and TV host Laura Schara, the event includes a cocktail reception and networking opportunity with local fashion professionals (7 to 9 p.m., Morrie’s Luxury Auto, 7300 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, eventbrite.com)
Sept. 25-26: Faribault Woolen Mill Warehouse Sale: Shop locally made woolens at tent sale prices (without the tent). Items on sale include blankets, throws, scarves, accessories, discontinued merchandise, and more. Enjoy some food and beverages while you shop at this two-day event, which recently expanded into the mill’s warehouse and extended its hours. (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1500 NW 2nd Ave. Faribault, facebook.com)
Sept. 25: Todd Reed jewelry trunk show at Max’s: The jewelry and chocolate store welcomes Todd Reed’s eclectic and striking pieces for this trunk show event. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet with Todd Reed representative Jeff Hayzlett and learn about the brand’s upcoming collections. Concerned with environmental sustainability, the brand advocates for responsible mining practices and sourcing and is known for its use of raw jewels and rough materials. (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 3826 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, stylebymax.com)
FWMN: Sept. 25: TIM + THOM presents LARK w/ Samantha Rei at The Minneapolis Club: This runway event celebrates some of local fashion’s most vibrant voices. TIM + THOM, Samantha Rei, Jagress Intimates, and other designers will present new collections during an evening that includes live music, a pop-up gallery, and editorial fashion photos. Purchase of a VIP ticket guarantees a cocktail hour, priority runway seating, a gift bag, and more. (7 p.m., The Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, fashionweekmn.com)
Sept. 26 & 27: Fall Collect. @ the Fall Fine Arts Show: Presented by the Minnesota Jewelry Arts Guild and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, this event allows patrons to purchase handmade jewelry from local designers. While you’re there, take in other artworks from local designers at the Fall Fine Arts Show and enjoy snacks provided by Chowgirls Killer Catering. (12 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Solar Arts Building 3rd Floor Gallery, 711 15th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, nemaa.org)
FWMN: Sept. 26: Plus-Size Pop-Up Shop: During a week that mainly caters to the stereotypical model figure, come shop gently used plus-size items at Second Debut consignment. All clothes will be in sizes 14-28, sourced from Goodwill as well as the closets of plus-sized bloggers Amanda Williams of Bella Moxie and Cat Polivoda of Cat Inspired. The event is free, but an RSVP is required to attend. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4300 W 36th ½ St., St. Louis Park, eventbrite.com)
FWMN: Sept. 26: Envision Fall 2015 @ Orchestra Hall: Local designers showing at this runway event include ACG, Caroline, Hayden, Cliché, accessories designers like Aldo and See Eyewear, and many more. Co-produced by John Mark Hosteltler and hosted by Tricia Khutoretsky, a portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to art gallery and event forum Public Functionary. (8 to 11 p.m., 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, envisionmpls.com)
By Nina Hagen
Photo by Tomasz Zajda – Fotolia