Fashion is not something I would usually correlate with Minnesota, but I was proven wrong. I went to two shows during a week-long showcase of local designers and I was blown away. Not only was the space supportive and fun but the shows were well thought out and passionate. The people who put the shows and the eventful week together worked so hard on it and you could feel it. The speeches and the details that went into the event reflective of the time they invested. The team of supportive people ready to help you out and provide insight made you feel like everyone wanted to put out the best they could.
I went to Fashion Week on a media pass, and while I didn’t really understand where to go and what to do, the plethora of people on the media team were ready to help me and Hanna out. The first event I went to was the Friday runway for La Rotonde which took place at the Glass House, which happens to be our prom venue. The venue was airy and bright in the beginning with nice light coming in from the windows. Slowly, as the sun set, the lighting became warmer, making the progression of the event very natural.
The theme of the evening was based on La Rotonde — a café in France that used to host artists of many mediums. The first art form was poetry, then dance, music and finally paint. Some of the artists featured were dare to darling, Afro Curvy and Olivia Bergerson. One of my favorite pieces was a light, corally-white mini dress — it had a floral theme to it which made it adorable. The crowd was alive and the models were as well, which was something I didn’t think was going to happen. The models had personalities which made it super fun to watch.
The second event I went to was Evolve located at the Star Bar + Bistro. This event started later and the lighting and mood of the night was more lively. The bar was also a more active peppy place rather than separate from the main event. The announcer was super upbeat and had the crowd laughing and smiling. Everyone was enjoying themselves, talking and catching up with people they haven’t seen in a while. The runway had featured more designers than the previous night but it took about the same time. The models were fun, fresh, and ready to walk. This event was one of the best. The tightness of the space made the crowd more into the event, whereas at the glass house there was more space and the crowd was more separated.
Something I liked about both shows were the models. There were so many models and they all looked unique and different, bringing their own light to the outfits and the show. I was expecting the stereotypical fashion show models but I was pleasantly surprised when all of the models were more reflective of normal people, with variation from model to model rather than one standard of body. The addition of old, young, tall, short etc. models make people feel like they can picture themselves in the clothes.
Overall the shows were excellent and I had a blast going — I wouldn’t change a thing. There were so many nice people and the mission and team carrying it out is excellent. I would go back in a heartbeat.
“MN fashion week:” ★★★★★
