It’s fall fashion week for Minnesota once again. For the past seven years, MN Fashion Week The community has become an established microcosm of Minnesota style fans who buy, wear and support each other’s work: a network of designers, producers, stylists and artists who attend each other’s shows and find new ways to collaborate each year. A night at MN Fashion Week feels like a true who’s who of Twin Cities style, art and media, with everyone dressed to the nines and ready to strut their stuff both on and off the runway.
“People treat this like their own fashion show,” says CEO Sarah Edwards, who has run the biannual local fashion experience for the past seven years. “Yes, there are amazing looks on the runway, but every person in the audience is their own fashion show. It’s so much fun to see what everyone wears.”
MN Fashion Week this fall is no different, although the team behind this fabulous series of events is determined to grow, especially when it comes to sustainability and fairness.
Courtesy of Dammel Photography
Edwards and his team know they can trust experienced producers and dedicated fans to create cutting-edge experiences time after time. But Edwards, who says she attends every fashion show, says the MN Fashion Week community is far from established and is more than happy to welcome newcomers.
“It’s always evolving,” she says. “We take the time after each season to ask what works and what doesn’t. How can we make this more equitable and sustainable?”
Equity
This starts with finding the right people. Edwards begins with the selection process for producers, who are chosen by a advisory board from local fashion experts and community leaders in a competitive application process. Once selected, connecting with venues, DJs, stylists, and makeup artists is just the tip of the iceberg.
“It’s a combination of trying to find new producers who have a fresh, new perspective and giving them the tools to be successful, while also letting veteran producers do their thing,” says Edwards.
There are several familiar creatives on the event lineup this fall. Designer and producer Keiona Cook of Qe’Bella Haute Couture has been a staple in the world of MN Fashion Week, known not only for its bold womenswear but also for its philanthropic efforts to help children develop skills such as sewing, public speaking and financial literacy. Y Minneapolis-based clothing brand power gear will surprise attendees with avant-garde and futuristic designs that will stand out on the catwalk and in the streets of the Twin Cities.
Courtesy of Dammel Photography
last year was Coalesce CollectiveThe first time she has dazzled the Twin Cities fashion world with her colorful runway show. This fall, the AAPI group of artists returned to MN Fashion Week with designs that Edwards called “mind blowing.” The Monday program Merge: 1922, was an artistic window into a time when women’s voices crossed the boundaries of race and culture, using the power of art and fashion. Edwards called the event, hosted by the American Swedish Institute, a “cultural mix” as part of an ongoing effort by the Institute to welcome all people.
sustainability
It wouldn’t be MN Fashion Week without events focused on sustainability. Dynamic producer duo rose + bull will start the week with a vintage parade and on Sunday, in the study hosted a panel on the behind-the-scenes magic of sustainable fashion.
“I love Into the Studio because it focuses on the history and education of designers and their process. We have an idea of what that profession really entails.” Edwards says.
As for what’s new and improved, Edwards especially hopes the MN Fashion Week community will immerse themselves in the meaning behind buzzwords like “metaverse” and “sustainability.” The intersection between technology and fashion is becoming stronger, and events like the future of fashion will explore what that means for the fashion community and creators in our state. The event will include esteemed panelists such as Rem5’s Amir, DressDecode app’s Tara Daily, and Shelisa Demuth, CEO of Beta.mn and founder of LAUREL Development. These experts will discuss where the future of fashion is headed and how technology can help fashionistas make smart, smart and sustainable choices.
Courtesy of Dammel Photography
Most importantly, Edwards says her team is continually finding new ways to make MN Fashion Week a creative and fun space for everyone, championing events and styles that are as inclusive as possible. Edwards has hired a number of consultants from across the Midwest to guide MN Fashion Week toward greater inclusion of all bodies, both on and off the runway. Together with these consultants, the Fashion Week MN team hopes to create a space where everyone can share their creativity and personal style with the world. Everything from individual places to chairs to clothing has been created or selected with the goal of helping people feel comfortable and beautiful.
“Fashion can be a little exclusive,” says Edwards, “but we’re really trying to get past that.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Tuesday September 20: The future of fashion
Wednesday September 21: Luxe Streetwear
Thursday, September 22: Fusion
Saturday September 24: Golden Hour
Saturday September 24: EVOLVE
Source: news.google.com