Photography provided by Black Fashion Week MN
Move over New York City — the Met Gala is coming to the Twin Cities. On May 13, the inaugural Minnesota Met Gala will round out the spring lineup of exciting Black Fashion Week MN events. This premier fundraising soiree will celebrate Minneapolis’ high-profile, thriving fashion community and another successful showcase of style and talent. “The theme of the gala is ‘fabulous,’” shares BFWMN Founder and CEO Natalie Morrow. “We want people to dress like they’re going to the Met in New York City and really have fun with it.”
Taking place at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, this first-ever gala runway show will feature designs from BernGouba Designs, SarBarn Couture, Lexurìe Collection, Neekmolac, Rox Jewelry and Von-Taylor. Fashionistas can purchase tickets for general admission or opt for a VIP experience, which includes preferred seating and a swag bag of specially designed, limited-edition goodies. Following the show, a lively after-party will keep the fun going.
Now in its sixth year, BFWMN has grown into its own after starting out as part of the Twin Cities Black Film Festival. The highly anticipated series has become a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of talented Black creatives in the local fashion industry. For the third year in a row, Morrie’s Auto Group has partnered with BFWMN in support of the Fashion Forward Scholarship, which helps up-and-coming designers further their skills. Other lead sponsors include the W Hotel Minneapolis, U.S. Bank and Ciroc.
In the days leading up to this hallmark event, BFWMN boasts a robust roster of exciting productions starting May 5. One standout is the 50 Years of Hip-Hop Tribute Fashion Show on May 12. Sponsored by Puma and Crown Royal, the runway will feature designs from No Excuses Brand, Penash, Sonelle Couture and more. Other can’t-miss experiences include A Dope Conversation with a Stylist, Fashion and Nails Show, and Fashion Soiree.
“BFWMN means a lot to me,” Morrow explains. “It’s a time for creatives and changemakers to really have a platform to produce their project and present it to the Twin Cities. People are fashion. We have a lot of talent here, and we want to encourage our community to share their passions.”
For the full lineup of BFWMN programming and designers, follow @BlackFashionWeekMN on Instagram.
