Joy is not only the feeling of the first coat-free day after a long Minnesota winter but also the fitting theme of this spring’s Fashion Week MN. The goal of this women-led volunteer organization is to help foster a thriving fashion community through diverse programming and support. This year’s highly anticipated series kicks off on April 23, with eight curated runway shows featuring dozens of diverse local designers, artists and models and taking place in stunning venues across the Twin Cities. To help you experience what’s sure to be a dazzling showcase of talent and creativity, we’ve highlighted 5 inspiring FWMN shows you won’t want to miss.
Photography by Michelle Lee
The New Millennium: A Vintage Fashion Show
Sunday, April 23
As the official kickoff of FWMN, the New Millennium fashion show presented by Rose + Bull promises to spark some major nostalgia. This show will rewind back to the turn of the century to embrace all things Y2K and celebrate the concept of old trends made new. Eventgoers are encouraged to don their favorite 2000s ensembles for mixing and mingling during the opening social hour. After the show, all the eye-catching pieces will be available for purchase fresh off the runway at a pop-up market.
Photography by Trae Compton
Into the Studio: Sustainable Style, A Fashion Revolution
Monday, April 24
The Into The Studio runway show is an invitation to join the movement for sustainability in apparel. Slow fashion will be on vibrant display in eight collections boasting natural, organic and recycled materials, as well as ethical and fair-trade production. As a part of the larger Fashion Revolution Week, Into The Studio is dedicated to raising awareness about the true cost of fashion while also promoting more sustainable practices. Attendees will get to meet the designers, learn about their creative processes and even shop their creations right after the show.
Photography provided by IamAnishinaabe
Northern Lights: A Native Nations Fashion Night
Tuesday, April 25
A celebration of Indigenous creative expression, Native Nations Fashion Night will be a one-of-a-kind experience emceed by Artful Living’s own editor-in-chief, Kate Nelson. Featured Native American designers Delina White, Golga Oscar and Lavender Kingbird aim to elevate the human spirit and connect cultures through their work. Eventgoers will be immersed in a stunning exhibit of contemporary design with deep roots in traditional craft. The program includes a surprise half-time show, an after-party complete with meet-and-greets, music from DJ William McKenzie of Divewire Studios, and a marketplace where attendees can purchase apparel, accessories, natural beauty products and more from Indigenous artisans.
Photography by Michelle Lee
Luxe Streetwear: A Futuristic Perspective of Candyland
Wednesday, April 26
The Luxe Streetwear fashion show will immerse the audience in a world of pure imagination. This hip-hop culture–themed event is actually a fundraiser for Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective, a nonprofit founded by the show’s producer, Keiona Cook of Qe’Bella Couture, dedicated to supporting youth in the arts of sewing, fashion design and entrepreneurship. This magical all-ages event will feature a futuristic Candyland-styled runway spotlighting custom streetwear designers, a high-school designer and LSAC participants, among others.
Photography by Michelle Lee
EVOLVE: Spring Fashion Show and Pop-Up
Saturday, April 29
Presented by the Fitting Room, EVOLVE is the premier finale of FWMN. Hosted by Richard Anderson and Amy Wulf with music by Rumba Eterna Social Club, the event will showcase local designers’ capsule collections, which will be available for purchase after the show. Taking place at the Museum of Russian Art — a new-to-fashion-week venue — this style extravaganza and pop-up is the perfect way to wrap up the joy of the fashion-filled week.
For complete programming and full lists of event designers, visit fashionweekmn.com.
