Your guide to MNfashion Week

New York Fashion Week might be over, and London’s is in the midst of happening as we speak, but Minnesota has a fashion week of its own. It might not attract the Olsens or Kanye’s hot girlfriend Amber Rose, but it’s been gaining in momentum every year. Our fashion week is a pet project of MNfashio n, the folks behind spring’s rock & roll runway show Voltage: Fashion Amplified. The collective aims to create a supportive environment for local fashion/jewelry/accessory designers.
Now that the weather seems to be cooling off, concoct a fall ensemble and stop by a few events. You’ll see some chic folks, maybe meet Christopher Straub from “Project Runway” and perhaps bring home a piece or two.
Tuesday: There’s nothing huge going on today, only a small event at Second Début in St. Louis Park. I’ve been to the consignment shop and it’s nothing to write home about, but the store IS next door to Opitz Outlet, epicenter of amazing, inexplicable deals. If you do stop by the Re-Fashionista event, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring a garment to donate.
Wednesday: I know for a fact Mr. Straub will be at this METRO/l’etoile magazine-sponsored party/trunk show, and a ton of other fashion luminaries will join him. Local boutiques will be offering their wares, as will local designers like FOX anchor/jewelry designer Robyne Robinson, avant-garde Laura Fulk and my favorite local jewelry line Ferocite r. It’ll cost you $25, but there’s a goody bag, appetizers and booze too. (International Market Square, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Also occurring Wednesday is the Couture Noir show, which takes place quite near us at The Varsity. The show looks like it’ll run a bit more gothic and darkly romantic than shows I’ve seen before. ($15, 9 p.m.)
P.S. You get a discount if you wear a mask or show proof of admission to another MNfashion event.
Thursday: Uptown boutique Local Motion is hosting an event to promote its new collections with a 20 percent discount from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., but I’m more likely to hit up Adorn on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. I really want one of Calpurnia Peach’s new silk scarves, and luckily for me the University of Minnesota graduates will be there, fresh off a successful show at La Nouvelle Femme. Tons of stores, from Hot Mama to My Sister’s Closet to J. Crew and Picky Girl, are pa rticipating with trunk shows, makeup demonstrations and hairstyling. (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. See grandave.com for more information.) Oh, and don’t forget! There’s another “Project Runway” screening party at Hell’s Kitchen downtown, 9 p.m.
Friday: Parc and Belle Reve are just a hop, skip and jump away from campus and tonight the adorable boutiques host a beauty night featuring manicures, hairstyling and makeup application by Salon Lili. Best of all, it’s free, but we’re encouraged to make appointments. You can call Parc 612-353-4966 or Belle Reve 612-333-3148 to schedule yours. (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Also happening Friday is Kjurek fashion show at the W Hotel (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; $20) and “Eat Street Style” hosted in part by the lovely ladies of my second favorite vintage store, Blacklist Vintage. (Head to Toe Salon, 2445 Nicollet Ave., 8 p.m., $5 )
Saturday: A whole bunch of trunk shows, workshops and the like today, but I’m attending SCENEaSOTA at the Ignite Models Studio. (600 Washington Ave. N.) I interviewed one of its designers, the always-stylish Emma Berg, for Thursday.’s A&E, so make sure to check that out to school yourself before the show. Also showing are Jenny Carle, Maritza Ramirez, Kathryn V., Carmichael Claith, Renate Adjei, and Ashley Busch. Ramirez, who participates in Voltage, produces the show and it looks to be incredibly entertaining and polished. (Tickets: $10 general, $20 VIP)
Sunday is a bit more low-key, with a VIP fashion show at Lyndale boutique Cliché (call them up to reserve your seat!) and $20 haircuts at Miyagi — your $20 snip supports MNfashion! I need a trim desperately, so you can bet my money will be well spent here so MNfashion Week can continue for years to come.
(A more complete list of events can be found at MNfashionweek.com.)