This week’s local shopping highlights include the debut of the new Union Market makers’ marketplace in Mankato, Walker’s Virtual Jewelry & Accessories Makers Mart and Larissa Loden Jewelry’s annual fall sale.
Various pieces from the Walker’s Jewelry & Accessories Makers Mart. Courtesy Walker Art Center
NOW OPEN:
Union Market Mankato
Local indie makers have found a new home in Mankato with Union Market, a new marketplace concept showcasing a mix of apparel for women, men and kids, plus beauty products, fashion accessories, art, vintage goods, home goods, plants and more from more than 20 local vendors. It’s the brainchild of local fashion designer Gina Moorhead, founder of GinaMarie womenswear and GrasMark menswear, who has committed 15% of the market’s shelves to Black-owned businesses as part of the 15 Percent Pledge. Vendors includes milliner Celina Kane, Black and queer-owned brand The Crochet Gay, free-trade retailer True Ethic, and Eagle Falcon Handcrafted, a new line of briefcases and handbags made with Anatolian craftsmanship. In addition to serving as a community space, future plans for the market include a grab-and-go deli offering local charcuterie, cheese, breads and beverages, and a podcast recording studio.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–6pm
@ 615 S Front St, Mankato, www.unionmarketmankato.com
TUESDAY:
Curated Style Virtual Panel: The Future of Fashion
Due to the pandemic, the Mall of America is not hosting its annual blockbuster runway show, Curated Style, which showcased the collections of Project Runway alumni. Instead, it’s changing up the format to a virtual Zoom discussion presented by Artful Living featuring several designers that have appeared in the show over the years, including Mondo Guerra, Korto Momolu and Minnesota’s own Christopher Straub, along with Curated Style show producer Laura Schara, moderated by Artful Living editor-in-chief, Kate Nelson. The group will have a lively and honest discussion about the future of fashion and what it’s like designing in the age of COVID-19.
Tuesday, 10/13 at 7pm on Zoom
Free registration at mallofamerica.com/curatedstyle
THURSDAY–SUNDAY:
Larissa Loden’s Loden Up Sale
Larissa Loden’s highly anticipated annual fall sale is back. For four days only, the local jewelry designer is offering 30% off all jewelry styles and new exclusive limited designs released daily, available both in her Northrup King studio daily and online (Friday–Sunday only). The exclusive styles will be available only during the sale, so don’t miss out.
Thursday–Saturday from 12–5pm @ Larissa Loden studio (1500 Jackson St NE #265, Mpls) and Friday–Sunday online @ larissaloden.com
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Walker Art Center’s Virtual Fall Jewelry & Accessories Makers Mart
Walker Art Center’s semi-annual makers mart has gone virtual with more than a dozen makers. Beginning Friday, Walker members can shop a 24-hour preview of the sale (and save 10%), which includes one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry and accessories from 22 artists. Then on Saturday, the sale opens to the public. Makers include: Amy Torello, Beth Novak Enamels, BMF Jewelry, Bridget Clark Design, Dottir Jewelry, Emily Madland Jewelry, Foat Design, Helen Wang Jewelry, Jac & Violet, Julie Meyer Handbags, Karin Jacobson Design, Les Bags, Makwa Studio, MEND Jewelry, Metalarchill, ROX Jewelry, Silvercocoon, Solid Design Studios, Studio-Emma, Vikse Designs, Willa Burke Wilson, and Yen Chee Design.
Friday (members only), Saturday & Sunday @ walkerart.org/calendar/2020/jewelry-and-accessory-makers-mart-online-fall-2020
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market Art Market
After several months of transforming into a digital-only artist market, the Mill City Farmers Market’s Art Market is returning to an in-person format beginning this weekend—with social distancing measures in place. This weekend’s featured makers include Barn Swallow Garden, Christy Wetzig Ceramics, Radiate Activewear and Star Thrower Farm.
Saturday from 9am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Flower Power presented by Some Great People
After you stop by the Mill City Farmers Market and pick some fall flowers, walk over one block over to the Some Great People studio for a socially distanced outdoor floral arrangement class taught by Haute House Studio. A ticket includes the class, a take-home vase, sips from Prairie Organic Spirits and live music. Safety measures will be in place.
Saturday @ 11am at The Vicinity, 205 Park Ave, Mpls (enter on S 2nd St). Tickets $10 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flower-power-tickets-124786320243
Vintage Pop-up Yard Sale
A trio of local vintage vendors—Primary Colors Vintage, Mute Vintage and Salty Vintage—are teaming up for a pop-up yard sale. Expect tons of vintage goodies and $5 mixtapes. Plus, 20% of Mute Vintage’s sales will be donated to the Free Store at the Greasepit. Masks required to shop.
Saturday from 10am–3pm in South Minneapolis. DM @primarycolorsvintage for address
SUNDAY:
Backyard Pop-up Portraits & Vintage
Local artist Lisa Luck of Daughters and Suns is known for her impressionistic portraits. You can purchase your own 10-minute portrait from her at this backyard pop-up in the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis. You can also shop retro goodies from Primary Colors Vintage, pick up a hand-painted Daughters and Suns pumpkin, and sip some cider.
Sunday from 12–4pm. DM @daughtersandsuns for address or look for signs near Longfellow Park.
Harvest Vintage Market
Shop goodies from local vintage sellers, including AK Collective, Thrifty Luxe, House of Spitz, at this safe & socially distanced outdoor market hosted at Sociable Cider.
Sunday from 12–5pm @ 1500 Fillmore St NE, Mpls
Indigo & Snow Sumi Super Sale
Local maker Annabella Sardelis of Indigo & Snow is known for her natural indigo shibori-dyed textiles, from apparel to home goods to face masks. She is doing a big sale on her website this weekend that’s not to be missed. (Pro tip: Sign up for her mailing list to get early-bird access at 11am.) The sale goes live to the public at 7pm @ indigoandsnow.com
CLASSES
Now available: ReThinking Tailoring Sewing Classes
Want to sharpen up your sewing skills? Or are you a total beginner and not sure where to start? Then check out ReThink Tailoring’s new one-on-one, in-person sewing classes. This week, they’re offering a beginner class, Meet Your Machine, during a variety of times and dates ($45). Masks are required. Prefer to go virtual? They’re also offering an online course in hand mending basics ($20–$45).
@ ReThink Tailoring, 3449 Bloomington Ave, Mpls
Register at shop.rethinktailoring.com
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS:
BFWMN Presents The Essence of Fashion
In collaboration with Galleria, Black Fashion Week MN presents a fashion exhibition of pieces by 10+ local designers, including TIM+THOM, HWMR by Houston White, NSOD Clothing and The Lexurie Collection, showcasing everything from statement gowns to suits and streetwear. The gallery opens at 9am on Thursday, 10/1 within the former Gabberts space.
On view 10/1–10/31 @ 3501 Galleria, Edina, www.galleriaedina.com
Disquietude
Curated by local artist Leslie Barlow, Disquietude is a collaboration between her and six artists from the artist collective and program Studio 400. Each artist approached questions around fear, the unknown, growth and resilience in different ways that reflect both internal and external tensions within these concepts—something we can all relate to in 2020. Featured artists include fashion designer Bris Carbajal of Yessenya along with visual artists Maiya Lea Hartman, Taylan De Johnette, Jacqueline W. Nuzzo, Philipo Dyauli and Sarah Nicole. Celebrate these artists by planning a socially distanced visit in person or doing a virtual tour online.
On view 9/10–11/20 on view online @ whitebeararts.org/2020/08/disquietude
Scheduled in person viewings: TBD @ White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake
Into the Rabbit Hole: An Immersive Pop-up Selfie Exhibit
Looking for a socially distanced activity to share with a few of your closest friends or family? Then check out this new, immersive popup exhibit created by Studios Moss, a St. Paul–based creative design company that specializes in custom backdrops and installations. House within The Wycliff, a new co-working space in St. Paul, you can view the exhibit via a self-guided tour with up to 9 companions. Each visitor is given 45 minutes to go through the spaces (and take plenty of selfies, of course).
Runs 8/27–10/31 @ The Wycliff, 2327 Wycliff St #210, St. Paul
$25 adults, $17 children 6–15, free for children 5 and under @ eventbrite.com
NEW RETAIL OPENINGS
Community Commons at Mall of America
Mall of America has just debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Several, including Peruvian poncho retailer Llakta, come from the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street, which was hit by some of the worst damage. The 17 vendors include Twiggy Fresh (bamboo toothbrushes), and Butters by Jay (shea butter skin and haircare). The 5,000-square-foot space is currently set to stay open through Spring 2021 and will feature an evolving roster of retailers.
Now open @ Mall of America, 238N South Avenue (2nd level), Bloomington.
Learn more at mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
The List Launches
One unfortunate consequence of the COVID outbreak is the dearth of makers markets, which many local makers and small businesses had relied upon for a majority of their income—especially during the upcoming holiday season. Hoping to fill that void is The List, a new, Minnesota-based online maker hub that is fully launching this week. The marketplace aims to be a one-stop shop for high-quality artisans, makers and other small businesses, just in time for holiday gift-giving season. Find a mix of fashion, home goods and skin care by 40 top local makers, including Strey Designs, Adam Turman, Essence One, FOAT Design, Hackwith Design House, ILO Design, J.Lux Jewelry, Joeleen Torvick, Julia Elise Skincare, Tiny Loud and Minny & Paul.
Now available @ www.findmeonthelist.com
Arc’s Autumn Retro Collection
Halloween is an important fundraising season for Arc’s Value Village because many new thrifters come in looking for costumes. But unfortunately for a lot of thrift stores, their Halloween assortment can often seem to indirectly promote cultural appropriation when presenting traditional garments as a costume. (Examples: Chinese cheongsam dresses, Native American-inspired garb, traditional Hmong or African garments.) Put simply, someone else’s culture is not a costume. In an effort to curb cultural appropriation and the use of racist costumes, Arc’s has reimagined its annual Halloween shop. Dubbed the Autumn Retro Collection, the nonprofit thrift store’s revamped costume shop will feature creative, discounted retro clothing and accessories at great prices—so you can dress up without the cultural appropriation.
Through 10/31 @ 3 locations including Bloomington, New Hope & Richfield, arcsvaluevillage.org
Les Sól Storefront Opening
New Minneapolis boutique Les Sól was set to open earlier this spring, until COVID-19 happened. After launching its online shop over the summer, the shop is set to open the doors of its brick-and-mortar location this week in Linden Hills. Founded by sisters Mikaela and Megan Harrod, Les Sól is a women’s lifestyle boutique with a “West Coast vibe” and a passion for community, small brands (like Pistola Denim, Paloma Wool, ＦＲИＣＨ), independent artists (the new store features custom wallpaper by local gals By She She) and sustainability (brands like ACACIA). Oh, and be sure to check out their exclusive, new collab with local jewelry line, Jac & Violet.
Now open @ 4353 S Upton Ave #104, Mpls, shoplessol.com
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGNS:
HWMR Announces Expansion & Crowdfunding Campaign North Minneapolis fixture HWMR just announced a major expansion. Originally known as Houston White Men’s Room, a barbershop founded by Houston White, the concept has since expanded to include Houston White’s apparel line. Now, White is working to expand the physical footprint as well as the offerings from HWMR. The new HWMR will be part barbershop, part retail store, part coffee bar, part cafe and all community, working toward “a better future, a better world, a better culture built by and for North Minneapolis.” They’ve just launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the expansion.
Donate & learn more at https://igg.me/at/hwmr
LOCALLY MADE FACE MASKS:
Want to be safer in style while supporting a small business? Skip the big-box store and pick up a handmade, one-of-a-kind face mask crafted by a local designer or brand. In response to Gov. Walz’s statewide mask mandate in Minnesota, I’ve updated my Minnesota-made mask directory. Check it out and pick out a few new favorites.
SUBMIT: Email me details about future events for consideration at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com.