This week’s local shopping highlights include Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Fashionopolis Week, the official launch of new online makers’ marketplace The List, and vintage and maker pop-ups.
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine hosts Fashionopolis Week through Sunday. Photo: Caitlin Abrams for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
MONDAY–SUNDAY:
Fashionopolis Week
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine created Fashionopolis in 2013 to celebrate the local retail community through a blockbuster night of fashion, style and inspiration. More than six months since the pandemic struck, the need to support local brick-and-mortar is more important than ever, so the magazine has expanded the fashion show to a full week of events dedicated to local retail. Participating retailers including Bumbershute, D.NOLO, Dugo, June, Les Sól and many more will be offering special discounts and offers during the week, both online and in store, plus a couple of virtual events hosted on the magazine’s Facebook page. (More on those below.)
10/5–10/11 @ various locations. Visit mspmag.com/promotions/fashionopolis for details.
NEW THIS WEEK:
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
Local Maker Shop Updates
Find brand-new arrivals in the web shops from local ceramics makers Tiny Loud and A MANO, including earrings, planters and small dishes. Also be sure to check out the new mini collection by Human Resources, a sustainable fashion collaboration between Hazel & Rose and Al’s Tailoring featuring stylishly reworked vintage pieces.
Now available @ www.weshopamano.com/ceramics, www.etsy.com/shop/tinyloudco & shophazelandrose.com
Angela Valentine Handbags 40% off Sale
The Minnesota-based handbag maker is celebrating seven years of business with a month-long sale. Save 40% on all handbags now through the month of October with code BEEDAY
Shop now @ angelavalentinehandbags.com
Hackwith Design House Last-Chance Sale
Save an additional 50% on sale items during Hackwith Design House's season-end sale with code "ExtendedSale" at checkout. Items include past seasons, discontinued styles, retired fabrics and more.
Shop now @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
TUESDAY:
Fall Fashion Tips, Tricks & Trends from Twin Cities Style Experts
Get the scoop on fall fashion trends and how to wear them with Twin Cities style experts in this virtual style event. Panelists include Madeline Nachbar, Style & Trend Editor for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, along with Adam Bevis of local men’s retailer Jaxon Grey and Anthony Chow of North Loop boutique D.NOLO.
Tuesday @ 10am at www.facebook.com/mspmag
WEDNESDAY:
Shopping Local Now: How Small Retail Rebounds from COVID-19
If you work in retail, you don’t want to miss this panel discussion, held as part of Fashionopolis Week. Moderated by local retail expert Allison Kaplan, Editor-in-Chief of Twin Cities Business magazine, this virtual panel will feature Lindsay Yousif, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer of TCF Bank with a focus on women- and BIPOC-owned small businesses; Jen Shadowens, partner and strategist at creative agency Zeus Jones with a focus on retail trends; and Sairey Gernes, founder and president of intimates brand UrbanUndercover.
Wednesday @ 4pm at www.facebook.com/mspmag
THURSDAY:
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Fashionpolis: Unplugged (SOLD OUT)
Due to the pandemic, the magazine’s annual blockbuster show has shifted to an intimate, outdoor format. Due to the limited tickets, the show is sold out, but be sure to follow along on Instagram to see the show, styled and produced by Grant Whittaker with fall trends from local retailers.
Thursday @ 5pm at @mspmag on Instagram
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 Crankosaurus Press, Indigo & Snow, Larissa Loden Jewelry, Star Thrower Farm and The Abbey Alpacas.
Saturday from 9am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Sohail 2020 Virtual Gayrage Sale
Every year, Sohail Akhavein (best known for his popular Instagram account, @sideofhail) hosts a digital garage sale where he sells clothing and accessories he’s worn throughout the last year, including some bold, colorful and unique pieces that can be worn by any gender. Proceeds go to a variety of organizations and charities, this year focused on animal Humane Society, COVID-19 relief efforts and Black-led organizations. He’ll share the URL on Friday at 10am to start browsing.
Saturday at 10am. Follow along @sideofhail on Instagram for sale link.
The Cat and the Cobra New Location Opening
Local vintage store, The Cat and the Cobra, debuts its new brick-and-mortar location in Northeast Minneapolis. The store specializes in pieces from the 1970s to the 1990s at a good price, with an emphasis on denim, vintage tees, and deadstock painters pants and overalls. You can check them out online at shopcatandcobra.com.
Opening Saturday @ 2400 N 2nd St, Mpls
First Chance Last Chance Pop-up Art Show
Shop handcrafted goods and artwork from Steller Handcrafted Goods, The Salted Artist, Lisa Elias Metal Studio and Julie Meyer Leather Goods in this pop-up sale. Get a jump start on gifts for the holidays (or get a gift for yourself) while enjoying snacks and live music. Located in the parking lot near the Waterbury Building in Northeast Minneapolis.
Saturday 12-5pm @ 1129 Van Buren St NE, Mpls, nemaa.org/event/first-chance-last-chance-pop-up-art-show
Pop-up Yard Sale
Local vintage vendors Primary Colors Vintage and Ric Rac Goods are joining forces with maker Crybaby Clay for a pop-up yard sale. Expect a mix of clay kits, clothing, decor, textiles, ceramics and $5 mixtapes.
Saturday 10am–3pm in South Minneapolis. DM @primarycolorsvintage, @ricracgoods or @crybabyclay for address.
SUNDAY:
The People’s Market
Local vintage sellers Everyday Ejiji and Glam Diggers Vintage present this vintage and makers market centering local BIPOC and LGBTQIA vendors, hosted by the woman-owned Urban Growler brewery. Expect a mix of handmade jewelry, plants, vintage goods and more. Get more info at @everydayejiji on Instagram
Sunday from 12–5pm @ Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St, St Paul
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
Re-Emerging: Minnesota Jewelry Arts Guild Member Show
In collaboration with the Minnesota Jewelry Arts Guild, Gallery 360 presents Re-Emerging, an exhibition of contemporary handmade jewelry from the guild’s members. The exhibit features one-of-a-kind works from 19 jewelry artists that exemplify the standard of excellence the guild promotes, and showcases a wide array of styles. The show includes everything from high-karat gold and diamonds mounted in precious settings to pieces in non-traditional jewelry materials such as glass, ceramic and leather from jewelry artists including Amy Ballinger, Linda Seebauer Hansen, Kelly Connole, Anne Carnevale and Danny Saathoff.
On view 10/3–11/8 @ Gallery 360, 3011 W 50th St, Mpls, www.gallery360mpls.com
NEW RETAIL OPENINGS:
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
My Sister’s Closet Website Launch
After shuttering their longtime storefront last month, local consignment shop My Sister’s Closet is returning with a new online shop. As always, expect a fresh, well-curated mix of a women’s wear vintage and designer labels at accessible prices.
Thursday, 10/1 at 9am @ mysistersclosetmn.com
Down the Rabbit Hole
Designer resale boutique Down the Rabbit Hole has a new home. Peruse luxury goods from Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Chloe, Prada and more at up to 90% off retail prices within nearly 2,000 square feet of retail space. (Bonus: The majority of their inventory is new with tags.)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 12:30–6pm @ 17516 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, www.downtherabbitholemn.com
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
MartinPatrick3 Launches Women’s Boutique
After more than a decade since introducing menswear to the North Loop, MartinPatrick3 is *finally* introducing women’s wear. The new store-within-a-store boutique will primarily feature women’s clothing, plus accessories, and expanded apothecary, gifts, and decor. Expect apparel from include Danish fashion house Baum und Pferdgarten, American sportswear brand Adam Lippes, Serbian luxury knitwear brand Dusan, stripe-centric brand Kule and premium denim brand AGOLDE, along with fine jewelry from Bea Bongiasca, Leigh Miller and Pamela Love, colored glass stemware from Estelle, refined home decor by Aerin, and contemporary homeware by Dinosaur Designs.
Now open @ MartinPatrick3, 212 3rd Ave N #106, Minneapolis. Learn more at @martinpatrick3 on Instagram.
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
Root + Mineral Wellness Crowdfunding Campaign
Twin Cities sauna enthusiasts, take note—there’s a new sauna coming to town. Founded by Marissa Galan and Michelle Barnes, Root + Mineral Wellness promises a mix of authentic spa experiences that go beyond typical offerings, with a focus on healing and balancing rituals including skin rejuvenation, muscle relaxation and mindful breathing to connect mind and body. They also have a commitment to equity—for every five memberships purchased, one BIPOC person will receive a free membership. After giving us a taste of what’s to come with a series of socially distanced sauna pop-ups, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for their brick-and-mortar location to come in 2021. Explore the various reward packages and donate to their campaign at ifundwomen.com/projects/root-mineral-wellness and learn more at rootandmineralwellness.com.
NEW COLLECTIONS BY LOCAL DESIGNERS & MAKERS:
A MANO x DC Ice Collaboration
Local ceramicist Louisa Podlich of A MANO has partnered with St. Paul artist DC Ice for a limited-edition collaboration collection. It features over 60 pieces of original art including ornaments, spoon rest, wall hangings and planters, made by A MANO with whimsical illustrations of bunnies, foxes, bears and unicorns by DC Ice. Part two of the collection launches in early November and will feature an even bigger selection of gifts to give or keep for yourself.
Now available at weshopamano.com
Curiosity Studio’s Curiosity Kits
Curiosity Studio, a creative learning studio for adults from An Upcycled Closet’s Lauren Callis, had to put its in-person art-making activities on hiatus due to the pandemic. Now, people can bring the art-making workshop experience home with their new Curiosity Kits, which make their debut this week. Curiosity Kits are an “all-inclusive creative journey” that will transport you into an art-making experience, and all the tools and materials you’ll need are included. Each kit will center around a different theme. (This week’s theme is shape.) The purchase of each box also funds a box donation to Minneapolis Public Schools’ Riverbend Education Center.
Now available @ curiositystudioclass.com
Mx Apparel Fall Capsule Collection
Local brand Mx Apparel was founded on “stretching what gender neutral clothing can be.” Their new fall mini collection, “City Pop,” embodies that through bold color and texture. Pieces from the line will be made to order in limited quantities, so don’t wait to snap them up.
Now available @ www.mxappareldesign.com
Dallas Daws Designs Fall Capsule Collection
Instead of launching a full collection during a pandemic, local designer Dallas Daws has opted to launched a smaller capsule collection of some classic, everyday pieces with interesting details in a range of natural fabrics and colors—made with longevity in mind.
Now available @ dallasdaws.com/collections/terre
Hackwith Design House Fall Collection
St. Paul–based sustainable clothing label, Hackwith Design House, has just debuted its fall collection. Find several new, transitional pieces that you can wear now through winter with the help of various layering techniques. Designs are available in boxier linens, light cottons and beautifully draped Lyocells, and in sizes ranging from XS/S through +3/4. Look for fresh, new details like unique necklines, pleats and smocking details, while offering Hackwith’s signature versatility and comfort.
Now available @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
Larissa Loden Jewelry Fall Collection
Local jewelry designer Larissa Loden’s “VOTE” jewelry got a recent boost, thanks to Michelle Obama’s speech during the virtual DNC in which she wore a similar necklace. Now, the designer is launching a collection for fall featuring more than 30 new styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins with a focus on joyful colors, inclusive sizing and giving back to the community. She is also expanding on her DIY Quarantine Craft Kits and her Do Good bracelet series, 20% of sales of which will be donated to local nonprofits. Plus, look for three new styles in the VOTE series in multiple finishes and colors.
Now available @ larissaloden.com & at the Larissa Loden studio, 1500 Jackson St NE #265, Mpls
NWKC: 2020 Experiments
Over the next few months, local menswear brand Northwestern Knitting Co. (aka NWKC) will be offering an experimental, small group of new designs and fabrics for pre-sale. These limited releases will open with pre-orders and finish with short production lead times, all with the goal of keeping creativity and experimentation going with less risk due to today’s unpredictable marketplace. First up is a set of fall/winter outerwear pieces now available for pre-order, shipped before 10/1. Up next is their most technical knit to date, MDC-Coolmax, an alternating interlock jersey consisting of a 50% Coolmax 50% Merino yarn and their U.S.-made tri-blend yarn, culminating in a buttery soft, temperature regulating, highly wrinkle-resistant cloth. All items are cut and sewn in the U.S.A. Find the assortment now on the site for pre-order, shipping by 12/1.
Now available for pre-order @ nwkc.us
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.