This week’s happenings:
This week’s offerings include virtual style workshops, the launch of a new local fashion label, and one of the most popular vintage sales of the year.
Minnesota-based, Liberian-born designer Mz Menneh has launched her new label, Country Geh
TUESDAY, JULY 28
FGI MSP: Pandemic Pivot: The Designer Journey into Mask Masking
From fashion to function, face masks are a flourishing new product category. Join FGI MSP for a virtual discussion on how Minneapolis/St. Paul fashion professionals have changed their focus to mask making with the restrictions of the pandemic. This honest discussion will explore their journeys, from inspiration to problem solving. Panelists include KOKOON, Kat M Designz and Mad Owl, moderated by milliner Karen Morris.
Noon–1pm Tuesday
Online event. Tickets $5–$15 via Eventbrite
The Metropolitan Presents: Skin, Sleep, and Sarah Moe: Why Skin Is Essential for Skin Health
Join skincare clinic The Metropolitan for a virtual panel event with resident skin experts Suzanne St. James and Holly Kane, who will be joined by sleep expert Sarah Moe to talk about how to better your sleep and better your skin. The first 10 people to RSVP to the virtual event would receive a $100 gift card to use at The Metropolitan.
4–5pm Tuesday
Free online event. Tune in on @themonfrance on IG and Facebook Live to watch. Register at Eventbrite
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Fit for a Queen: A Size Inclusive Summer Trunk Show
The fashion & retail industry has traditionally ostracized women who wear plus-sizes. North Loop boutique Queen Anna wants to be a part of the community that changes that and elevates our conversation around inclusive sizing, because every woman deserves to feel her best at any size, shape or age. In this trunk show, the store is featuring Marcellamoda and Ripley Rader, two brands that are empowering their clients through great design and inclusive sizing. Join in for an evening of style inspiration, great shopping and fun.
5:30–7pm Thursday
Free online event. Register at Eventbrite
FRIDAY, JULY 31–SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Art Heals: Local Motion Tent Sale
Local Motion Boutique in Uptown is hosting a tent sale that promises to be “fashionably small and socially distanced.” Masks will be mandatory and only 15 people will be allowed in to shop at a time. Expect deep discounts on women’s wear and accessories from small brands spanning the globe and Minnesota. Reserve your spot by purchasing a $5 ticket, which can be applied to any purchase during the event; entry without reservation may be available but not guaranteed.
4–9pm Friday, 10am–7pm Saturday & 10am–5pm Sunday
Reserve your spot for $5 via localmotionboutique.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
Tandem Vintage’s Vintage on a Dime Sale
Join Tandem Vintage and friends for this fourth annual IRL sale, featuring racks and racks (and racks!) of vintage clothes, housewares, accessories, kids' vintage, and more at super reasonable prices. Tandem Vintage will be joined by special guests Arlee Park, Bekah Worley Co, Glamdiggers Vintage, and WAAM Industries. Masks will be required, and hand sanitizer will be available. Social distancing measures will be in place.
Early Bird entry from 8–9am: $20 (funds will be donated to Campaign for Black Men)
9am–4pm Saturday (free)
@ 2925 S 34th Ave, Mpls, find more info via Facebook
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Powderhorn Art Fair
The 29th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair has moved online. Shop jewelry, pottery and more handcrafted goods by more than 100 local artisans online, or head out to experience a small Splash Market in South Minneapolis featuring community arts.
Virtual shop: Saturday at 8am to Sunday at 11:59pm @ powderhornartfair.org
In-person Splash Market: Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm @ 35th St & Chicago Ave S, Mpls
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Style for Days: Understanding Your Personal Style
Are you frustrated with your wardrobe, but you can't quite put your finger on why? You may need a personal style rethink. This free webinar presented by One Posh Closet will help you discover your personal style, and find the empowerment and confidence it can give you.
Sunday 11am–12:30pm
Free online event. Register at Eventbrite
New this week:
Hackwith Design House’s Sustain Shop Drop
After a long break, local apparel brand Hackwith Design House has added fresh, new styles to its Sustain Shop. The brand has cleaned out its studio to dig up samples, one-offs and old styles from previous seasons to mark down along with some newer styles. Heads up to all the repurposers and makers out there: The brand is offering fabric scraps from damaged or flawed HDH items (which are typically recycled through a local fabric recycling company, currently down due to COVID-19). If interested, please email emma@hackwithdesignhouse.com.
Now available @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
NWKC: 2020 Experiments
Over the next few months, local menswear brand Northwestern Knitting Co. (aka NWKC) will be offering a 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.
View the collection and pre-order @ nwkc.us
Country Geh Brand Launch
Country Geh is a new fashion label by Minnesota-based, Liberian musician Mz Menneh inspired by African culture and traditions. Designed and based in Minneapolis and manufactured in Africa, Country Geh sells a mix of everyday and special event wear plus accessories featuring bold African patterns and colors, including some incredible woven handbags.
Shop online @ countrygeh.com
QBIPOC Art Space GoFundMe Launch
Vanessa McDuffie—special education teacher, writer, Minneapolis creative & community advocate—has just announced plans for an art space in Minneapolis dedicated to QBIPOC creatives. You can help fund its mission & learn more via its GoFundMe.
Continuing:
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.
Sewing Classes at RETHINK
Tailoring and upcycling studio, RETHINK, has just kicked off its sewing classes at its new South Minneapolis storefront—properly spaced and sanitized for the COVID era. The ongoing classes includes everything from beginner's lessons to denim repair. Only a few spots are available for this week’s classes, but keep checking the website for more classes on an ongoing basis.
Reserve online & learn more about safety practices at rethinktailoring.square.site
ACG Summer Sale
Summer in the Twin Cities has been hotter than ever—so there’s no better time to pick up a breezy, one-of-a-kind caftan by local label ACG. The small brand is hosting a sale on its summer collection with markdowns of 25%–35% off. Look for items in natural fibers like silk and cotton, featuring hand-painted and hand-dyed details.
Shop online at acgmpls.com
Sidewalk Swaps
How is one to safely donate clothing and shop sustainably during COVID times? Enter the sidewalk swap. After first popping up on the sidewalks of Minneapolis, the swap has since spawned iterations off Hiawatha in Minneapolis (@sidewalkswaphiawatha), St. Paul (@sidewalkswapstp), and most recently, outside of RETHINK Tailoring (@rethinktailoring) in Minneapolis, which will have a rack out front when the shop is open. How it works: First, check the Instagram page for the swap and make sure it’s open that day, and find out if there is space on the rack for donations-—namely, clean, summer-appropriate clothes. (You can DM them if you’re not sure.) Then, bring your donations and “shop” the rack for free. As a general rule, try to donate one piece for every piece you take. And be sure to wear a mask to shop!
Mill City Farmers Market: Digital Art Market
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Mill City Farmers Market has discontinued its art market for the season, but you can still shop their curated group of makers with its new Digital Art Market. Each week, it features four to five local artisans offering unique gifts, kitchenware and other handmade items each week on their blog, Instagram stories @mcfarmerskt and through a new digital art market email newsletter.
View the blog and sign up for the newsletter at millcityfarmersmarket.org
Mark your calendars:
8/8–21: Winsome Goods Sample Sale (IRL & virtual)
8/9: Runway for Hope Virtual Fashion Show & Fundraiser (virtual)
8/15: Elliot Park Art Walk. Maker Market & Live Art (IRL)
SUBMIT: Email me details about future events for consideration at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com.