This week, Black Fashion Week MN’s spring season kicks off with a Prince-inspired fashion show, plus the first outdoor Minneapolis Vintage Market of the year, and makers and farmers markets galore.
BONUS: If you made it out to the recent spring fashion shows as part of Fashion Week MN and beyond, you may have had your eye on a special piece on the runway by a local fashion designer. Explore my directory for where to find it, IRL and online.
Local designer Victor Farmah previews his look for this week’s Prince-inspired Design of the Times fashion show as part of Black Fashion Week MN. (Image via @frika_lib)
NEW THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY, 5/11:
Black Fashion Week MN presents Design of the Times Fashion Show
Natalie Morrow founded Black Fashion Week MN in 2018 to bring her vision of establishing a platform for people of color to display their fashion talents. This spring’s BFWMN will be bigger than ever with six events. It’s most noteworthy is the Design of the Times fashion show hosted at the legendary soundstage of Paisley Park—the first-ever fashion show to be held at The House That Prince Built. It will feature 10 local designers (including Monjaz Couture and Victor Farmah) and over 30 models showcasing collections inspired by—who else?—The Purple One. The night also includes a Q&A panel with special guest fashion designer Debbie McGuan and an after party for VIP ticket holders in the NPG Music Club. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID lab test and masks required. Wednesday at 7pm @ Paisley Park, 7801 Audobon Rd, Chanhassen. VIP sold out; GA tickets $50 @ bfwmn.com
THURSDAY, 5/12:
UVT MN Apparel Production Services Grand Opening
A few years ago after making a name in the Twin Cities fashion community, Vietnam-born fashion designer MiMi Nguyen made the move to LA, where she founded UVT LA—an apparel production house that created custom looks for celebs and small production for private-label apparel. Now, MiMi is back in Minneapolis to launch UVT MN apparel services, which will offer custom garments, patterns, samples, consultations, alterations and small production. It will be housed in the same venue as her production and management company, LPF Vision, as well as her label, and her new fashion label, Melevated Designs, which made its local debut at last weekend’s Coalesce show as part of Fashion Week MN’s spring season. Meet the designer and preview her collection during this free, open house event. Thursday 5–8pm @ UVT MN Studio, 736 E 41st St, Minneapolis, www.eventbrite.com
Provoke: Spring Apparel Student Fashion Show
Minneapolis Community & Technical College is back to an in-person format for its annual student fashion show. View senior collections from 14 graduating students from the college’s Apparel Technologies program. Fun fact: local fashion designer (and Project Runway alum) Samantha Rei, who graduated from the program, has served as a mentor for this year’s students. This year’s show takes place on the T Plaza outdoors and is free to attend. Thursday at 7pm @ Minneapolis Community & Technical College’s T Plaza outdoors, 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, mcappareltechnologies.com
FRIDAY, 5/13:
High Desert Modern Vintage Clothing Swap
Local vintage brand, High Desert Modern Vintage, is hosting a free community clothing swap at its South Minneapolis studio. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories and shoes to swap—all sizes welcome! The brand will also have its well-edited assortment of vintage for sale and will be joined by vintage vendors Black Nvni and Harlow James, who will also have a plus-size rack of vintage for sale. There will also be snacks; BYOB for happy hour. Friday 3–7pm @ Ivy Arts Building, 2637 S 27th Ave, Minneapolis, @highdesertmodernvintage
Our Season to Bloom Fashion Show
Founded by U of MN students Emily Winzenz and Ella Beuning, Our Season to Bloom is a collaboration among models, makeup and hair stylists, photographers and local entrepreneurs culminating in a runway show. The event will feature special-occasion dresses from Midwest Gowns, a Minnesota-based dress rental and custom gown brand, plus pop-up shopping from local vendors, complimentary PRESS seltzer and gift bags for all ticket holders. Friday, 6:30pm doors, 7pm show @ Hyland Hills Chalet, 8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington. Tickets $50 @ sites.google.com/view/ourseasontobloo
Black Fashion Week MN: The Influence of Fashion Mixer & Fashion Show
Mix and mingle with members of the local fashion community at this party and fashion show featuring emerging Black-owned brands No Excuses and Mind Your Culture. Friday at 7pm @ Moxy Minneapolis Downtown, 247 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $20 @ bfwmn.com
FRIDAY, 5/13 & SATURDAY, 5/14:
Single Stone Jewelry Trunk Show & Designer Appearance
Max’s at The Shops at Excelsior & Grand will welcome Corina Madilian, co-founder and designer of Single Stone fine jewelry for a trunk show and custom design event this weekend. Corina will bring a vast array of the brand’s vintage-inspired everyday and wedding jewelry. Single Stone was founded by husband and wife duo Ari and Corina Madilian, who launched their brand after spending a decade sourcing vintage stones and restoring antique jewelry. Shoppers are encouraged to bring items from their jewelry box that Corina will work with to create bespoke designs destined to become new favorite pieces. Contact the shop to schedule an appointment. Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm @ Max's, 8236 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, stylebymax.com
FRIDAY, 5/13–SUNDAY, 5/15:
St. Paul Spring Arts Crawl: Lowertown Arts District
This open studio art fest long ago outgrew Lowertown and now sprawls throughout downtown St. Paul, stretching along Grand and University Avenues. This year, the event also spans across multiple weekends with a series of live events throughout the city, including open studios, dance, musical performances and interactive demonstrations. This weekend’s highlights take place in the Lowertown Arts District at locations including Lowertown Lofts Artist Coop, Northern Warehouse, Northwestern Building ,Tilsner Artist Lofts, 262 Studios, Union Depot, Urban Wok Pop-up Gallery, Creators Space, Argyle Zebra Gallery, and Lowertown Underground Artists. Hours vary by location. Check out the Art Crawl website for a full listing of artists and information. Lowertown St. Paul, stpaulartcollective.org
FRIDAY, 5/13–THURSDAY, 5/19:
ACG Spring Collection Available Online
Anna Chambers-Goldberg of ACG’s bright, bold and effusive spring fashion collection recently debuted on the Fashion Week MN runway. You’ll be able to find the local artist and designer collection on their website for a limited time beginning this Friday. After that, it will be removed from the website and whatever left will be available exclusively in person at Gallery 360 or her studio. Note: This will be your last chance to get a clothing creation by ACG, as the artist will be refocusing her practice on painting. Available 5/13–5/19 only @ acgmpls.com
SATURDAY, 5/14:
Wright County Swappers Meet
The Wright County Swappers Meet is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven. Family-owned and -operated since 1970, the Swappers Market is said to be Minnesota's largest seasonal outdoor market. Every Saturday from 7am–1:30pm through October + holiday weekends @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, wrightcountyswappersmeet.com
Mill City Farmers Market Outdoors
A mainstay since 2006, the Mill City Farmers Market has moved outdoors for the summer season every Saturday through October. Each event features 30 to 40 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy. This weekend’s artisan highlights include Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, Matthew Krousey Ceramics, Ink Orchard surface-designed goods, Sally Fritz Clothing and Vikse Designs jewelry. Saturdays 8am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Northeast Farmers Market Opening Day
This weekend marks opening day for the NE Farmers Market. Head to the St. Boniface Church parking lot every Saturday through October 15, rain or shine, for specialty foods, baked goods, beverages, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Maker highlights include Blugirl Soapworks, TeeKae Handmade shibori and tie-dye goods, Kobi Co candles and body care, and Artifacts of Joy’s mini paintings. Saturday 9am–1pm @ 629 NE 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, northeastfarmersmarket.com
Hennepin County Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale
Celebrate the beginning of a new gardening season with this annual sale featuring over 500 varieties and more than 10,000 plants, great for beginner gardeners and pros alike. There will also be a large assortment of pollinator-friendly plants, native plants, sun and shade perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs, plus over 4,000 seedlings grown by master gardeners. Saturday 9am–2pm @ Hopkins Pavilion, 11000 Excelsior Blvd, St Louis Park, facebook.com
Minneapolis Vintage Market
The MVM heads outside for its first outdoor market of the year. Find dozens of Minnesota's best vintage clothing, accessories and home goods vendors all in one spot (including my own Rosella Vintage) in the covered, open-air venue, plus coffee, beer and food for sale. Plus, MVM photographer Darin Kamnetz will have a pop-up photo booth and DJ Buster Baxter will be on hand spinning tunes all day. Ticketed shopping reservations are required to control capacity. Saturday 11am–4pm ($10 from 11am–noon, free after noon) @ St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park, mplsvintagemarket.com
HWMR Cultural Collision Limited-Edition T-Shirt Drop
Hot off the heels of its recent expansion and the opening of The Get Down Coffee shop, Northside fixture HWMR has launched its first limited-edition clothing drop of the year, FRESH by Houston White. Get first dibs on the collection at this launch event. Saturday 11am–3pm @ HWMR, 1500 44th Ave N, Minneapolis, facebook.com
WILD VNTG MRKT: Spring Fling
Kick off the summer season with Wild Things Antiques during the first edition of their monthly WILD VNTG MRKT. Head to their Fridley warehouse for a day of shopping with local vintage and home goods vendors as well as Wild Things’ latest finds, plus food trucks and music. Saturday noon–6pm @ Wild Things Antiques, 7269 Commerce Cir W, Minneapolis, wildthingsarehere.com
Market Collective MN Makers Market
Led by local maker Chingona Goods, Market Collective MN is a new market collective that prioritizes BIPOC and queer vendors and allies. This weekend’s market heads to Wabasha brewery with a group of local makers TBA; follow their Instagram account for updates. Saturday, time TBA @ Wabasha Brewing, 429 Wabasha St S, St Paul, @marketcollectivemn
Black Business Is Beautiful: The Celebration of Mothers
This local market highlights goods from BIPOC-owned businesses from across the Twin Cities. Goods at. this special Mother’s Day edition of the market include clothing, gifts, beauty products, personal chef services, nail care, men's accessories, food products, jewelry and more. Visit the website for a full list of vendors. Saturday 2–7pm @ The Case Building, 767 N Eustis St, Minneapolis, theblackmarketmpls.com
North & Shore Grand Opening
Twin Ports has just welcomed a new shop specializing in local and Northwoods-inspired goods from over 100 local and independent makers. Located within the new Enger Lofts Hotel & Apts, North & Shore’s grand opening features live art and music, free food and drinks, kids' activities, and their mobile Makers Mercantile. Saturday 3–6pm @ Enger Lofts Duluth, 1832 W Superior St, Duluth, @northandshoremn
Black Fashion Week MN: Fashion on the Rooftop
Black Fashion Week’s Fashion on the Rooftop returns to the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery’s expansive rooftop patio for a spring fashion showcase featuring new lines from local designers, including NSOD Clothing, Scissors and Sass, and Anyse Fashion. Friday 3–6pm @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis. Tickets $25–$60 @ bfwmn.com
SATURDAY, 5/14 & SUNDAY, 5/15:
Wadena Flea & Craft Market Opening Weekend
This seasonal indoor and outdoor market has four buildings filled with unique finds. It’s filled with vendors selling everything you can think of including farm fresh produce, toys and games, antiques, apparel, home decor, glassware and more. Open Saturdays & Sundays every weekend through September plus Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am–5pm @ 13560 US Highway 10, Wadena, www.wadenafleamarket.com
Arb May Markets
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is back with its May market series. Peruse nature-inspired art, handmade pottery, jewelry, artisan food, spa-worthy bath and body products and more from 40 local vendors and stroll through seasonal blooms in the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres of formal gardens and natural areas. Market entry is included with gate admission (free for Arb members, $15 for non-members and free for kids 15 & younger). Make your reservations in advance of visiting the Arboretum. Saturday & Sunday plus additional dates through 5/29, 10am–4pm each day @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, arb.umn.edu
SUNDAY, 5/15:
Black Fashion Week MN: Closet of Grace Fashion Show
This fashion event proves that secondhand clothing can still make you look like a million bucks. It features looks from Closet of Grace, a thrift store located in Macedonia Church in south Minneapolis. Sunday 3–6pm @ Hotel Emery, 215 S 4th St, Minneapolis. Tickets $20 @ bfwmn.com
MONDAY, 5/16:
X-Files Night at AudreyRose Vintage
Head to AudreyRose Vintage for an X-Files–themed party just in time for Monday’s full moon. Dress up in your favorite X-Files-themed look and do some shopping while watching episodes from the series. Monday night @ 2237 E 38th St, Minneapolis, instagram.com/audreyrosevintage
NOW OPEN
Larissa Loden Retail Store
Local jewelry designer Larissa Loden recently debuted the new brick-and-mortar store in St. Paul’s Merriam Park for her namesake brand. The shop is part of the 12,000-square-foot building that the designer purchased, which also houses a production and fulfillment facility for the brand. Come see the space, which has been gorgeously designed in partnership with with Betsy Vohs of Studio BV, and shop her new spring collection, with styles ranging from edgy, ‘70s-inspired designs to delicate, cosmic pieces incorporating pearlescent beads, delicate chain links and real gemstones. Now open @ 2032 Marshall Ave, St Paul, larissaloden.com
Planty Queen Shop
Local houseplant shop Planty Queens has just opened its new storefront in Northeast Minneapolis. Open every Saturday and Sunday, you can find their affordable, adorable plants restocked every weekend. The shop also offers plant knowledge and carries handmade goods from local makers, including handmade clay pots for your new plants, plant food and colorful jewelry from Flourishing Femme Goods. Open Saturdays & Sundays 10am–5pm @ 2807 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, plantyqueens.com
Captain Rebel + AGE Pop-up Shop
The old Local Motion storefront on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown has temporarily been converted into a popup shop to host a handful of local, streetwear clothing brands. They include the Black-owned Captain Rebel, whose shop on Lake Street was burned during the 2020 uprising, and AGE, an emerging streetwear line that made its runway debut at the recent Dirty Laundry fashion show during Fashion Week MN. Look for a launch party to be announced soon. Now open @ 2815 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, @captain.rebel
Departments at Dayton's: Spring Market
After a month-long hiatus, the Departments at Dayton’s marketplace is back with a spring market. The shopping experience first debuted over the holiday season as part of the long-in-the-works Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis. Expect a mix of more than 30 new and returning local retail businesse, including Black-owned brands Junita’s Jar cookies, Rocky Robinson girls’ self-care, SJC Body Love beauty products, Giftywrap gift wrap, and Kobi Co. candles and bath bombs, plus local jewelry favorite, Larissa Loden. Now open @ The Dayton’s Project, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, thedepartmentsatdaytons.com
CONTINUING
Ediflorial Flower Club
You’ve heard of gift box subscriptions, wine clubs and CSAs for your fresh produce. Now you can get 100% locally and sustainably grown floral arrangements delivered to your door each month thanks to local florist, Ediflorial, launching just in time for Mother’s Day. They’ll choose the best, sustainably grown flowers from many different local farms and their own grow shop to create their unique and beautiful arrangements. Home and business delivery is available. Subscriptions start at $194 and are delivered the third Wednesday of each month from May 18–October 19. Learn more and subscribe @ ediflorial.com
Totally Radical: Designing the 1980s
Totally Radical intends to inspire viewers to explore a nuanced version of the 1980s. The exhibition draws on the GMD’s permanent collection to examine “design through the fractured lens of postmodernism.” According to the museum, “Whether your recollection of the past sides more with luxe styles or dystopic futures, the 1980s was a highly mediated era of extremes. Ironically, this exhibition pushes against the idea that the 1980s are a highly definable decade.” With objects ranging from track suits to Hmong embroidery as the museum explores the “undefining” of a decade. Ends 5/27 @ Gallery 241, McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave, St Paul, design.umn.edu
PLAN AHEAD
Mark your calendars and get your tickets now for these upcoming event picks.
MAY:
Style Society Shop Birthday Party
The Style Society shop is turning one. Celebrate with them and enjoy complimentary refreshments, treats, tarot readings, giveaways and 15% off storewide. Stop by for a chance to win a $100 gift card, a bouquet and more. Tuesday 6–8pm @ Style Society Shop, 453 7th St W, St Paul, stylesocietympls.com
Sisterhood Boutique DIY Fashion Show
A night of cultural pride through fashion and art, this annual fashion show celebrates young women and non-binary folks of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and religions. 5/18 from 6–8pm (show at 7pm) @ 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, www.sisterhoodmn.org
Raise the Barr: Fashion + Football Tackling Poverty
Hosted by Raise the Barr co-founders, Anthony Barr and his mom, Lori Barr, this fashion show produced and styled by Grant Whittaker features guest model appearances from 4X Pro Bowl Linebacker, the fashion-forward Anthony Barr, and some of Raise the Barr’s scholarship recipients and their children. Plus: pop-up shopping and dancing after the show. Friday, 5/20, from 6:30–10pm @ Brother Justus Whiskey, Minneapolis. Tickets $125–$250 @ raisethebarr.org
Art-A-Whirl 2022
The massive, annual open studio artist crawl is back in full force for the first time in 2 years. 5/20–5/22 in various locations in NE Minneapolis, nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
A Pop of Eyewear & Fashion Show
This fashion show hosted by Richard Moody features the latest eyewear from Spectacle Shoppe and the cotton and linen designs of local fashion designs by local designer Jean Manrique. Saturday , 5/21 from 2–4pm @ Walrus, 4400 N Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $20 @ eventbrite.com
JUNE:
Energy Gear presents Retrograde
Pre-sale tickets are now available for local clothing label Energy Gear's summer event. It features runway collections from Energy Gear and additional designers, on-site art installations by local artists, live music, VIP rooftop tables and specialty cocktails. Wednesday, 6/1, at 4pm @ Graze Provisions + Libations, 520 N 4th St, Minneapolis, shopenergygear.com. Tickets $85–$820 @ grazenorthloop.com
The Fitting Room 4-Year Anniversary Celebration
The store is celebrating its birthday in style with live models in the windows, bubbly, drawings for prizes, and most importantly, the newest collections by its roster of designers—many of which were recently seen on the EVOLVE runway during Fashion Week MN. Free. Saturday, 6/4 from noon–5pm @ The Fitting Room, 318 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com
Vintage Night with the Saints
Formerly Twin Cities Vintage Fest, Totally Rad Vintage Fest is partnering with the St. Paul Saints for a totally rad vintage shopping event. Shop 30 vintage vendors on CHS Field before and during their game with the Rochester Redwings, and enjoy snacks and brews. Early-bird tickets are available for first dibs. Tuesday, 6/7, from 6:15–10pm (5:30pm early bird entry) @ CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul. Tickets $15–$25, use password VINTAGE to get pre-tickets today @ totallyradvf.com/saints
AUGUST:
Vintage at the Ballpark
Head to CHS Field for a two-day summer vintage extravaganza hosted by Minneapolis Vintage Market. Find dozens of the Midwest's best vintage clothing, accessories and home goods vendors selling high-quality, unique goods and collectibles. Get first dibs during Friday’s preview night. CHS Field concessions will be open for food and beer throughout the weekend. 8/5 from 5–10pm & 8/6 from 10am–5pm @ CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul. Tickets $5–$10 @ mplsvintagemarket.com