Happy Earth Month! This week’s newsletter spotlights local events, retailers and makers that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Local sustainable brand Ellekin celebrates Earth Month with a new product line & more
Now on view: Firsthand: Contemporary Craft in Context: With more than 75 items on display from across the Twin Cities and beyond, this loan-based exhibition showcases leather shoes, woolen knitwear, thrown pottery, ceramic tiles, and youth-built boats. Exceptional finished products are contextualized through the people, tools, operations and environments that produced them. On view Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10am–4:30pm. Opening reception 4/23 from 5–8pm. Ends 8/3 @ Goldstein Gallery in McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave, St Paul, design.umn.edu
Earth Month Maker Spotlight: Ellekin: Created by Keyona Elkins in 2022, Ellekin is a sustainability-focused fashion brand that creates fun women’s clothing in sizes XS–3X—with each piece under $100. This month, the brand is celebrating Earth Month with a new series of eco-friendly fashion educational videos on TikTok and Instagram, as well as a new product line of made-to-order, semi-custom embroidered pieces starting with organic cotton tees, available on her website. Look for the brand to appear as part of Fashion Week MN with a sustainable fashion show, Into the Studio, on April 16. Shop online @ shopellekin.com
Earth Month Retail Spotlight: Bad Little Woman Vintage: It doesn’t get much more sustainable than shopping vintage. After selling online since 2014, local vintage brand Bad Little Woman Vintage opened its first retail storefront last summer in White Bear Lake. The shop sells a mix of dresses, denim, blouses, jewelry, handbags and collectibles as well as men’s vintage tees, Hawaiian shirts and Western shirts with an emphasis on the 1960s and 1970s, restocking weekly. The store reopens this week after a month hiatus in which they moved into a new storefront on the main level within the same building. Weekly hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm @ The Avalon, 2179 4th St, 1st level, White Bear Lake, @badlittlewomanvintage
DAILY THROUGH SUNDAY:
Galleria Floral Experience with Bachman's: Since 1960, spring has brought the Twin Cities a floral experience—for decades, at the downtown Minneapolis Dayton's flagship. Over the past few years, it has taken new form at Edina shopping center, Galleria, with longtime Dayton's floral show partner, Bachman's Florals. This year’s theme “Into the Deep” features floral installations inspired by the ocean’s wondrous flora and fauna throughout the mall. Free. Open daily during mall hours through Sunday, 4/7 @ Galleria, 3510 W 69th St, Edina, galleriaedina.com
WEDNESDAY, 4/3:
DIY Iron-on Patch Class with The Snips: Kick off Earth Month in this class presented by the Textile Center taught by the founders of The Snips Fiber Arts Collective. They’ll teach you how to create iron-on patches to keep your hole-y or stained clothing in wearable shape while adding personality. Choose from provided designs or create your own custom design using wash-safe fabric markers and simple embroidery techniques. 21+. Pre-registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome to join. Wednesday 5–7pm @ Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Fillmore St NE, Minneapolis. $15 @ textilecentermn.org
Luxe Streetwear presents The Rubik's Cube: Producer-designer Keiona Cook is back with her semi-annual Luxe Streetwear fashion show fundraiser. The show raises funds for her nonprofit, Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective, which provides sewing instruction to kids and adults, while promoting sustainability by encouraging repair and upcycling of clothing. The show will feature designs by children and high schoolers as well as collections from local designers, including Wet by Bre, Nashipai, CorazonClothing, FlavorWorld, Jimi Vudu and Keiona’s own label, Qe'Bella Couture. Wednesday, 4/3 from 6–9pm @ Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE, Minneapolis. Tickets $35–$115 @ eventbrite.com
WEDNESDAY, 3/27–SATURDAY, 3/30:
Peter's Oldies But Goodies 90% Off Sale: The vintage and antique home goods shop is marking down its stock 90% off storewide. Wednesday–Saturday 11am–6pm @ Peter's Oldies But Goodies, 1814 Selby Ave, St Paul, @petersantique
THURSDAY, 4/4:
First Thursday at Northrup King Building: First Thursdays are part of a long tradition of monthly events at the Northrup King Building—the largest building of artist studios in the state of Minnesota. Spanning four floors, the building opens for the public to tour studios, meet the artists, and shop the art. Thursday 5–9pm @ Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, northrupkingbuilding.com
FRIDAY, 4/5–SUNDAY, 4/7:
Kobi Co. 1 Year Anniversary Celebration: Local Black-owned candle brand Kobi Co. celebrates the first year of its storefront with a weekend of festivities. Expect giveaways, wellness workshops and mini sessions, candle-making workshops, music, snacks and libations. Follow them on Instagram for additional details. Friday–Sunday @ Kobi Co, 48 S 9th St, Minneapolis, @lovekobico
Bunside Market: Shop vintage, jewelry, art and handmade goods from a rotating group of vendors at this new pop-up marketplace in the same building as Isles Bun & Coffee. Friday 2–7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm @ 2756 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, @bunside_market
SATURDAY, 4/6:
MN Record Show: Since 1992, the MN Record Show has been the largest Twin Cities record show. Find vintage vinyl, CDs, 45s, music books, rock posters, records, vintage clothing and t-shirts from a variety of local dealers and buyers who fly in from all over the country. Shop everything from $1 bins to collectible and rare blue-chip items. $2 admission. Saturday 9am–3pm @ The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Mill City Farmers Market: Amidst the Twin Cities’ plethora of farmers markets, Mill City Farmers Market stands out for its idyllic location at the Mill City Museum and its emphasis on building a local, sustainable and organic food economy. A mainstay since 2006, the market takes place indoors the third Saturday of each month through April and features a curated, diverse group of over 50 local farmers, food makers and handcrafted artisans hailing from across the state. Saturday 10am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Sustainability Fair & Earth Month Kickoff: Kick off Earth Month with a sustainability fair hosted by Curioso, MNimize, and Reuse Minnesota. Visit with vendors and educators to learn how to lower your environmental impact and make your daily activities more sustainable. There will also be an arts and crafts supply swap, so bring your gently used painting, drawing and other creative materials, and take home “new to you” items brought by other attendees. You are not required to bring anything to participate. Leftover items will be donated. Saturday 10am–4pm @ Curioso Coffee Bar: Uptown + West Atrium inside of the Seven Points Mall, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Suite 1100, Minneapolis, reusemn.org
Legacy’s “The Formal Collection” Vintage Launch: Finding the perfect dress can be daunting, so Uptown vintage shop Legacy is making your search easier with their formalwear launch. Dropping just in time for spring and summer weddings, prom and gala season, Legacy and guest vintage vendors Izzie Summer and 444 denim have collected a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces in a range of sizes and styles. During the opening day, enjoy tooth gems by The Floss Gallery and an exclusive accessories bar filled with beaded, sequined and other small bags perfect for your next formal event. Saturday 11am–5pm @ Legacy, 1610 W Lake St, Minneapolis, @shoplegacystore
MN Artisan Market Pop-up: Presented by artist-led market producer MN Artisan Market, BUCH Fermantary hosts an artist and makers market featuring 14 local artisans. Items for sale include cross-stitch, baked goods, crystals, candles, perfumes, fiber art and original art. Plus, enjoy handcrafted hard and NA kombucha while you shop. Saturday 1–6pm @ BUCH Fermentary, 1121 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, @mn_artisan_market
Spring Studio Sale: Sustainability-minded clothing makers and studio mates Esther Edna Clothing, MX Apparel and No Reason Workshop are hosting a big studio sale with some major deals. Esther Edna Clothing is offering big discounts on past-season goods and new, one-of-a-kind pieces, plus snacks and drinks. MX Apparel will also be offering 50% on older inventory plus more deals on other items, including discounts on their newest collection. Fellow studio mate No Reason Workshop will also have some specials. Saturday noon–3pm @ Ivy Arts Building, 2637 27tth Ave S #226, Minneapolis, @esther.edna.clothing, @mxappareldesign
Spring Flower Arranging with Sip N Bloom: Learn how to create your own take-home flower arrangement with this week’s workshops hosted by Sip N Bloom. You’ll create your own seasonal centerpiece with the help of Sip N Bloom's master florists, with various experience level options. Kits range from easy to intermediate and start at $65. Saturday at 2pm @ Dual Citizen Brewing, 725 Raymond Ave, St Paul; find more upcoming dates + register @ sip-n-bloom.com
SATURDAY, 4/6 & SUNDAY, 4/7:
Prom Dress Pop-up at Practically Magic: Find the perfect dress for prom or spring and summer weddings at St. Paul shop Practically Magic. The shop is an ever-changing space featuring a mix of new, vintage and reclaimed goods by a mix of local vendors, and their vendors will be bringing in some incredible vintage finds for prom or any dress-up occasion. Saturday 10am–5pm & Sunday 10am–3pm @ 2238 Carter Ave, St Paul, @magicalpractically
SUNDAY, 4/7:
Everything Ejiji Vintage Pop-up: Join vintage brand Everyday Ejiji the first Sunday of the month for freshly baked pastries, savory breakfast foods, coffee and a curated selection of size-inclusive vintage at the new Cafe Ceres location. Sunday 9am–3pm @ Cafe Ceres, 4603 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, @everydayejiji
DIY Blockprinting with Rare Press: During this class hosted at Larissa Loden HQ, printmaker Lizzie Christian of Rare Press will walk you through the steps of creating your own stamp, from sketching, transferring your drawing to rubber, carving and printing. No drawing skills are required. Ticket includes workshop materials, complimentary drinks and snacks. Sunday 10am–noon @ Larissa Loden Shop, 2032 Marshall Ave, Minneapolis, $65 @ eventbrite.com
Shades Vintage Market: New, Black-owned market organizer Shades Market is hosting its debut event this weekend. The vintage market features a curated group of 21 vintage vendors including You Thrifty Bitch, Thread Finds, Mudwash Vintage and Grandpa’s Closet, along with music, a lounge and coffee. Sunday Noon–4pm @ The Neu Neu, 514 N 3rd St #101, Minneapolis. Free; $8 early-bird entry 11am–noon @ eventbrite.com
V-SHOW Radiate Fashion Show: VIIVNCAUS (Vee-n-kyao) Hmong Women’s Group, a non-profit student organization at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, presents their annual V-SHOW fashion show. Inspired by the new theme Radiate, this free, public fashion show features local designers with a mission to redefine beauty, empower individuals, and inspire confidence. Follow VIIVNCAUS on Instagram for more details. Free. Sunday 5–8pm, doors 4:30pm @ Great Hall, Goldstein Museum of Design, 1985 Buford Ave, St Paul, @viivncaushwg
UPCOMING:
The International Hmong Fashion Show: St. Paul–based Hmong cultural organization CHAT is bringing a group of Hmong fashion designers from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in town to showcase their work. Before the show, find beautiful Hmong-inspired arts and craft outside of the main hall in the lobby. Bonus: You can buy most of the outfits showcased on the runway after the show. Saturday, 4/13, 6:30–10:30pm, marketplace beginning at 4:30pm @ North End Event Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights. Tickets $60+ @ tickettailor.com
Fashion Week MN: Spring 2024: After a season off last fall, Fashion Week MN is back with a fresh lineup of spring runway shows. For the first time presented and executive produced by the Fashion Week MN team, this year’s shows emphasize sustainability, equity and inclusion with events ranging to the returning favorite I AM FABULOUS fashion show featuring 60+ year-old models to Into the Studio, which showcases local designers with sustainability at the heart of their brands. It kicks off with a preview event on April 11 hosted by local sustainable fashion designer and painter, Stephanie Dillon. 4/14–4/20 @ various location, get tickets @ fashionweekmn.com
Runway For Hope: This annual fundraiser event benefiting the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation includes a fashion show featuring looks showcasing today’s trends by Grant Whittaker Creative and co-emceed by Grant Whittaker himself and Madelyn Nachbar, Style Editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Saturday, 4/20 from 10:30am–1pm @ The Westin Edina Galleria, Main Ballroom – 3201 Galleria, Edina. Tickets $125+ @ hopechest.com
Native Nations Fashion Night: The annual Native Nations Fashion Night is back with a showcase of the beauty and creativity of Native American fashion. Designers include Rebecca Mousseau, Christy Ruby and show producer Delina White (Anishinaabe). Thursday, 4/25, 5–10pm @ Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis. Tickets start at $50 @ eventbrite.com
Black Fashion Week MN: Spring 2024: The semi-annual Black Fashion Week MN event series, which spotlights fashion talent by Black creators, is back with four events that include the return of Brown Girl Magic, a streetwear-focused show and the finale, the Minnesota Met Gala. 5/3–5/11 @ various locations. Tickets now available @ eventbrite.com
Otherwordly Spring Floral Fashion Show: Local floral workshop series Sip N Bloom and stylist Amy Seeman are back for their collaborative, floral-infused fashion show where botanicals reign supreme and style meets sustainability. Inspired by a future where our planet's fate hangs in the balance, the duo reimagines haute couture for a world where oxygen is our most precious commodity. Shop local vendors before and after the show directly from the runway. 5/21 @ 5pm doors, 7pm show @ City Center, 33 S 6th St, Minneapolis. Tickets $55+ @ sip-n-bloom.com