Black Fashion Week MN ramps up with a weekend of events highlighting local Black designers and brands, plus Via’s Vintage announces its store closing, flea markets galore, Memorial Day weekend sales and more.
Via’s Vintage announces it will be closing its longtime storefront before the end of June.
NEW THIS WEEK:
Via’s Vintage announces store closing, pivots to online-only
After 37 years, Via’s Vintage is closing its doors—and moving to an online-only format. The iconic Minneapolis vintage fashion store was the brainchild of Via Vento, a 4-foot-11 firecracker of a lady who passed away at the too-young age of 44 just eight years ago. The original Via's opened in downtown Minneapolis in 1984 before moving to Hennepin Avenue in Uptown, across the street from its current location, where it's been for a dozen years. Upon Vento's passing, Kellie Cameron, a lifelong vintage lover with a background in retail, bought the business from Vento's estate and has since done a wonderful job of keeping the founder's memory alive, selling a sparkling array of confectionery, high-quality special occasion dresses from the 1920s to the '60s. While the notoriously technology-shy Vento (who didn't even use a cash register) may have shuddered to think of it, Cameron has since incorporated some modern elements into the business, such as online selling. Cameron hasn’t ruled out having another storefront in the future, but for the time being, she’ll be focusing on vintage jewelry and accessories. In-store shopping will be available for at least part of June, along with a major sale to be announced. ‘Til then, you can shop Via’s wares @ instagram.com/viasvintage.
Hybrid Nation x Minnesota United Collaboration Drops
Local Black-owned, socially conscious streetwear brand Hybrid Nation is debuting a limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with Minnesota United soccer. The collaboration is part of a larger commitment in 2021 by Major League Soccer to increase supplier diversity and follows the launch of previous collaborations with minority-owned brands in other markets. The apparel collection includes a bomber jacket, a zip pullover, jogger track pants and a ball cap, all sold exclusively online at www.hybridnationclothing.com and the Black and Blue Team Store at Allianz Field, www.minnesotaunitedmobileshop.com
THURSDAY:
Revolution of Fashion: A Fashion Show of Creativity
Black Fashion Week MN’s spring season continues with this streetwear fashion show. The event will showcase new collections from local, Black-owned streetwear brands, LoudBerries Clothing, Introspek Clothing, Lgendary Clothing and Energy Wear. Protest footage by videographer Adrian Wilson will play in the background as a reminder of last summer’s uprising. Thursday 7–9:30pm @ W Minneapolis, 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $25 @ eventbrite.com
FRIDAY:
Black Man Magic Fashion Show
Part of Black Fashion Week MN, this runway show will present designs by local Black-owned brands, Ruva Afric Wear and Urban 29. After popping up in the Megamall’s Community Commons multi-vendor concept, which spotlights BIPOC-owned local businesses, both apparel brands recently expanded to open their own storefronts at the Mall of America. Urban 29 is a men’s streetwear clothing owned by Joyce Saunders, who lost her Lake Street storefront during the social unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd. Founded by Sylvester Ndhlovu a self-taught designer with an MBA, Ruva Afric Wear is known for its African-Inspired fitness apparel that celebrates its African heritage through everyday, functional clothing. The brand will open their Mall of America store on June 1 with a new Minnesota-themed collection. Friday 6–9pm @ The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge, St. Louis Park. Tickets $30 @ eventbrite.com
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
BLCK STYLE: Pop-up Exhibit & Fashion Show
A pop-up exhibit and fashion show highlighting the history of Black American fashion designers, BLCK STYLE is curated by the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery along with Black Fashion Week MN and the Minnesota Historical Society. It will feature archival looks from iconic Black American fashion designers like Ann Lowe and Dapper Dan as well as displays by top fashion designers from Minnesota, including Ramadan Designs, ROX Jewelry by Robyne Robinson, Kendoll Designs, The Lexurie Collection, Vandalism Designs—several of which will also be featured in a live fashion show that will serve as the finale event for Black Fashion Week MN. Vintage Twin Cities fashion photographs by Charles Chamblis will also be on display, along with a few Prince artifacts. Tickets to Friday’s fashion show (3–6pm) are $30–$50 at eventbrite.com. The exhibit is free and on display Friday (1–5pm) & Saturday (10am–4pm) @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Tessa Louise Studio Closing Sale
The locally owned fashion brand of ethically made, modern, versatile knitwear is having a studio closing sale this weekend, with discounts on all items, including all in-stock clothing (discount applicable in studio, this weekend only), lots of fabric, clothing racks and a large dining table, plus face masks on sale for $4.95. But this isn’t the end for the designer—she’ll continue to sell her brand on her website. Friday 4–6pm, Saturday 11am–2pm @ Northrup King Building, #375, 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, www.tessalouise.com
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market
A summer mainstay since 2006, the market features over 120 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational outdoor marketplace. This weekend’s artisan highlights include Emily Madland Jewelry, Matthew Krousey Ceramics, and Maat Mons bags and soft goods. The Mill City Farmers Market is now open every Saturday through October with extended hours. Saturday from 8am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
TRIN Collective Pop-up Shop
A handful of local Hmong-Minnesota brands are popping up in this market presented by local Hmong jewelry brand TRIN Collective. Find apparel and accessories by Kachia Lee Designs, jewelry from TRIN Collective, planners by Unilove Planner, florals from V.Florals and tote bags and apparel from WithMollyCo. All attendees must be wearing a mask at all times; 30 max shoppers at a time; free street parking. Saturday from 11am–4pm @ 1729 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, facebook.com
The Black Market presents The Alpha
The Black Market is a new, monthly outdoor pop-up market created to bring visibility to local Black-owned businesses. Taking place at the Minneapolis Farmers Market Annex, the afternoon includes shopping from local Black-owned vendors, eats from Black-owned food trucks spanning BBQ, soul food, desserts, tacos and mini donuts, live music, art and more. The pop-up will take place the last Saturday of every month through July. Saturday 3–9pm @ 312 E Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis. Register for your free spot @ eventbrite.com
Mae Green Vintage Pop-up
Shop rad handpicked vintage clothing from the '60s to the '90s at this small pop-up event. Saturday (time TBA) @ Café Astoria, 180 Grand Ave, St Paul, instagram.com/maegreenvintage
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Arb May Markets
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is back with a weekly market, happening every weekend in May. Peruse nature-inspired art, handmade pottery, jewelry, artisan food, spa-worthy bath and body products and more from local makers. Browse the one-of-a-kind wares of 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). Reservations are required to ensure social distancing. Saturdays & Sundays through May, 10am–4pm each day @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaka, arb.umn.edu
Wild Things Antiques Sale
Save 20% everything in store (excluding markdown items) at this eclectic vintage and antique store, which sells everything from mid-century furniture and decor to ethnographic art. Saturday & Sunday noon–5pm @ 7269 Commerce Circle, Fridley, wildthingsantiques.com
ONGOING SALES:
Makwa Studio: Save 15% off new knit cowls by the local Ojibwe maker when you pre-order with code MIIGWECH. Ends 6/30 @ makwastudio.com
EC Design Studio: Save 50–75% off discontinued jewelry designs from the local maker during their clearance sale as they prepare to move to a new website. Ends Monday, 5/31 @ www.ecdesignstudios.com
Arway Bags: Receive a $20 e-gift card or 15% off any bag purchase when you complete a brief survey from the local Black-owned bag maker. Survey @ http://bit.ly/3fA95J. Shop online @ www.arwaybags.com
Audrey Rose Vintage: Save 50% on available Instagram story highlights over 3 weeks old. Ends Sunday at midnight @ instagram.com/audreyrosevintage
MX Apparel Design: Save on the remaining few pieces from the local fashion designer’s recent “Bitter” collection. Ends Friday @ www.mxappareldesign.com/bitter
Dots Vintage: Save 50% on everything 27+ weeks old and 30% off everything 0–25 weeks old from the local vintage seller’s Instagram story highlight (marked “Available”). This week @ instagram.com/dots__vintage
The Golden Pearl Vintage: Introducing Pearl Bucks! The vintage shop is offering $20 off your next purchase via the coupon in their customer newsletter list. Sign up at their website to get the newsletter. The discount is also good for use on their website with discount code pearlbucks20. Now through 6/15 @ 507A E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, thegoldenpearlvintage.com
FLEA MARKETS:
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Wright County Swappers Meet
The WCSM is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven, MN. This large outdoor market features 150-250 vendors on an average weekend with 300+ vendors holiday weekends. Open every Saturday of April through October plus Fridays–Sundays on Holiday weekends (Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July weekend and Labor Day weekend). Hours: 6am–1:30pm, weather dependent. @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, www.facebook.com/AnnandaleFleaMarket
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Wadena Flea & Craft Market
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
SATURDAY–MONDAY:
Shady Hollow Flea Market Kickoff
Kicking off this weekend, the Shady Hollow Flea Market has been going strong for 52 years across 3.5 acres of shaded, grassy grounds just 5 miles south of Detroit Lakes. Every weekend, as many as 125 vendors from throughout the trig-state area will showcase their wares with different offerings each weekend, from fine collectibles and jewelry to sports equipment, tools and collectibles. Open every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend from 6:30am–3pm, plus every Saturday in September @ 12673 Co Hwy 17, Detroit Lakes, shadyhollowfleamarket.com
Traders Market Elko
Traders Market is one of Minnesota’s largest antique shows and flea markets. Peruse goods from over 300 vendors, including vintage items, collectibles, antiques, upcycled, repurposed and handmade goods, plus food and beverages for sale. Among the treasures are the scores of vintage and antique furniture. If you have a home to furnish, the Traders Market is the ideal place to get that perfect unique showpiece. Tickets are $6 each (kids 10 and under free). Saturday 8am–5pm, Sunday 9am–5pm, Monday 9am–4pm @ 10675 E 260th St, Elko, http://www.tradersmarket.us
Traders Market Elko: Traders Market is one of Minnesota’s largest antique shows and flea markets. Peruse goods from over 300 vendors, including vintage items, collectibles, antiques, upcycled, repurposed and handmade goods, plus food and beverages for sale. Among the treasures are the scores of vintage and antique furniture. If you have a home to furnish, the Traders Market is the ideal place to get that perfect unique showpiece. Saturday 8am–5pm, Sunday 9am–5pm, Monday 9am–4pm plus 7/1–7/3 & 9/2-9/4 @ 10675 E 260th St, Elko. Tickets are $7 each (kids 10 and under free), tradersmarket.us
SUNDAY:
Hamel Lions Club Flea Market
The Hamel Lions Flea Market touts 200 or so vendors and for the most part, not of the overstock-tube-sock-selling variety. Yes, we did see a vendor selling off brand laundry detergent and air freshener products, but the majority were selling used or repurposed items from decades past. Open Sundays weekly through 9/26 from 6am–noon (closed 7/11, 8/1, 8/8) @ Medina Entertainment Center, www.hamellions.org/flea-market
CONTINUING:
Billy Reid opens at Nolan Mains
Billy Reid, an Alabama-based men’s and women’s apparel brand, has just opened its first Minnesota store location this week at Nolan Mains at 50th & France. The designer, who has described his clothing as “lived-in luxury” and "broken-in luxury,” is known for his classic styles in high-quality fabrics, expertly crafted clothing with unique details and a Southern influence. The 1,800-square-foot store will sell men’s and women’s apparel along with premium-leather goods by Moore & Giles, a luxury heritage leather goods manufacturer based in Virginia. Opening Thursday @ Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St, Edina, www.billyreid.com
Winsome Goods Closing
After an impressive 7-year run, local, sustainable apparel brand Winsome Goods announced Wednesday it will be shuttering its apparel business, including both its e-commerce site and its standalone Store + Studio in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. They will take visits by appointment until the sample sale, and you can also shop online. The brand’s run culminates with a big sample sale running June 25–27 (details to come). Learn more about the closing on my blog. Shop now @ winsomegoods.com
Now open: Leo Footwear
Two neighboring Selby & Snelling shop owners have come together to found a new shoe boutique with a sustainable focus. Leo Footwear was the brainchild of Kristie Case of Teeny Bee Boutique/Peregrine Kidswear, and Jill Erickson of women’s sustainable fashion shop, Spoils of Wear. The new footwear shop is located just a couple of storefronts down from Teeny Bee and features Brooklyn-based shoemakers Stivali and the Spanish artisan–made Pons Arvacas. You can also shop the store online. Now open @ 1554 Selby Ave, St Paul, leofootwearstpaul.com. For updates and hours, follow @leofootwearstpaul on Instagram.
Now open: Bread. A Unique Pop-up Market
What began as a holiday pop-up market over the holidays is returning to Maplewood Mall as a more permanent fixture. Created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene as a shared opportunity to help small businesses market and scale their businesses, Bread features a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers, including Marsha’s son’s brand, Ice Cream Bow Ties. For Thursday’s grand reopening, the store’s brands will be joined by Maplewood Mayor Abrams, MN State Rep. John Thompson and St. Paul City Council member Nelsie Yang, and there will be raffles and refreshments. Hours: Monday–Friday from 12–7pm and Sunday from 12–6pm @ Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Now open: Community Commons at Mall of America: Last fall, the Mall of America 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. Following its first run, the store has reopened with a fresh mix of local businesses owned by people of color. New vendors include Arway Bags, clothing brand Love Disorder, Bogaballoons, Silk Road Wellness, LEVELS apparel and more. The storefront is also acting as a launching pad for some brands—Herbal Alchemy, a former Community Commons vendor, has just opened its own storefront. Community Commons is now open at Level 2, South, Mall of America, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
On view: Papier at American Swedish Institute
A juncture between art and fashion, Papier is an international touring exhibition showcasing artist-designer Bea Szenfeld’s striking paper couture—dresses and other sculptural fashion items made entirely from paper and worn by such pop icons as Lady Gaga and Björk—united with artist-author Stina Wirsén’s evocative and colorful illustrations. Papier has made its Midwest debut at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis (in one of only two U.S. stagings). Get a first look and read more about my visit to the exhibit on my blog. On view through July 11. Hours are Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm; advance, timed reservations are required to visit the museum and can be made at www.ASImn.org or by calling 612-871-4907 during museum hours.
Now open: LEGACY
After designer resale shop June announced its move to 50th & France, we wondered what was coming to its former storefront near Lyndale & Lake in Uptown. The secret’s now out: The storefront is now home to LEGACY, a vintage clothing and home shop run by June owner Daune Stinson’s daughter, Ruby, who recently moved back home from NYC after over a decade working in the fashion and retail industry. June’s little sister store features a fresh, more casual mix of brands, more vintage goods, and a lower price-point than June, similar to that of most vintage stores. Now open. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11am–5pm @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-545-7470, instagram.com/shoplegacystore
Now open: Dugo & Scout at Nolan Mains
Dugo, the locally owned, special-occasion retailer that recently closed its longtime Galleria storefront, has set up shop at the new Nolan Mains development at 50th & France with a tighter, more focused selection of dresses and evening separates and accessories. St. Paul maker-oriented, queer-owned men’s and gift store Scout also opened a second location at Nolan Mains. Now open @ 3919 Market St, Edina, dressupgoout.com, scoutstp.com
Check out my new Minnesota Vintage Directory, a curated listing of vintage stores and online sellers across the state for both clothing and home.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to jahna.peloquin@gmail.com