It is needless to say that there has been extra attention on the city of Minneapolis in the past year. From being named the happiest city in the U.S. by the Institute for Quality of Life and hosting the U.S. gymnastics Olympic Trials to seeing the Timberwolves through to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years, heads are collectively turning north toward the heightened cultural buzz that is sweeping the city. If you asked Sarah Edwards, a local artist, designer, and co-founder of Fashion Week Minnesota, she would tell you that things are just getting started.
photo by Irelynd Williams
“Minnesota is on the cusp of a massive burst of collective creativity” says Edwards. “Not only in fashion, but in art, music, film, dance, textiles, painting, you name it.”
This statewide momentum is what inspired the theme for Fashion Week Minnesota’s (FWMN) fall season this October—”Creative Renaissance,” a celebration of the city’s increased cultural attention as well as its raw potential to blossom into a creative capital of the U.S.
“We feel like the entire state is ready to explode with creativity, and our hope is that this season of Fashion Week Minnesota will light the fuse,” explains Edwards.
As if in sync with the city she calls home, Edwards has been riding a wave of creative momentum herself. Following the formation of her new activation agency Haus of Sonder, in partnership with leading advertising agency Media Bridge, Fashion Week Minnesota unveiled a fresh business model for its spring 2024 season. Fueled by its partnership with Media Bridge, the nearly 10-year-old fashion showcase secured an unprecedented lineup of sponsors, including U.S. Bank, iHeartRadio, Sweetgreen, and Outfront Media, the latter of which had the organization gracing billboards across the Twin Cities last April.
“Having an event/activation agency powered by a media/advertising agency is truly unique in the industry,” says Tracy Call, founder and CEO of Media Bridge. “Our partnership has allowed us to spread the word and reach new audiences who might not have otherwise heard of Fashion Week or felt included.”
This unique partnership, as well as first-time presenting sponsor Morrie’s Auto Group, will continue to power FWMN throughout its fall lineup of two events, scheduled for Oct. 9-12, featuring both a runway show and a panel discussion. The grand finale will be an immersive runway experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, featuring key community leaders as models.
photo by Sheldon Powell
For the FWMN team, replacing professional models with local luminaries heightens the show’s capacity for networking and community connection. Edwards executed a similar concept at her show with MartinPatrick3 last May, which showcased pieces from her self-designed capsule collection worn by female entrepreneurs and community leaders.
“Fashion Week Minnesota is all about the designers, creatives, planners, volunteers, enthusiasts, and dreamers,” says Executive Producer Annie Clark, who had her debut season with the organization last spring. “I’m inspired by each person who gains opportunities and a sense of belonging through their involvement in this community.”
Weaving through each event as if a connective thread will be the overarching concept of “past, present, and future,” which will supplement the theme of Creative Renaissance by exploring the history and future of Minneapolis as an epicenter for art, fashion, and culture.
“We have been thinking about, as a city, where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re going,” says Charlie Crocker, Account Director with Media Bridge and Haus of Sonder. “What is the future of fashion in Minnesota as it relates to sustainability? How has Minneapolis streetwear evolved? What will things look like in 10, 20, 50 years as Minnesota becomes less of a logging, construction town and more of an arts and technology town?”
photo by Sheldon Powell
In the context of her organization’s growth over the past decade, this concept is surely a personal one for Edwards, especially as Fashion Week Minnesota comes up on its 10th year in operation. This season’s intermingling concepts of reflection, growth, and creative rebirth will ultimately serve to reiterate the platform’s core mission of community connection.
“I started Fashion Week because I wanted something different to exist in the world,” says Edwards. “Fashion isn’t just about clothes. It’s about history, hope, connection, love, expression, belonging, and harmony. My hope is just that people can attend Fashion Week and leave feeling like their community has their back.”
Designers to Watch
Fashion Week Minnesota might only take to the runway two weeks a year, but you can support local designers year-round. Here are a few names that elevate the Minnesota fashion scene with their color, character, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
CELINA KANE
Shop high fashion headwear from Celina Kane, a local designer that specializes in handmade hats and headpieces. After studying under Master Milliner Anya Calinedo in New York City, Kane launched her headwear brand in 2015, using her hard-earned knowledge to turn each hat into a wearable work of art through the use of fine materials, hand embroidery, and intricate embellishments, imbuing each piece with an air of romance and elegance.
photo by Madeline Elli
DANIELLE EVERINE
Danielle Everine is a local designer and former “Project Runway” contestant that stands out with her commitment to environmental sustainability, producing each garment by hand with the use of natural fibers and eco-friendly print tactics involving water-based inks. Everine’s designs are bold and bright, with an uplifting spirit that transcends from the wearer to the observer.
Photo by Sheldon Powell
KEIONA COOK
Keiona Cook is a local fashion designer and founder of Qe’Bella Couture, which specializes in custom and ready-to-wear garments for women and young girls. Cook merges her love for fashion with her desire to nurture younger generations through Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective, a nonprofit that teaches essential trade skills to the underserved youth of North Minneapolis. Cook fuses Qe’Bella Couture and Lovely’s Sewing in annual runway shows that feature both her designs and garments hand-sewn by the children she educates.
photo by Christa Tousley
HOUSE OF KLYNN
House of KLynn is owned by Minnesota-based couturier Kathryn Rogers, who is well known for designing clothing and accessories for critically acclaimed films including “Hidden Figures” and “Passengers.” Rogers’ custom, made-to-order business model allows clients to have their couture tailored specifically to their body types, eliminating the need for tedious alterations. A champion for sustainability, Rogers designs gowns only when and as ordered, so as to reduce consumption and excess waste.
photo by Emma Enebak
Your Fall Fashion Event Calendar
In the spirit of creative renaissance, check out more standout fashion events happening in the Twin Cities this fall.
9/18: ALL BLACK ATTIRE PARTY
Internationally acclaimed men’s and women’s boutique MartinPatrick3 puts on its seventh annual All Black Attire Party and Men’s Fashion Show, set in the back alley behind its North Loop storefront. General admission tickets are free, with limited availability.
9/21: AVANT GARDEN
The Walker Art Center’s annual fundraising gala Avant Garden returns this fall, accompanied by the theme “Compositions for a Dream.” Commencing with an immersive dining experience by Chef Daniel Del Prado of Cardamom and wrapping up with the “dance party of the year” set to tunes by Grammy-nominated DJ A-Track, the event is an annual observance of the best in Twin Cities art and fashion. Standard dinner tickets start at $1,500.
9/25: STORIES MATTER FASHION SHOW
Small Sums, a nonprofit that seeks to provide essential work gear, tools, and training to individuals experiencing homelessness, puts on its inaugural Stories Matter Fashion Show at the American Swedish Institute. Runway models will include past clients and current supporters whose lives have been transformed by Small Sums. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP.
10/02: THE DENIM EXPERIENCE
This western-themed runway show and fundraiser produced by Keiona Cook will be held at the Machine Shop from 6-9 p.m. Tickets start at $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective, helping to support aspiring designers in Minneapolis and beyond.
10/05: MAN DOWN— THE OTHER SIDE OF RAGE
Man Down in an immersive menswear runway show that seeks to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Through transforming silhouettes, this runway experience at Hollywood Theater will take viewers on a man’s journey to the other side of rage, and into a place e of acceptance and peace. Tickets start at $49 for general admission.
10/06: SUSTAINABLE OUTERWEAR FASHION SHOW
Black Fashion Week Minnesota, an organization that showcases BIPOC fashion designers from the Twin Cities, returns for its fall production, a Sustainable Outerwear Fashion Show at the Hewing Hotel. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and $45 for VIP.
