City Pages names George Moskal one of its 100 Creatives

City Pages' continuing 100 Creatives series has just included local fashion and textile designer George Moskal on its list. George has been a fixture of the local fashion community since he first showed at Voltage in 2007. Jessica Armbruster's illuminating interview offers some great George tidbits, like that his textile designs have shown up as wallpaper in a gallery show and on beauty products and cases for Estee Lauder.

[Photo by Stephanie Colgan]

Some choice quotes:

On the challenges of being an independent fashion designer: "I think doing everything myself has been a big challenge. I am kind of at a crossroad where I want to move my brand forward, but I need help with production, business, PR, and finance to really grow. I was using this last show as a test to see if I am going to continue. It's been a lot of work and there have been some highlights, but I feel like I take two steps forward and then stand still. I cannot imagine not designing, so I just have to figure out if I should be selling my work or just creating pieces for shows."

On the increasingly casual culture we live in: "I wish sweat pants and especially pajamas in public would go away. I dress fairly casual, but would not even check my mail in sweats or pajamas."

Read the rest of the interview here.

Laura Fulk named one of City Pages' 100 Creatives

Longtime local designer favorite Laura Fulk has been named one of City Pages' 100 Creatives in their ongoing series.

[Laura Fulk. Photo: Marshall Franklin Long]

Choice quotes from the Q&A:

On her career high thusfar: "My first solo show. It was one of the most physically challenging things I'd ever done. I think I went without sleep for four or five days in prep for it. My fingers were numb for a week from sewing so hard. I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment. I hope every fashion designer gets to experience that."

How the local fashion scene has evolved: "Back when I started doing fashion shows I could literally count the number of local fashion designers on my two hands. They were my idols; I wanted nothing more than to be like them. I now consider myself one of those "old school" fashion designers, and I am hopefully now inspiring generations of local fashion designers to come. Currently there are hundreds of local designers, due especially to the undying support of organizations like MNfashion. I think it is pretty much the coolest thing ever."

Click here to read the full feature.

Kristin Berwald named one of City Pages' 100 Creatives

Today, City Pages named one of my favorite local jewelry designers, Kristin Berwald of Bionic Unicorn, one of its 100 Creatives. Bionic Unicorn will be one of the featured accessories designers for Voltage 2011 in April, to be shown with Max Lohrbach's line in the show's finale.

[Images via CityPages.com]

I've had a blast working with Kristin on a variety of shows and shoots over the past year, including the MNfashion-sponsored MIA Third Thursday show with Blasphemina's Closet and a forthcoming Minnesota Bride spread. I also included one of her necklaces in my Lady Gaga fashion spread for Vita.mn last summer. Look for her designs coming up at Cliché's Avoid the Grey show next Saturday and an Oscar preview for the Aegis Foundation next Tuesday (which I'm also styling). Read more of City Pages' 100 Creatives series here.

Raul Osorio named one of City Pages 100 Creatives

As part of its ongoing 100 Creatives series, City Pages has named local women's and menswear designer Raul Osorio as one of the Twin Cities' most creative forces. Today they're featuring an extensive Q&A with the Honduran designer, who had quite the busy 2010 - debuting at Voltage, participating in SCENEaSOTA and his own dual show with Danielle Everine, "Pale Rider," and the Minneapolis Institute of Art's MNfashion-sponsored edition of Third Thursdays.

[Raul Osorio; Photo by Amy Gee]

An excerpt:

I'm highly emotional, so I think that has a lot to do with the drama behind my designs. I'm really excited to see my brand grow, to see an unfolding story happen chapter by chapter. I want people to continue to recognize my work and enjoy the process with me and the quality of the designs.

Last year was been a great year for me. I have learned so much from the people I've been working with and it's given me a great perspective on how I want to move forward, doing what I love.

In the meantime, I feel that people in the Twin Cities are starting to recognize my work and I'm ready to go to the next level. My goal is to eventually start my own boutique. I want people to feel on top of the world wearing my pieces.

Click here to read more.