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.

Local designer George Moskal picked up by Arafina

Over the weekend, local designer George Moskal announced that local boutique Arafina bought half of his S/S 2011 runway collection, and placed orders for additional pieces. This is quite the coup for Moskal and local designers in general - previously, the Galleria store has only sold national lines like Alice & Olivia, Helmut Lang, Milly, Nanette Lepore, M Missoni, Robert Rodriguez, and Tory Burch. It says a lot about the increasing profile, craftsmanship and quality of Twin Cities designers. Let's hope more local designers follow suit.

[George Moskal's S/S 2011 line, photos by Cody Lidtke for METRO. Click to enlarge]

Local fashion link roundup: MNfashion Week edition

I was Lead Stylist for Voltage: Fashion Amplified and the Emma Berg/Kevin Kramp show, which means I didn't have much time (not to mention the objectivity) to covering the shows. Fortunately, the local fashion contingency has devoted more coverage than ever for MNfashion Week. It's a sure sign of the continued growth of the Minnesota fashion industry. Here's a roundup of reviews, photos, video and more:

[A Max Lohrbach look from Voltage; photo by Mary O'Regan via Art of Wore]

"Ma Vie en Plastique" and Amanda Christine/K.Jurek Trunk Show, 4/7:
-I recap the "Ma Vie en Plastique" and the Amanda Christine/K.Jurek trunk show for Vita.mn.
-Señorita Susan reviews "Ma Vie en Plastique."
-Rhea Pappas shoots "Ma Vie en Plastique" for MNfashion.
-Cody Lidtke shoots the Amanda Christine/K.Jurek trunk show at Cliché for City Pages.

Envision: Artopia, 4/8:
-I review "Envision" for Vita.mn.
-I chat about the show with stylist/interior designer Richard Anderson for l'étoile magazine, with photos by Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush.
-METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan recaps Envision: Artopia,
-Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Allison Kaplan recaps her Envision favorites.
-City Pages has runway looks at "Envision" by Stacy Schwartz and crowd shots by Denis Jeong Plaster.
-Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush shoots the show for l'etoile magazine.
-Joan Erakit reviews Envision: Artopia for national blog Frank151, with photos by Rhea Pappas.
-Style blogger Kitty Cotten does a photo recap and review of Envision: Artopia.
-Minneapolis 2night has crowd and runway photos from the show.
-Photographer Rod Hasse posted a fun behind-the-scenes video of Envision: Artopia and the models of Ignite.
-Ignite Models has behind-the-scenes shots at Envision by Chris McDuffie.

The MNfashion Shows: CounterCouture & George Moskal, 4/13:
-I review the show for Vita.mn.
-L'étoile creative director Beth Hammarlund reviews the show for l'étoile magazine, with photos by Stephen Stephens.
-METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan recaps CounterCouture and George Moskal's show with some great photography.
-METRO Magazine has runway photos by Cody Lidtke.
-Katie Dohman of Minnesota Monthly reviews the show.
-Joan Erakit reviews the George Moskal/CounterCouture show for Frank151.
-Metromix has crowd and runway photos at the CounterCouture/George Moskal show by Claire Molepske and a video recap.
-Rhea Pappas shoots the show for MNfashion.
-Jules Christman Photography shoots the show.
-Señorita Susan reviews the show with photos by Rhea Pappas.
-Tricia Khutoretsky reviews the show for basic-space.com.
-South of Canada reviews The Shows.

The MNfashion Shows: Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp, 4/14:
-L'étoile creative director Beth Hammarlund reviews the show for l'étoile magazine, with photos by Stephen Stephens.
-METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan recaps and shoots fashion shows by Kevin Kramp and Emma Berg and also shoots the crowd.
-METRO Magazine has photos from the Kevin Kramp/Emma Berg show by Cody Lidtke.
-Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Allison Kaplan does an excellent review of the Emma Berg/Kevin Kramp show.
-Katie Dohman of Minnesota Monthly reviews the Emma Berg/Kevin Kramp show.
-City Pages has an behind-the-scenes image slideshow of the video shoots for Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp's show, plus photos from the show by Stacy Schwartz.
-Metromix has crowd and runway photos from the Emma Berg/Kevin Kramp show by Claire Molepske.
-Joan Erakit reviews the Emma Berg/Kevin Kramp show for national blog Frank151, with photos by Christina "C-Rocka" Rimstad.
-Tricia Khutoretsky reviews the show for basic-space.com.
-Style blogger and Voltage stylist Kitty Cotten reviews and shoots the Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp runway shows.
-Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush shoots the show for l'etoile magazine.
-Ellen Dahl Lawson snaps a couple of gorgeous pix at Emma Berg's show for The Minneapoline.
-Downtown Journal highlights the MNfashion Week shows, including a Q&A with Kevin Kramp.
-MNfashion has a photo set from the show.
-South of Canada reviews The Shows.
-MNfashion has a photo set from the show.

StevenBe Knitwear Runway Rockshow, 4/14:
-Rhea Pappas shoots the show here and here for MNfashion.

Voltage: Fashion Amplified, 4/15:
-L'étoile creative director Beth Hammarlund reviews Voltage for l'étoile magazine, with photos by Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush.
-Vita.mn editor Simon Peter Groebner reviews the show and offers a poignant look back at the show's seven years.
-Cake in 15 has the most detailed, extensive review of the show out there, with photos by Stacy Schwartz and words by Carl Atiya Swanson.
-Star Tribune has a slideshow of photos from Voltage, as well as an exclusive look at the lookbook photos from Voltage by Stephanie Colgan.
-METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan reviews Voltage with some artful photography and reviews and recaps the stylish crowdgoers.
-Metromix has runway and crowd photos plus a review from Voltage.
-Check out MPLS.TV's Voltage edition of "What the F**k Are You Wearing?", with video by Dan Huiting.
-City Pages reviews Voltage. Click here for their Voltage photobooth shots by Cody Lidtke, here for runway photos by Stacy Schwartz and here for behind-the-scenes shots by Stacy Schwartz.
-Official Voltage photographer Stephanie Colgan shoots an amazing photo set from Voltage.
-Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush shoots the show for l'etoile magazine.
-Sarah Heuer reviews the show for Twin Cities Daily Planet, with photos by Jay Gabler.
-Ellen Dahl Lawson of The Minneapoline shoots the crowd's most stylish for Vita.mn.
-Joan Erakit does a studio visit with Voltage designer Terri Martin. Look for a review and photos to come at frank151.com.
-Tricia Khutoretsky recaps the show for her blog, Basic Space.
-Kevin Walker has a set of behind-the-scenes photos.
-HowWasTheShow.com has a video clip of Pink Mink's Voltage performance and a Voltage photo set.
-Style blogger and Voltage stylist Kitty Cotten offers some behind-the-scenes shots from Voltage (for which she styled lines by Kathryn V and Max Lohrbach).
-Mordac.org has a photo set from the show.
-Joan Erakit recaps the show for national blog Frank 151.
-Jules Christman Photography shoots the show.
-Style blogger Señorita Susan reviews the show.
-Matt Porath shoots the show here and here.
-Minneapolis 2night has crowd and runway photos from the show.
-Kevin Walker shoots backstage photos at the show.
-Secrets of the City does a studio visit with Voltage designer Danielle Everine.

Ballet of the Dolls' Fashion Ball, 4/15 & 4/16:
-Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Allison Kaplan recaps Saturday's Fashion Ball.
-Ed Neaton shoots the event for City Pages.
-Style blogger Señorita Susan reviews the show.
-Rhea Pappas shoots the show for MNfashion here and here.

Scrubbed Into Fashion, 4/16:
-Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Allison Kaplan recaps the Scrubbed Into Fashion show (featuring Christopher Straub).
-The Minnesota Daily recaps the show.
-Minneapolis 2night has a review and photos from the event.

Jagress Intimates Runway Show, 4/16:
-I recap the show for l'étoile magazine, with photography by Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush.
-Stephen Stephens of Digital Crush shoots the show.
-Photographer Rod Hasse posts a photo set.

The Secret Garden Fashion Show, 4/16:
-Tara Sloane reviews and shoots the show for l'étoile magazine.

Styles for Smiles, 4/17:
-Rhea Pappas shoots the show for MNfashion.

Of Venus And Gaia Spring Celebration, 4/17:
-Rhea Pappas shoots the show for MNfashion.

Follow @mnfashion on Twitter for more MNfashion Week recaps.

Style diary: My MNfashion Week looks

Part of the fun of MNfashion Week is gussying up in looks by local designers for the slew of fashion shows that take place.

[L: Pictured with Richard Anderson, photo by Mary O'Regan. R: Amanda Christine lookbook]

For Envision: Artopia last Friday, April 7, I wore this red cotton Amanda Christine dress with puff sleeves and cutout details. She showed the same dress in blue during the show that evening. If you're interested, the dress is available for purchase in a full size run in both colors at Cliche. I paired with a stone and chain necklace by newcomer KR Dezigns, also available at Cliche, and black glitter pumps from Forever 21.

[Pictured with Robyne Robinson and Kate Iverson, photo by Mary O'Regan via Art of Wore]

[L: Photo by George Moskal. R: Photo by Nicholas Marshall, styling by Eclecticoiffeur]

For George Moskal and CounterCouture's show last Wednesday, I wore my own hot pink silk cropped top from George Moskal's fall/winter 2009 collection and a silk cocoon skirt by Katherine Gerdes I had commissioned her to make for a Nicholas Marshall shoot back in spring 2007. I paired them with Steve Madden platforms, a feather/flower clip by Ruby3 by Anna Lee and a clutch from Target.

[L: Pictured with Richard Anderson, photo by Mary O'Regan. R: METRO Magazine]

[Photo courtesy Robyne Robinson]

For Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp's show last Thursday, Emma lent me her blue draped dress she designed for a METRO Magazine commission. I felt like a goddess in the dress, which was draped entirely from one piece of fabric. I paired it with my own custom brushed gold link chain necklace with fire agates, bronzite and heishi pearls by Robyne Robinson of ROX Jewelry. (Excuse my lack of hair/makeup, it was a crazy busy day!) I'm a little bummed that I'm not taller, from some angles it looked like I was swimming in the dress.

[L: Pictured with Voltage producer Anna Lee, photo by Kristin Berwald. R: Photo by Mary O'Regan]

For Voltage, I brought out the big guns - a custom dress designed by my all-time favorite local designer, Max Lohrbach. He said that he loved this version more than the one he was showing in his collection, but what can I say, I'm selfish when it comes to Max. Here I am in my version, which I paired with custom jewelry by Bionic Unicorn (a collaboration with Max Lohrbach, who drew the kitty heads) and a purse and wedges from Opitz Outlet. I'm having a better hair day here, thanks to the amazing Julie at Smart & Chic Beauty Lounge (which offers hair and makeup styling). The jewelry will be available for purchase on Bionic Unicorn's Etsy shop later this week. Here's a closeup of a similar design:


Click here for my link roundup of this spring's MNfashion Week coverage.

In review: MNfashion Shows: George Moskal and CounterCouture

[Originally posted at Vita.mn]

Last night at the Grainbelt Building in the heart of Northeast, MNfashion kicked off its first of a two-night local designer showcase. Aptly titled "The Shows," both nights produced by MNfashion (the local organization behind Voltage) feature two established fashion designers in a stripped down runway show - minus the frills. Here, it was all about one thing - the clothes.

Showing first was CounterCouture, an upcycled line by a trio of young designers. Cocktail dresses and a few office-to-a-party looks in a muted fall palette of black, white and red hit the runway. The looks were for the most part well-made and retail-ready, but overall it seems that the line threatens to be overshadowed by its concept (i.e., dresses made out of recycled bridesmaid dresses). After all, most bridesmaid dresses are typically manufactured in cheap taffeta and too-shiny satin. With such fabric to work with, CounterCouture's offerings were well-done, if only lacking a bit in personality.




After a cocktail break, the show began once more with George Moskal's spring collection. Though a new face to some, Moskal has a bit of history with the beginnings of what we now associate with the local fashion scene. He was a designer in Voltage 2007 and 2008, and after moving to Portland for a spell, returned to show a line at Voltage last year. Anyone familiar with Moskal's work will know he's a master draper and has a knack for incorporating unique, architectural design elements into his garments.

For his spring collection, Moskal showed a truly world class collection - emphasis on world. This was the wardrobe of the sophisticated yet modern world traveler as she heads to a island vacation, full of linen and cotton fabrics rendered in elegant silhouettes. The collection was also perfectly varied - shorts, skirts, dresses, tops and jackets all made appearances in shades of sky blue, mango, white, metallic taupe and kelly green. A pair of high-waisted white linen pants were particularly swoon-worthy, as was a green cotton Betty Crocker summer frock. This was a collection tailor-made for Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus - a sure sign of the growth the Twin Cities fashion industry has seen over the past few years.

MNfashion Week kicks off

MNfashion Week officially kicks off tonight with its first event, "Ma Vie En Plastique," a show from the minds of hairstylist Pearson Knight and Smart & Chic Beauty Lounge. I preview the show as well as Envision: Artopia and the MNfashion Week-produced Shows from George Moskal, CounterCouture, Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp, in this week's issue of Vita.mn.

[A look by Emma Berg. Photo: Robb Long]

I spotlight MNfashion Week designer Kevin Kramp and talk his recent feature in Vogue Italia for Vita.mn.

I also cover the Amanda Christine and K.Jurek trunk show tonight at Cliche for Vita.mn.

Look for future issues of Vita.mn for more MNfashion Week coverage to come.

Also check out l'etoile's weekly shopping guide for more MNfashion Week coverage.

METRO Magazine highlights MNfashion Week designers

In its April issue, local publication METRO Magazine showcases four of MNfashion Week's designers - Emma Berg, Kevin Kramp, George Moskal and CounterCouture - all of whom are participating in the MNfashion-produced "Shows" happening on April 13 and 14 at the Grainbelt Building in Northeast. Click mnfashionweek.com for details on the Shows.

[Photo: Marshall Franklin Long. L-R: Looks by CounterCouture, Kevin Kramp, George Moskal & Emma Berg. Click image to enlarge]

Click here for behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot.

Local designers featured in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Local designers become models in the April issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Danielle Everine, George Moskal and Jenny Carle are featured along with info on their upcoming shows during MNfashion Week (Danielle at Voltage on April 15, George in his own show on April 13, and Jenny Carle at Envision: Artopia on April 9). Also featured in the same article are Terri Martin (also in Voltage) and Elena Mercurio.

[Click each to enlarge]

It's an inspired idea to turn the tables on designers and it's always fantastic to see local design featured in a magazine like Mpls.St.Paul, but also sort of a curious decision to only have two of the designers (Danielle Everine and Elena Mercurio) wear her own design. Of course, George only does women's clothing, but why not have Jenny Carle or Terri Martin wear one of her their own pieces? (Note, Terri is wearing a George Moskal dress.) Purportedly the story's aim is to showcase spring trends, but isn't that what the designers are doing with their spring collections?

Behind the scenes at METRO's spring fashion shoot

Mary O'Regan, fashion editor over at METRO Magazine, shared some behind-the-scenes photos from their spring fashion shoot, which spotlights the four local lines showing during the MNfashion-produced shows at the Grainbelt Building, aptly titled "The Shows" - Emma Berg, Kevin Kramp, George Moskal and CounterCouture. The issue hits stands in April. Click here for more info on The Shows.

Look by George Moskal

Look by Kevin Kramp

Just announced: MNfashion Week shows

Spring 2011 MNfashion Week registration opened a couple of weeks ago, and there are already some high-profile shows that have been announced on the MNfashion Week website. Three Voltage 2010 designers - George Moskal, Emma Berg and Kevin Kramp - will be stepping out on their own with solo shows. According to the website, the shows are part of a series of solo shows produced by MNfashion at the Grainbelt Brewery Atrium in Northeast Minneapolis. Mark you calendars for April 13 (S/S 2011 shows from George Moskal and eco-friendly local line CounterCouture) and April 14 (Kevin Kramp, showing F/W 2011 and Emma Berg, showing S/S 2011).

[Voltage 2010 looks by George Moskal, Kevin Kramp & Emma Berg. Photos: Stephanie Colgan]

Other MNfashion Week shows announced include the annual Envision: Artopia show on April 9 at the Graves 601 Hotel, knitwear designer StevenBe, a local designer with a 30-year resume, on April 14 and the Minnesota Design Diaries, an exhibit showcasing work from teen student designers, on April 17. Visit mnfashionweek.com for more details and show announcements to come, or click here to register an event.

RetroRama at the Minnesota State Fair

[Photo by Nic Marshall]

Miss RetroRama 2010 the first time around? Or just looking for a second dose, with a State Fair twist? You're in luck! RetroRama is back and minaturized as part of the Minnesota History Center's Minnesota History Day at the Fair.

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for history-inspired designs by five of the Twin Cities' most talented, imaginative and skillfull fashion designers:

Ivan Idland (providing his take on the 1920s)
Joy Teiken of Joynoelle (offering 1930s Old Hollywood glamour)
George Moskal (a vision of 1940s beachwear)
Max Lohrbach (1950s prom reimagined)
Kerry Riley of Needle & Black (lingerie-meets-the-pool via the swingin' 60s)

MINGLE with other retrophiles in your vintage finest;
WATCH as the designs hit the runway, via lovely Ignite Models;
APPLAUD as the designers take their bows;
and grab a corn dog while you're at it!

The Minnesota Historical Society will also be presenting its other programs throughout the day at Carousel Park, including the Nine Nights of Music, Global Hotdish Variety Show, a Minnesota History Trivia Smackdown, and more: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102909659768450

A presentation of Minnesota Historical Society and MNfashion.

Styled by Jahna Peloquin with additional accessories from Lula's Vintage Wear and Ignite Models Inc, hair by Catlin Weston, and makeup by Ashley Kilcher.

Sunday, September 5
2-2:45 p.m.
Minnesota State Fair Carousel Park
1265 Snelling Ave N
Saint Paul, MN

Mpls.St.Paul's Shops issue goes online

The brand-new issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Shops issue is on newstands - digital ones, at least. The annual issue has made its way to a slick, page-turning digital format this year. There's tons of great stuff to read, including a mini history of Minneapolis shopping, local boutique profiles, fashion spreads, and a handy shops guide.

Arts curator/mplsart.com director/fashion designer Emma Berg (in a George Moskal skirt) shares the cover with some other local fashion ladies: Mall of America trend specialist Sara Rogers (in Joynoelle), ShopNBC host Wendi Russo, WCCO-TV anchor Amelia Santaniello, CW Television producer Kristen Aldridge, and Nash Avery Foundation co-founder Angie Wicka. (Is it just me, or do they look awkwardly Photoshopped together?)

Here's Emma in the spread inside, wearing a corset top by Max Lohrbach, pants she designed herself, and Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony shoes from locally-based ShopFatal.com.



Here's Vision model Elle Williams modeling fall fashions, as styled by Mpls.St.Paul fashion editor Melissa Colgan:


MNfashion director and Voltage founder Anna Lee is also profiled in the issue:


It's great to see local fashion getting such great exposure in the mainstream mag. View the complete issue here.