Glamorama ladies in Joynoelle

I had the honor of getting to wear a Joynoelle piece to Macy's Glamorama earlier this month - and I wasn't the only one. Melissa Colgan (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine fashion editor), Sara Rogers (Mall of America trend specialist) and Raina Hein (America's Next Top Model runner-up) also donned looks by designer Joy Teiken.

[Image courtesy Macy's]

Here's Raina and I in the VIP photo booth at the after party, both in Joynoelle-designed looks.

[Image: Emily Utne/City Pages]

And Raina in her Joynoelle dress, crafted from OfficeMax materials (the green stripes are rubberbands) as part of the OfficeMax sponsorship.

[Image: Emily Utne/City Pages]

Here's Sara Rogers in Joynoelle Spring 2010; her own belt added a different edge to the look.

[Melissa Colgan, Image: Ellen Dahl Lawson/Vita.mn]

And Melissa Colgan in a Joynoelle design I haven't seen before. The tomato red and minimalist lines are lovely.

Local fashion link roundup: Mid-week edition

The mid-week edition of the local fashion link roundup has more Glamorama links, photos and a review from last night's vitaminwaterZERO Flourish fashion show (which I produced and styled), and more:

[Photo: Kiah Brasch]

A photo of former Project Runway contestants Chris March and Minnesota native Christopher Straub at last Friday's Glamorama surfaced on Blogging Project Runway.

Ellen Dahl Lawson captures photog Amy Gee at a recent event at June Resale for The Minneapoline. She shoots the stylist guests at Glamorama for Vita.mn.

Sara Glassman showcases the stylish guests at Glamorama for Star Tribune, including Christopher Straub.

Pioneer Press' Allison Kaplan offers her review of Glamorama.

Some photos from last night's vitaminwaterZERO flourish fashion show are up, thanks to Christian Erickson and designer Danielle Everine.

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine has video of the show, the fashion, and the after party at Glamorama.

Jane Belfry of City Pages has posted a review of the show.

Elena Mercurio finally posts her S/S 2010 Lookbook (i.e., her Voltage 2010 collection that debuted in April). Pieces should be at Cliché this week.

Designer Vivian Aronson of YQY by Vivian shows of her latest collection at last weekend's Fabulosity event at the W Hotel.

Collective Revival has posted a designer call for a fashion show to be held October 2 at Shiloh Temple.

Ignite Models welcomes new model Laura with a stunning photo shoot she shot recently in Greece.

Star Tribune gossip C.J. has exclusive details and video on Levi Johnston's appearance in Minnesota-bred pop singer Brittani Senser's video shoot in L.A., purportedly in which she's wearing a dress by local line YQY by Vivian.

Meghan McAndrew of the High Plains Thrifter blog (also a former beauty buyer) announced she'll be a new contributor to Elizabeth Dehn's Minnesota-based Beauty Bets blog, dishing on budget-friendly beauty buys every Wednesday.

Glamorama 2010 in Uploaded Photos

Mimicking the format of LOL OMG!'s The Week in Uploaded Pictures, here is a picture post devoted to last Friday's Glamorama.


Joy Teiken of Joynoelle uploaded this cute pic of herself with Raina Hein of ANTM fame before Glamorama on Friday. Raina's wearing a Joynoelle dress made from OfficeMax supplies. Cute!


Designer/curator Emma Berg gets shot on the street, pre-Glamorama, by Ellen Dahl Lawson over at The Minneapoline.


Minnesota-born models Greta Sundquist and Luke Gulbranson pose for a backstage shot at Glamorama.


Glam afterparty-goer Paul Saarinen has an awesome photobooth pic.


Model/photographer Kiah Brasch poses in Christopher Straub F/W 2010 with the designer at a Glamorama pre-party.


Here's Pioneer Press' Allison Kaplan with Macy Gray in the VIP photo booth. Macy Gray sure is tall!


Emily Utne shot this Gaga-esque couple at the after party. (via City Pages)

In review: Macy's Glamorama 2010

[Originally posted at Vita.mn]

By Jahna Peloquin

In its 28th year, Macy's Glamorama didn't skimp on bombast or theatricality, adding dance segments into what was already a high-production fashion show. The additions came as a result of the merging of Glamorama with Macy's Passport shows in its L.A. and San Francisco markets, making it what may have been the longest Glamorama to date - with varying results.


As usual, the evening started out with an introduction from the Children's Cancer Research Fund, the philanthropic beneficiary of the show. But before going into the fashion segments, the show instead began with an over-the-top dance segment by choreographer-to-the-stars Brian Friedman, complete with some delightfully absurd costumes by former Project Runway contestant Chris March. (Check out my Q&A with the designer in this week's Vita.mn.) While March himself didn't make an appearance, his black winged bodysuits and looming Elizabethan collared cloaks certainly did.

The fall 2010 collection from Tommy Hilfiger set the mood of the night with a swinging '70s beatnik-meets-classic collegiate to a soundtrack of '70s rock hits ("Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf, "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" by the Doors) and swirling kaleidescope video - indicative of the groovy vibe of many collections this fall. Luxurious leathers and knits lent sophistication to natty tweeds, and Hilfiger's classic pea coats and trench coats received a youthful update. The lace-up thigh high duck boots were standouts, and the collection as a whole was Hilfiger's most fresh in years.


Next up was the fashion highlight of the evening, Jean Paul Gaultier's exotic, globe-trotting collection. Thankfully, lead stylist Laura Schara stayed true to Gaultier's vision and incorporated over-the-top headpieces from his original showing, some reaching upwards of five feet in height. It was eclecticism at its best, making the statement that modern style is a fashionable melting pot. With technicolor panoramas behind the criss-crossing models and an eclectic soundtrack, it was an indulgent treat for the senses and fashion production at its best.


It was a hard act to follow, and the Sportmax showing wasn't exactly up to task. The lower-priced brand from the house of MaxMara isn't known for the artistry of Gaultier or clout of Hilfiger. While the cuts and detail (zippers, fur trim) felt last year, the fur arm cuffs were just plain odd. The production seemed uninspired as a result.


True to form, the Versace for Men line was more about the male models than the fashion. The mostly-black collection of men's suiting and sportswear was fairly basic and executed well enough, but the point seemed to be seeing how many screams the models could elicit from the female audience members.


Sonia Rykiel offered up oversized men's suiting and her trademark coquettish dresses, accessorized by quirky headgear and geek-chic eyeglasses. The finale look, a chubby fur paired with sparkling sandals, elicited oohs and ahhs from the audience. Presented alongside a French soundtrack and disco balls, it was fairly predictable but a joy to behold for any Rykiel fan.


Returning to the '70s rock 'n roll theme was Just Cavalli, set to a modern version of "Strawberry Fields Forever" and some gorgeous video work. The collection was dominated by leather jackets, fluttery skirts and floppy hats in warm earth tones. Highlights included printed pants - a big trend for fall - for guys and girls, as was a printed deep-V gown, both romantic and sexy.


A ghostly production of Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti was wonderfully haunting and intriguing. The only problem? That meant it was hard to make out any of the actual clothing, which seems sort of against the point. (Ironically, Ferretti's initial showing of the line was without any sort of production value as to better show the clothing.) Apparently, the line embraced Ferretti's penchant for boy-girl ambiguity with a moody, Victorian feel.


Of the show's set pieces, the Marc Jacobs staging was boldest, consisting of a giant, narrow wooden door with the initials "M" and "J." It was an ideal backdrop for the dreamy, serene collection of gray tweed, silk and wool tailored classics - appropriately to the Handel aria "Sarabandel." The message was clear: all worship at the altar of Marc.


The final runway presentation was from Glamorama newcomer Issey Miyake. With looping colorful scarves, shirred and gathered pants, and cocoon-shaped jackets, the collection is said to be inspired by mathematician William Thurston's geometric models for the shape of the universe. Set to a pounding electro soundtrack and a laser-infused light show, it was an energetic, upbeat end to the fashion collections for the night.


The show's non-fashion elements were the show's only missteps, occasionally throwing the energy of the show off balance. Though the opening dance segment was imaginative and engaging, the finale dance segment, with its schlocky heaven vs. hell theme, was nearly embarrassing to watch. It served as a bookend for a Victoria's Secret-lite lingerie fashion show (with a model donning, yes, huge angel wings) and a be-winged men's underwear show, a gratuitous though crowd-pleasing annual feature of the show. An segment for Kinect for Xbox 360 was jolting in its placement and didn't even attempt to disguise itself as an all-out ad. And while the promo for Madonna's new Material Girl line at Macy's started out sweet with some adorable kids clad in the line dancing to the pop icon's greatest hits, the segment went too long and was distracted from by the Madonna videos screening in the background.

Eric Hutchinson's one-man show with a keyboard and guitar was another misstep. Coming at the middle of the show, he only served to sap the energy the show had built up and is hardly a guy that screams fashion.



Fortunately, it was not dancing or Hutchinson that ended the show, but Macy Gray, whose endearing, over-the-top stage presence and soulful rasp rounded the evening out with just the right touch of glamour and class.

All photos by Kiah Brasch

Here's a video clip montage from the show:

The Crawl: "Runway" alum does Glamorama

Have you seen my Q&A in this week's Vita.mn with former Project Runway star Chris March? Here you go:

[Chris March, courtesy Macy's]

'Runway' alum does Glamorama Most people recognize Chris March from his memorable appearance on the fourth season of "Project Runway," thanks to his over-the-top personality and penchant for sequins and glitter. The fan favorite is in town Friday for Macy's Glamorama at the Orpheum Theatre, for which he's creating costumes for the opening number. We spoke with him over the phone from his home in New York.

Q: You got people talking with the gowns you designed for Meryl Streep for the Golden Globes and Oscars. What was it like working with her?

A: She's one of the most famous actresses in the world so I was a little bit nervous to meet her, but it turned out she was a big fan of mine. She's so sweet and so nice, and she just knows what she wants. Coming up with something that ended up on the top 10 list was amazing.

Q: Drag queen Bambi Lake has said that her inspiration for doing drag happened after she viewed Andy Warhol's film "Trash." What was the defining moment that made you decide to express yourself in drag?

A: Wow, I never really thought of it until now. It had to be when I found a copy of "Mommie Dearest" at a flea market.

Q: What would be your advice for incoming contestants on "Project Runway"?

A: Make sure that you're young and strong and you can live without sleep. That's what it's all about. The show is about design, but honestly if you can't sew and pattern quickly, you will lose. It's a sewing race, but with entertainment value.

Q: What was your favorite challenge on a different season that you wish you could have done?

A: That's easy: the Bob Mackie challenge. He's one of my idols.

Q: What can we expect from you at Glamorama?

A: They asked me to come up with a costume segment for the opening number, so there's a couple of very wild pieces. There's a lot of dancers, there's video, there's disco balls, there's all sorts of things. It's a very beautiful, great way to open the show.

• Jahna Peloquin

August 2010 Fashion Events

It's August and summer is still in full throttle. There are more fashion events this year than ever before. Here's a quick run-down of the ones worth marking on your calendars.

[Glamorama 2009 Image by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush]

Friday, August 6: Macy's Glamorama
Macy Gray headlines this long-running fashion show, but the fashions are what's it really all about. From Jean Paul Gaultier to Versace for men to Sportmax to Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti, it's the biggest international fashion event that takes place in Minneapolis. New additions this year is a highly choreographed show opener by choreographer-to-the-stars Brian Friedman and costumes by former Project Runway contestant Chris March. And the after party on the eighth floor of Macy's downtown is one of the biggest, most over-the-top parties of the year.
Time: 8 p.m.
Tickets: $60-175 (After party + show tickets start at $175)
Location: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-339-7007.
More info: macys.com

[Flyer design by Caroline Royce]

Wednesday, August 11: vitaminwaterZERO presents...FLOURISH Rooftop Fashion Show
7 new flavors...7 designers...7 one-of-a-kind couture designs. I'm helping to produce this fashion show based on vitaminwaterZERO's seven new flavors. With designs from Calpurnia Peach, Laura Fulk, Emma Berg, Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Danielle Everine and Kerry Riley (Needle & Black), plus jewelry from ROX by Robyne Robinson and styling from yours truly and the Aveda Institute on the gorgeous Skygarden rooftop of the Crowne Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, DJ Jonathan Ackerman, and yummy vitaminwaterZERO cocktails.
Time: Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Location: Crowne Plaza Skygarden, 618 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-338-2288.

More info: Facebook event invite

[Me and Emma Berg at last year's boat party with Attitude City DJs]

Saturday, August 14: Attitude City Yacht Club
Okay, so it's not an actual fashion event - but as an attendee of each of these boat parties for the past four years, it's definitely one of the biggest opportunities to dress to a theme of the year (not to mention one of the biggest parties). Attitude City's Jeff DuBuis and Karl Frankowski head up the turntables with a guest roster of some of the hottest DJs in town. Tickets go fast - they are to go on sale on Monday or Tuesday this week. Watch facebook for updates.
Time: 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tickets: $35; available soon at http://www.attitudecity.com/.
Location: Boat departs from Harriet Island, 700 Sibley St. NE., St. Paul.
More info: Facebook event invite

[Flyer art by Courtney Thomas]

Friday, August 20: Libertine Asylum Presents "The Deep: A Perilous Underwater Adventure"
The Libertine Asylum is at it again, and this time the steampunk collective is taking on an inventive new theme: Under the sea. The fashion show and event features new underwater-themed designs by steampunk designers Blasphemina's Closet, Scoundrelle's Keep, and jewelry designer Bionic Unicorn, as well as jugglers, sirens, nymphs high fashion mermaids, body painting, and an undersea fantasy photobooth.
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 for 21+, $10 for 18-20.
Location: The Loft at Barfly, 711 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
More info: Facebook event invite

Friday, August 20: "Souvenir Portrait"

Local fashion designer Max Lohrbach received a grant from the South Eastern Minnesota Arts Council and the Mantorville Art Guild. With it, he decided to do an installed illustration: a life-size, 2 and 3D illustration featuring new garments and paintings. The exhibition runs through September 19.
Time: 5-8 p.m. Opening reception
Tickets: Free
Location: Mantorville Art Guild, 508 Clay St., Mantorville, MN
More info: Facebook event invite

[Amanda Christine F/W 2010 Photo: Rod Hasse]

Thursday, August 26: Amanda Christine Pret-a-Porter F/W 2010 Fashion Show
Be sure to get this show from the prolific local fashion designer on your calendars now. Her Fall 2010 collection is inspired by the classical American beauty in a modern women's lifestyle. Soft draped silk dresses, structured ruffles, and flattering feminine pleating create a line of wearable dresses and separates for every occasion. The runway event will also feature a Cliche runway segment styled by Andrea Oseland, and the new handbag line collaboration between KJurek Couture and Amanda Christine.
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door / $25 VIP
Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Minneapolis
More info: amandachristinedesigns.com

Monday, August 30 & Tuesday, August 31: Lady Gaga at Xcel
Lady Gaga's "Monster Ball" tour is without a doubt the most stylish concert of the year. Within the last year, Gaga’s celebrity has gotten bigger than ever, and her style has gotten more and more haute-couture. Her "little monsters" (as her fans are known) have a thing for going all-out on their outfits at her shows, so it's definitely a "what to wear?" event. It only took a matter of days for the pop cipher to sell out her first show at the Xcel (a second was quickly added).
Time: 8 p.m. both nights
Tickets: $51.50-$177
Location: Xcel Energy Center, W. 7th St. & Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-265-4800.
More info: xcelenergycenter.com