[Originally published at
l'étoile magazine]
Text by Jahna Peloquin
Photos by Cody Lidtke
Forgoing its usual blowout summer runway show, local boutique
Cliché instead brought its customer into the store - and out of it. Entitled "Cross Walk," the event cleverly put the "street" in "streetwear" as models styled in clothing by the store's national lines as well as local designers Ivan Idland, Danielle Everine and Elena Mercurio paraded outside of the store and onto the cross walk of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue.
The event kicked off with Cliché's showing of its national lines, styled with a streets-of-Tokyo-meets-Chinatown vibe. The bold painterly-print dresses, graphic tops and leggings were paired with fan headpieces and Japanese shopping bags for an effect perfectly suited to the Cliche customer - street-styled with a twist.
Next up was a brand-new five-piece line by history-referencing designer
Ivan Idland, whose custom, one-of-a-kind pieces were his best yet. The adorable jumpers and dresses looked ready-made for a modern-day State Fair, if only the most chic of us dressed up for it - styled, of course, with cotton candy, balloons and state fair prize ribbons. Combining his penchant for folded sailor collars, contrast colors and button-front construction with a newly youthful and fresh sensibility, Idland has created some of his most wearable and saleable pieces to date.
Another designer to show a brand-new line was
Danielle Everine, who's apparently been keeping herself very busy since debuting her memorable Voltage 2010 line this past April. The five-piece line served as a preview for her upcoming Fall 2010 collection, a diverse yet cohesive blend of separates highlighted by ivory lace and pastel prints. Inspired by the Wild West, the line was kitschily styled with faux mustaches, custom-made leather gun holster belts, and straw cowboy hats.
Last up was Voltage 2010 designer
Elena Mercurio, showcasing her Voltage collection for a second time. Though the futuristic collection of color-blocked separates was nothing new for followers of local fashion, she added some glo-stick-infused headwear as a dramatic touch to the presentation as dusk fell over the city.
Though the show was apparently a cost-saving way to still showcase its local designers and latest offerings, Cliché made use of creative presentation and a novel concept to make for a truly memorable event.
All items available at Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.comVisit
Cliché's facebook page for more photos.
Raul Osorio's spring 2011 collection photos by Amy Miller
Emma Berg's spring 2011 collection runway photos by Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush
Ivan Idland's spring 2011 collection runway photo by Mordac.org
Lollycopter spring 2011 collection photos by Eric Snyder
Dirty Hair Halo blogger Shanon Licari shows off her chipped nails and rings.
Trnds.com blogger/web developer Corey Tenold dresses the part.
Stylist/blogger Jane Belfry fades out.
The Minneapolis Affair street style bloggers are back in town from a trip to L.A. Click here for more photos from Hen-Lake.
Marketing guru/rocker Christian Erickson shows off his new camera.
Ellen Dahl Lawson shoots style at Walker After Hours for The Minneapoline. Click here for more style shots from that night at Vita.mn.
Ellen also shoots Ignite models in looks by Ivan Idland (top) and Amanda Christine (bottom) at Cliche's "Avoid the Grey" fashion show for The Minneapoline.
Louisa Marion shoots painter Torey Bonar.
Amy Gee shoots her roommate's new dog. The plaid couch is the perfect touch.
These are definitely some new shapes for Ivan, who typically favors drop-waist, 1940s-inspired silhouettes. We're still seeing some of his trademark sailor collar necklines. The second-to-right look reminds me a little of his look for the vitaminwaterZERO "Flourish" fashion show I produced back in August. The little bloomers are adorable. I'm not so sure of the proportions on the far look left, nor the tiered skirt effect on the second-to-left and middle looks. However, Ivan's been known to impress on execution over his sketches.
These looks are definitely more signature Ivan - the second-to-left look in particular is adorable and youthful but still retro-inspired. A look of the success of these looks will depend on fabric - hopefully a lot of silks and flowy fabrics over more heavy-handed knits.
[Photos by Cody Litdke]
[Photo courtesy Ray Shan]
Designer: Ivan Idland
Designer: Max Lorhbach
Designer: Calpurnia Peach
Designer: Emma Berg
Designer: Kerry Riley of Needle & Black
Designer: Laura Fulk
[Photo by Sohail Justin Akhavein]
[Photo by Nic Marshall] 
[Flyer design by Caroline Royce]
"XXX" (acai-blueberry-pomegranate): Laura Fulk
[Flyer design by Caroline Royce]
