In review: Blasphemina's Closet's "L'ecole de mode" fashion show

I did a quick review for Vita.mn's "Last Night" series on the Blasphemina's Closet fashion show, L'ecole de Mode, last Thursday.

Last Thursday, I descended into hell - Hell's Kitchen, that is - for the debut solo fashion show by local line Blasphemina's Closet. Designer Samantha Rei eschews the oft-used labels for her work - Lolita, steampunk, neo-Victorian - but her aesthetic definitely incorporates elements of each niche genre: ruffles, corsetry, bustiers and bustles. Click here for more.


More:

• Mary O'Regan takes some nice shots and offers a short review for her blog, Art of Wore.
• Photographer Photosynthetique has some photos from the show.
• Janie Marie tooks photos.
• Bionic Unicorn's jewelry from the show is available on Etsy.

Local fashion link roundup

[Designs by Frances Zerr. Photos by katherine j photography]

• METRO Magazine fashion editor Mary O'Regan spotlights 2011 METRO Keeper Award winner Frances Zerr for her blog Art of Wore.
• Knitwear designer Annie Larson is spotlighted in the latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.
• Annie Larson designs laptop-sleeve sweaters.
• Cliche's Avoid the Grey inspiration explores spring 2011 trends.
• Fashion designer Mackenzie Labine tries on - and reviews - wedding dresses from local shops for her upcoming nuptuals.
• Minnesota-bred model Raina Hein has been offered a role in a short film.
• Sara Glassman profiles the home of a stylish local couple for Star Tribune.
• Ellen Dahl Lawson captures the stylish crowd at the final night of the 501 Club for Vita.mn.
• The ride blog interviews Jared Zachary of local men's neckwear line Freedom From Doubt.
• The Minnesota Historical Society offers a preview of RetroRama 2011.
• FairShadow Photography shoots local clothing line Blasphemina's Closet at the Landmark Center.
• Local jewelry designer Kristin Berwald of Bionic Unicorn previews her spring jewelry collections.
• Salon Takeover's Tabatha Coffey was in town this past weekend to sign copies of her new book at the MOA; Sara Glassman does a Q&A with the stylist on her haircut tips for Star Tribune.
• Mpls.St.Paul's Allison Kaplan hangs out with Tabatha Coffey at the MOA.
• Ellen Dahl surveys the crowd at last Thursday's "Recess" dance night at the Varsity Theater.
• Check out recaps of last Thursday's the Spring MNfashion Week Buyer Event by Sara Glassman for PopFizz Daily, Metromix, Examiner, and Stacey Tuthill Rammer (with photos by Emily Utne) for City Pages. My recap for Vita.mn is here.
• Sara Glassman spotlights local acrylic jewelry designer (and Voltage 2011 designer for Frances Zerr) Jennifer Merchant for PopFizz Daily.

Just announced: Avoid the Grey, L'école de la mode, Sol Inspirations

[Originally posted at Vita.mn]

It may still be December, but spring fashion shows are already being announced.

[Inspiration image for "Avoid the Grey"]

On January 29, local boutique Cliché will bring back its annual late-winter show, "Avoid the Grey." It gives local designers the chance to debut their spring lines early, but also expect some designs that should get Minnesotans through the chilly coming months in style. This year's theme is "jailhouse rock," with retro mugshots serving as styling inspiration. The 40-plus clothing and accessory designers featured include Maritza Ramirez, Needle & Black by Kerry Riley, Ivan Idland and Jenny Carle. (Time & ticket cost TBA. Old Arizona Theater, 2821 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. More info at clichempls.blogspot.com.)

[Blasphemina's Closet; Photo courtesy Minneapolis Institute of Arts]

Minnesota-based neo-Victorian line Blasphemina's Closet has gotten national attention for its exquisitely-crafted, ruffled confections. On March 3, designer Samantha Rei will be presenting her first solo show, "L'école de la mode," featuring her full spring 2011 collection. The runway show will be presented to a soundtrack by local folk-goth rock duo Skittish. Blasphemina's Closet look books will be for sale, with proceeds going to the Civil Society. (9 p.m. $10. 18-plus. Hell's Kitchen, 80 9th St S., Mpls. More info at Facebook)

[Sol Inspirations Promo Photo Courtesy Ignite Models]

On April 23, MNfashion Week gets extended with the Sol Inspirations Eco Fashion Gala & Fundraiser. The highlight of the show from the minds of Ignite Models Inc. should be the eco-friendly fashion design competition, with a $5,000 grand prize. Designers can enter now by visiting sol-inspirations.org (with a February 1 deadline). It will also include a silent auction, green vendors, live music and an eco-fashion show debuting the finalists of the competition. Proceeds benefit the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society and The Grameen Foundation. (Doors at 7 p.m. $35 general admission, $75 VIP (reserved seating). The Depot, 225 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis. sol-inspirations.org)

Voltage: Fashion Amplified was announced a couple of months ago, taking place April 15 at First Avenue. Runway designers include Raul Osorio, Danielle Everine, Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Frances Zerr, Terri Martin, Kathryn V., Sarah M. Holm, Rachel Blomgren, and Tim & Thom, with bands including Phantom Tails, Me and My Arrow, Fort Wilson Riot, Communist Daughter, and Pink Mink. Spring 2011 MNfashion Week will officially take place April 10-16, though events throughout the month of April should be expected. Details have yet to be announced, but watch mnfashion.org for updates.

MIA's Third Thursday presented by MNfashion: Samantha Rei

On November 18, four designers will show three pieces each based off of works in the MIA's permanent collection. In partnership with MNfashion, this event challenges some innovative local fashion designers to reimagine art as fashion. Here are inspiration images and sketches by Samantha Rei of Blasphemina's Closet.






Click here for more info on the event.