Design Notes: MNfashion Takes Center Stage

Fashion Week will candidly commence next month, just in time for the parade of high heels, classic trench coats, and fancy cocktails.  Spearheaded by MNfashion, the city of Minneapolis will take on a full week of runway shows, boutique presentations, gala dinners, and exhibits.

Poised as one of the most successful fashion events in the city, MNfashion Week makes no qualms about carrying the local fashion industry from budding, to established. Graced by multitalented artisans, supporting musicians, and well organized producers, it would be wise to pencil in a few dates as not to miss any of the action.  

With most of the runway shows being conveniently located at the MNfashion Atrium in NE, the fashion industry will survey collections by well known designers like George Moskal, Emma Berg, CounterCouture, and Kevin Kramp.  There will also be many satellite presentations and trunk shows throughout the week, all exceptionally detailed on the MNfashion Week website.

The events will all begin with Envision's annual Artopia on the 9th of April, and close with the Venus & Gaia Spring Celebration on the the 17th of April.  In preparation for the big week, we asked Angie Arner, Publicity Director for MNfashion a few questions.

Have a look…

Publicity Director MNfashion, Angie Arner

What have been the most important steps in securing MNfashion Week as a solidified event thus far?
We strive to uphold a standard for the community we're striving to create here. Thus, how we register events have changed, who we're targeting has changed, and the direction we're moving is one that is inclusive of things that whole heartedly further the growth of an industry.

Is there a selection process for the collections that are being presented at the MNfashion Atrium?
Since Pale Rider received such rave reviews, we had to make sure that we evolved this series to a place that would knock people's socks off the next time around. So the MNfashion Week committee developed a short list of people we wanted to reach out to. These were people that have showed success locally and had definite prospect of becoming a viable, sustainable brand.

The MNfashion industry can barely be referred to as local anymore, for a majority of the designers involved are nationally recognized.  What do you believe to be some of the elements that have contributed to the growth and interest in fashion within the MN community?
In my opinion, Minnesotan designers are driven by style as a overarching concept of what really works and looks good, not necessarily by passing trends. We recognize function, quality, and the need for fashion to represent personal style. We've gained the support and loyalty of local press, and national media are starting to catch wind of the innovation happening right here in the heartland. We're still trying to align our production timelines with the industry standard for national buyers and once that happens I have no doubt that we'll continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Lastly, the volunteer staff at MNfashion work their tails off to develop an organized central hub for the design community and without their dedication we would be a leaderless group of the most talented people I have ever met.

Visit MNFashion Week for updates and presentation times.  Keep it locked on Frank151 for full coverage, interviews and Studio Visits.

Images © MNfashion