MNFashion Week has taken over the Twin Cities! Now in full swing, the bi-yearly showcase of local talent has yet again proved that Minnesota designers are a force to be reckoned with. With a bevy of fun events still on the roster for this weekend, you'll be hard pressed not to find a reason to don something sparkly. Along with a heaping helping of great art and music as per usual, the Twin Cities is a pretty exciting place to be this time around. Our advice? Plan your itinerary and plan it well.
xo-l'étoile
Photo by Chris McDuffie for l'etoile
look by Blasphemina's Closet/Accessories by Bionic Unicorn
look by Blasphemina's Closet/Accessories by Bionic Unicorn
ALSO THIS WEEK ON L'ETOILE
Jahna Peloquin & Richard Anderson review Envision: Artopia
Jahna Peloquin interviews Vision's Teqen Zea-Aida
Jahna Peloquin reviews Style Derby
Jahna Peloquin & Lauren Gantner update our Guide to Sales & Shopping
Jahna Peloquin & Lauren Gantner plan your MNFashion Week itinerary
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
Crosswalk
@ Cliche
2403 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
Forgoing its usual blowout runway show, local boutique Cliché instead is bringing its customer into the store - and out of it. Entitled "Crosswalk," the event cleverly puts the "street" in "streetwear" as models styled in fall looks from the store's national lines as well as new lines from local designers Tender Cuts, Kathryn V. and Niki English parade outside of the store and onto the crosswalk of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue. Though the show is apparently a cost-saving way to still showcase its local designers and latest offerings, Cliché is sure to make use of creative presentation and a novel concept to make for a truly memorable event. BONUS: During event all merchandise is 10 percent off.
Click HERE for the Cliche site
Click HERE for our complete guide to MNFashion Week
Photo by Cody Lidtke
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
WAM Chatter: Do Local Artists Count?
@ Weisman Art Museum
333 E. River Rd.
Minneapolis
7 p.m. / free
In the art world, so much of viewer reaction is conceptualized and internalized that artists may wonder “is anyone getting this?” Tonight, join local curators and artists as they explore what kind of an impact local art has on the scene and the community. Moderated by the Weisman's associate curator, Diane Mullin, the discussion's panelists include vice president of programming at the McKnight Foundation, Neal Cuthbert; MAEP associate, Tammy Sopinski Perlman; and local artist/editor of mnartists.org, Scott Stulen. Held in “pecha kucha” format, each panelist will have twenty seconds to present twenty slides supporting their argument. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and libations from the cash bar while you soak up the dialogue.
Bonus: Get to the Weisman before 6:15 and tour the re-contextualized exhibit, Ordinarily Here.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
Apryl Electra "Migration" Listening Party
@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis
9 p.m. / Free
On her debut album, From the Padded Cell of Suburbia, singer-songwriter Apryl Electra blew us away with her edgy piano rock ballads and a voice that packs a serious punch. Full of unexpected harmonies, Electra’s self-described “electracousticlash” songs speak of strength and empowerment twinged with a little bit of heartache--and that’s how we like them--especially considering that Electra plays all of the instruments herself. Tonight and Club Jager, Electra will hold a listening party celebrating the release of her second album, The Migration, an oh-so-fitting title considering this raw vegan chef by day is also moving to L.A. So join her for drinks, dancing, goodbye hugs, and a DJ set of '80s and '90s jams played by Boss Lady & The Associate and Electra herself.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY ART PICK: RALPH LEMON
What's l'etoile looking at this week?
New York based, Minneapolis raised artist Ralph Lemon calls himself a conceptualist, but we’d say that’s a bit modest. In reality, he’s quite the amalgam: dancer, actor, choreographer, writer, photographer, installation artist, former painter, and master of long-term creative research. Since 2004, Lemon has been engaged in The Walter Project, a series of works in collaboration with Walter Carter, a 102-year-old former sharecropper from the Mississippi Delta. Like many of Lemon’s previous pieces, the work-in-progress is multimedia, integrating film, movement, and theatrical elements to explore issues such as personal belief systems, morality, and space travel. Over the past seven years, Lemon has held several public sharings of his progress; though each new work is different from the one before, each explores the artistic, cultural, historic, and emotional material uncovered through Lemon’s time with Walter. Lucky for us, he’s bringing his next sharing back home to the Walker Art Center. Inspired by both myth and reality, “How Can You Stay in the House All Day and Not Go Anywhere?”, happening this weekend, delves into the ordinary, but inspiringly unique commonality of how one lives a life. A trifecta of dance performance, workshop and installation, this is a can't miss exhibit.
Click HERE for the Walker site
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
SGMS: Full Fashion Panic
@ MCAD
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis
6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show / $10
This year's edition of "Schoolgirls and Mobilesuits," the annual fashion portion of the weekend-long anime workshop/retreat at MCAD, Culture and Creation in Manga, doubles as a celebration of its 10 year anniversary. Produced by local neo-Victorian/steampunk afficionado Samantha Rei of Blasphemina's Closet, the show always features the latest in steampunk/Lolita/anime-inspired fashion from the Twin Cities and beyond, by students as well as established designers like Rei.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Click HERE for our full guide to MNFashion Week
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
Duane Ditty & Jack Pavlik opening
@ Gallery 122 at Hang It
122 8th Street SE
Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Jack Pavlik’s sculptures move. They also create music. And we’re not speaking in abstracts here, although we wouldn’t be surprised if Pavlik’s kinetic structures struck a chord. His latest move (no pun intended): teaming up with fellow Nordeast artist Duane Ditty to create “Atmosphere & Movement” at Gallery 122. While Ditty’s large-scale canvas paintings aren’t kinetic, the painter’s method of working and reworking allows for incredible special depth and a visible sense of process. Together, the artists convey notions of light, fluidity, and sensuality existing within the rigorous boundaries of geometric and architectonic form. The exhibit runs through November 20, but why wait? Catch the opening reception Friday at 7 p.m.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)
The $99 Sale
@ Soap Factory
518 Second St SE
Minneapolis
Friday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / $20
Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon / Free
Want cool art but don't wanna pay a bundle for it? Well, you're in luck! Part fab fundraiser, part aesthetic melée, The Soap Factory's $99 Sale features 5 x7” original, signed artwork donated from 200+ artists from across the country; one size and one flat price. Hone in on the next great artist, or just buy whatever strikes your fancy. Peruse through work by Jaime Carrera, Jesse Draxler, former l'etoile writer, Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Carolyn Kopecky, Alec Soth, Jehra Patrick and many, many more! Plus, get down to tunes by DJ Black Lacquer, sip on tasty cocktails and enjoy complimentary nosh from Restaurant Alma and Brasa Rotisserie. Arriving late isn't always a bad thing; pop in after 10pm and enter the sale for a mere 10 bones or come back the following day from 9-noon for the Morning After Sale at no admission fee and rifle through the remaining works priced at just $66 – it's a “morning after” event, you don't have to feel sheepish about!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD
Pale Rider
@ Grainbelt Bottling House
79 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis
7 p.m. / $15
Local designers Raul Osorio and Danielle Everine share a good deal aesethetically, but definitely have distinct styles on their own. Osorio is known for incorporating feminine, Grecian draping into tough, militaristic menswear; now we'll see his womenswear for the first time. Danielle Everine, on the other hand, is known for her menswear-inspired womenswear, while incorporating sculptural, fine art elements and highly conceptual garments that still manage to be wearable. For "Pale Rider," Everine is said to embrace traditional Wild West styling and the Biblical imagery of Revelations. Osorio's collection aims to explore the juxtaposition of hard lines, soft textures, masculine silhouettes and feminine lightness. One thing's for sure: both designers are ones to watch.
Bonus: Head to Honey after the show for the official after party, hosted by l'etoile & MNFashion!
Click HERE for the Facebook event page
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
Autumn Music & Movies: Mark Mallman + Star Wars
@ Lake Harriet Band Shell
42nd St and W Lake Harriet Pkwy
Minneapolis
8 p.m. / Free
There are only a few of these outdoor pairings left, so get your music 'n' movie-loving booty down to Lake Harriet Band Shell tonight to soak up the musical stylings of Mark Mallman and relish in the visual wonders of his nerd-appreciatory film pick: Star Wars. Be serenaded by the '70s-redolent, synthesized tunes of Mallman and his keys while the sun goes down and then snuggle up for Jedi-tastic screening of “Star Wars.” Load up on snacks and drinks on-site as well as awesome artist merch. And don't forget to bring a blanket; Autumn cold spares no one!
Click HERE for the Facebook event page
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
This is the Peter O'Tooles: A Fecking Adults Only Variety Show
@ Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis
10 p.m. / $10 ($8 students or w/ Fringe button)
Performance artists, thespians, musicians, social media whores...call them what you will. Max Sparber and Coco Mault (of the now-defunct naughtybilly phantasm, The Dirty Curls) always keep us guessing! What have the dynamic duo cooked up this time? Well, between writing plays and getting "Limerick Day" declared in Minneapolis, Max and Coco have developed a brand new Irish punk band complete with a hilarious name: The Peter O'Tooles. Tonight head to the BLB to witness their first official live performance--in a variety show format, no less--along with a clever cast of characters including St. Paul Poet Laureate Carol Connelly, singer/songwriter Martin Devaney, and food n' sex blogger Erica Rivera, author of the forthcoming book, Man Eater.
Click HERE for the Facebook page
Photo by Craig VanDerSchaegen
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
BOMP: ON THE RUN!!!
@Infinity Productions
Secret Location
10pm-4am / $5 with RSVP, $7 without
You can take away the venue, but you can’t kill the party! That’s the spirit of BOMP, formerly held at the now-defunct Bedlam Theater space. The monthly dance party is relocating to other stomping grounds, for the time being anyway. This week, you can find party rockers DJs Shannon Blowtorch, Moon Goons, Wes Winship, Get Cryphy, and Kid Vicious at the Infinity Productions studios, tearing it down and getting dirty. The renegade air is sure to add to the ferocious atmosphere that BOMP! always brings with it...this is one edition of the Minneapolis dance staple that you don’t want to miss.
Click HERE for the Facebook page
COOL LINK: MRS. LILIEN
What's l'etoile checkin' out on the web this week?
To add to your fashion week, we have found a totally savvy blog that is all about style. Say hello to your new best friend, design crush and style soul-mate Kelley Lilien A.K.A Mrs. Lilien! This lovely Cali lady knows everything about luscious eye-candy and flaunts tons of her weekly faves in her own whimsical and colorful “Styling House”. Peep tons of to-die-for décor, outfits for anywhere, gift guides, awesome accessories and so much more, all carefully hand-picked by this stylish Mrs. And to make things even cuter, all of her posts totally rhyme. Lovely!
Click HERE for the Mrs. Lilien site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
VFW Fall Block Party
@VFW Uptown
2916 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. / Outdoors all ages, After party 21+ / Free
Who says block parties have to end when summer does? Fall in the Twin Cities is a perfect reason to celebrate with some of the most talented local musicians around. Be sure to make your way down to the VFW in Uptown this Saturday for the extreme musical sensations of the buzz worthy Rogue Valley, Me and My Arrow, Fake Places, New Century Masters, the ever entertaining Fuck Knights, Pictures of Then, The 4onthefloor, Apollo Cobra, and Astronautalis - visiting all the way from Seattle. Now, there’s a lineup to rival any summer block party! Complete with the obligatory (and awesome) indoor after party with Hot Panda, We Became Actors, and Right From Rona.
Click HERE for the Facebook invite
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Jagerfest 2010
@ Clubhouse Jager
923 N Washington Ave
Minneapolis
6 p.m. / $7 from 6-10 & $3 from 10-2 / 21+
Fall is finally here. The temps are getting cooler, the leaves are getting crunchier and the parties are getting even more awesome! Clubhouse Jager is especially festive this weekend, kicking off Fall with their fourth annual Jagerfest celebration. Here’s the deal, all evening the clubhouse will be hosting tons of bands on the patio including The Parlour Suite, Pink Mink, Phantom Tails and more. Then, when the sun goes down, guests can get down to gritty grooves from the Wants vs Needs DJs. On top of that, Fox Tax will be supplying nummy nosh in addition to the already cheap drink specials from the Jager bar.
Click HERE for the Facebook event page
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Split Personality Launch Party
@ The Hub Bike Shop
301 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Free
New line Split Personality picked the perfect time to launch its collection of jewelry, cleverly crafted from recycled and new bike parts. Friends and cyclists Rachelle Thorpe and Hollie Olson created the line inspired by their love for fashion and biking. Head to the Hub Bike Co-op this Saturday to view their debut collection, buy up your favorite pieces (cash only), and snack on tasty treats and complimentary Surly beer.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Click HERE for our full guide to MNFashion Week
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Recent Work by Matt Franzen
@ Galleri M
4404 Abbott Ave. S.
Minneapolis
7 p.m. / Free
Google painter Matt Franzen, and you won’t find much, save that a collection of recent work will be opening at the equally ambiguous Galleri M. But if the intrigue alone isn’t enough to lure you, you should know that Franzen’s work is hauntingly gorgeous. Literally – ghostlike shapes and faces appear in several of his paintings, and even the subjects of his portraits seem strangely faded and disconnected. Color palates are poetically monotone, creating almost nightmarish atmospheres. Only you don’t exactly want to wake up from whatever it is Franzen has weaved. Be haunted yourself Saturday at the artist’s reception of “Unplugged” at Galleri M. If you can find it, that is.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
Orpheus & Eurydice
@ The Ordway
345 Washington St
St. Paul
8 p.m. / prices vary
Opera season has arrived! The Minnesota Opera kicks things off with a stylized production of Christoph Willibald Gluck's Orpheus & Eurydice. In a love story gone awry, Orpheus journeys to the underworld to rescue of his tragically killed lover, Eurydice. With "a voice so beautiful he can charm the gods," Orpheus uses his gifts to weasle his way into the beyond to be reunited with his muse. Bonus: Join Tempo (the Opera's young patrons group) to score discounted tickets AND be invited to an after party with the cast at Sakura featuring complimentary hors d'ouevres, a photo booth and tunes from Radio K DJs. Orpheus & Eurydice runs September 25, 28, 30, October 2 and 3.
Click HERE for the MN Opera site
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
BNLX EP #3 Release Party
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis
9:30 p.m. / 21+ / $5
When it came time for local buzz band BNLX to debut their hooky, Britrock sound, they did things old school: released an EP, played shows and builded some unique, mysterious hype – a refreshing reverse to most famed musicians these days. Comprised of former Polara leader, Ed Ackerson and wife Ashley of the Mood Swings, the duo dishes out everything from New Wave-y tracks and noisy indie rock to blues-ridden pop and Sonic Youth-esque lo-fi punk. Tonight, join the band as they celebrate the release of their latest EP – simply titled #3 – backed by a few of their personal local faves. The bash features live sets from rockers the Red Pens and Blue Sky Blackout, plus tunes from DJ Nob-E between bands and rumored special guests for an evening of rock 'n' roll at its absolute best.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR.
What's l'etoile listening to this week?
Despite naming themselves after a race car driver and donning NASCAR jumpsuits, this Detroit duo are the least Motor City band ever. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. play minimalistic electronic indie music using delicate synth and carefully chosen beats. They make explicit their affection for the Beach Boys and the Flaming Lips, but don't need layers upon layers of muddled effects that are impossible to distinguish from one another to create one of this season's perfect pop albums. Regardless of having one of the most cringe-worthy names in indie rock, one listen to the band's first single Vocal Chords and it's sure to end up on your iPod's heavy rotation.
Click HERE for the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. myspace
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
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