by Rebecca Omastiak
The well-dressed and fashion-forward filled the adjacent rooms on Graves 601 Hotel’s fifth floor for the ENVISION: Artopia 2012 fashion show Friday night.
Celebrating its 11th season, ENVISION is the Twin Cities’ largest fashion event and features a multitude of local talent. The show included looks from local designers and boutiques as well as a RAW Visual Artist silent auction. Proceeds from ENVISION ticket sales and silent auction sales benefit Free Arts Minnesota, an organization dedicated to promoting artistic expression among impoverished, homeless, abused, and mentally ill youth.
Guests noshed on treats from Barbette, CRAVE, and Forepaugh’s Restaurant and sipped on trendy cocktails while perusing glamourous jewelry, makeup from Sigma Makeup, and paints and pencils from Blick Art Materials.
As 10 p.m., the runway show’s start time, neared, Twin Cities’ beautiful people filed into the ballroom for the main event. The lights dimmed, DJ Bryan Gerrard commenced, and technicians illuminated the runway.
The first half of the runway show featured bold and luxe looks for fall. Fitted dresses, gold jewelry, and rich, burgundy knit sweaters by Amanda Christine mixed with downtown-ready patterned jackets and blouses and sleek skinny pants by Drama.
(Looks from Amanda Christine and Drama)
Martinpatrick3 presented a refreshing take on menswear, pairing classic pieces such as button-down shirts and chino pants with brightly patterned bow ties, jackets, and scarves.
(Looks from martinpatrick3)
Kayna Hobbs & Jenny Hessman featured a memorable, gold-studded leather ensemble, deLange designs layered delicate lace over richly-hued dresses, and Roe Wolfe adhered to clean and elegant with trench coats and slim skirts.
(Looks from Kayna Hobbs & Jenny Hessman, deLange designs, and Roe Wolfe)
After a brief intermission, the second half of the runway show began, truly showcasing the designers’ creative liberties. Layered gold chain necklaces, silky gold leggings, and bright and busy patterns filled Kjurek‘s collection while fur-collared plaid coats dominated Local Motion‘s.
(Looks from Kjurek and Local Motion)
The Atmosfere men’s line focused on layers and effortlessly combined multiple patterns in a singular look. Standout looks from Cliché included gold flowered headwear and a full-length plaid skirt with a slit to rival Angelina Jolie’s.
(Looks from Atmosfere)
The show was a success, with chairs full and standing room crowded. Combining local restaurants, art, and ready-to-wear fashion, ENVISION was the perfect way to kick off MNfashion Week.
