FWMN Recap Part I: Fall Feels, Local Love

Danielle Everine's Exhibition at City Wide Artists.

Looks all about color, prints, patterns, and layering. / Photo: FWMN

​There’s no doubt that I’m more of a Summer girl, but I love Fall for a few reasons- sunny days, crisp air, and most importantly, Fall Fashion. After following along in New York's and Milan’s fashion weeks, I was beyond excited for Minnesota’s unique take with Fashion Week MN.

The first event I attended was award-winning local designer Danielle Everine's. She's a Project Runway alumni, and her Fall/Winter collection this year was inspired by Matryoshka nesting dolls and their predecessors, Japanese Daruma dolls. Her show was at a local gallery, City Wide Artists. It’s a really cool space, right on Nicollet Ave. The place was lighting the street up- there was a crowd of people talking and laughing outside. I met up with my girl Emmi Ro and we headed inside, which was packed and buzzing with stylish personas many who I recognized as favorite local fashion icons- obviously looking fab! 

Instead of a traditional runway, the event had a very interactive feel. When we first walked in, we got 3D glasses. The venue was bright, and the walls were lined with beautiful paintings and photographs. We checked out some of the art- it was extremely powerful, and there was a book that explained the significance many of the pieces had to culture, race, and more. 

We got there right on time- soon, the atmosphere quieted and everyone moved to provide a path for the models. 

The models walk through the gallery in a makeshift runway. / Photo: FWMN

All the details! / Photo: FWMN

Rainboots pull the collection together and contrast with the prints and patterns of the pieces. / Photo: FWMN

​They were absolutely gorgeous- they strutted in the makeshift runway and the beautiful details of Danielle’s inspiration were apparent. When I chatted with her later in the show, she explained her use of layering, prints, and her muses for the collection. Each model wore beautifully layered looks, but each piece stood alone, too. I loved that Danielle incorporated plaid, a Minnesota Fall favorite. Ornate patterns, sheer details, ruffles, and more made an appearance, too, and all the models wore black rain boots, which pulled the collection together and added a funky feel. 

After their walk, the models spaced themselves out across the gallery, coordinating with the art on the walls. Danielle also explained that the 3D glasses were meant to show a different perspective around the color and patterns in both her designs and the art. I spoke to one of the models, who was from Austin, Minnesota where she attended college. She had come into town for Fashion Week and had gotten to be a part of another show as well. It was such a cool experience to be able to interact with the models and with Danielle, as well as meet other fashion fans. Danielle’s collection went live for sale online during and after the show, which was a great way for people to support her talent and wear pieces right from Fashion Week. Emmi snagged an amazing piece right away!

Shopping your closet works for sustainable, fun outfits to big events, too.

In the past, my excitement for Fashion Week would give me a reason to get a new outfit (or a few!). This event was the second big event after I started my sustainable fashion journey, part of which is buying less and reusing more. (The first was one of my closest friend's weddings.) I pulled out this neutral jumpsuit I had worn for a Girl's Night Out earlier this year. I love that it's got a ton of print, balanced by the muted neutral colors. I paired it with my embroidered fringe vest- I actually got this vest at Forever 21 a few seasons ago (can you believe it?!) and have loved it ever since. The colors coordinated great, and let me add a pop of white with my favorite chunky platforms. I piled my hair into a big bun on top of my head, added some glowy make-up, and finished the look with my scalloped "Ooh La La" clutch and metallic jeweled cuff, which was a gift from family in India.

I actually loved that every piece I was wearing meant something to me and had a story- it's all about the details! And, as a stylist, I love reusing and repurposing totally different pieces into unique looks. (Interested? Read more tips on Shopping Your Closet in my blog post.) 

I wish I had gotten to check out more #FWMN shows, but absolutely loved Danielle's exhibition. Stay tuned for Part II of my Fashion Week experience, Michelle Raven's (@thriftstylist) oh-so-anticipated vintage and high end exhibition and pop-up shop. A sustainable pop-up shop bringing local businesses together and donating all profits to the amazing Arc was an official Fashion Week event- this is why I love FWMN! 

Did you get to any Fashion Week events? Who are your favorite local designers and artists? I'm always looking to be inspired. Leave me a comment below!

Thanks for reading!
XO 
Sameena 

Sources:
Fashion Week MN 
Danielle Everine
​Citywide Artists