With Black Fashion Week MN’s spring event taking place May 3-11, founder Natalie Morrow aims to give local designers some long-overdue exposure in the spotlight.
“My goal is to bring attention to the fact that Minnesota has fashion and we have incredibly talented designers and models,” she said. “I hope that the industry as well as the local community will buy clothes from them and support them.”
Morrow aims to keep things fresh with Black Fashion Week, which takes place in the spring and fall: This spring’s shows will bring back the popular, impressively dressed Minnesota Met Gala and spotlight well-known artists, while also adding themed events and up-and-coming designers to the lineup.
“We’re excited to show the versatility of these designers,” Morrow says. “Some people emphasize upcycling and reusing, which I think is a great thing to think about.”
Want to experience Spring Week for yourself? Here’s a list of events (visit facebook.com/bfwmn for more information):
LUXURY LOOKS: Luxury cars and fashion meet runway looks, featuring local designer Alexis Brazil’s “Lexurie” collection and designer and drag personality Julia Starr, a “Sew Fierce” Season 2 contestant. (7 p.m. May 3. Tickets start at $25. Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Av. N., Mpls. eventbrite.com)
Black Girl Magic Fashion Show: Fashions from KPalace, Dolly the Designer and more. (May 9, 6:30 p.m.; $30-$50. The Neu Neu, 514 N. 3rd St., Mpls. eventbrite.com)
THE STREETS ARE WATCHIN’: Fashion runway show by various designers including YNC Fashion, FRM Merch, Wet by Bre and more. (May 10, 7 p.m.; $25-50. W. Mpls – The Foshay, 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls. eventbrite.com)
Minnesota Met Gala: Dress to impress with the theme “Be Iconic and Be Amazed.” (May 11, 4 p.m.; $30-$150. American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls.; eventbrite.com)
Melissa Walker contributed to this report.
