A nail design contest. A fashion show celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. The Minnesota Met Gala with its impressive dresses.
For organizer Natalie Morrow, introducing new artists and events is a must when hosting Black Fashion Week MN (BFWMN), and the upcoming spring lineup, which includes events running May 5-13, is no exception.
“What we’re really focused on is that there’s a lot of creative talent in the Twin Cities,” Morrow said. “Our focus is [and highlight] It brings out new designers, new creative artists, new models and really grows the community.”
As well as introducing new faces, Morrow is keen to introduce new events to the biannual series, including a competition where participants will have to design nails to match an outfit made by a local designer, as nail art is popular at the moment.
Morrow was inspired by gymnast Suni Lee, who showed off designer nails at the 2020 Olympics and brought style to her fingertips. “All of a sudden, nails are trending,” Morrow says. “They’re a big part of fashion. They’re part of how we dress, how we look.”
While BFWMN founders are eager to introduce new events, they hope at least one will become a long-standing tradition: the Minnesota Met Gala, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. For the first time, attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best attire while enjoying a fashion show that spotlights local clothing and accessory designers.
“When you think of the Met Gala, you think of New York,” Morrow said. “We should have the Met Gala because [one of the top] This is the best talent in the country in arts and culture in general.”
Morrow emphasized that BFWMN is open to everyone who shares a love of creative art and design, on and off the runway.
“We welcome everyone,” she said. “We want to bring together talent from different ethnicities. The idea is to work together to create a diverse fashion week.”
Want to check out the latest local design talent? Here’s the lineup:
For more information, visit facebook.com/bfwmn
BFWMN Fashion Soiree: The kickoff event is a chance to mingle with this year’s Black Fashion Week MN team and purchase discounted tickets to upcoming BFWMN shows. Music and giveaways are also part of the event. (May 5, 6:30 p.m.; $15. Juut Salonspa Creative Hub, 1315 Harmon Place, Mpls.)
FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER: Musician and educator Chadwick “Niles” Phillips will co-host a fashion show fundraiser to support young people affected by vitiligo. The event will also feature poet Joe Davis and musician Buddy McLain, who will release new music. (May 6, 6 p.m.; $40-60; Juut Salonspa Creative Hub, 1315 Harmon Place, Mpls.)
Conversations with Stylists: Local stylists talk about how they got started in the industry and how they create the latest styles. This networking event will feature light snacks and beverages. (May 7, 3 p.m.; $25; The District Edina, 7777 Washington Av. S., Edina)
Fashion & Nail Show: Thanks to local heroes like Suni Lee bringing artsy, highly designed, flashy nails to the global forefront, the trend has become a global phenomenon. But it’s been a part of Twin Cities culture for a long time and continues to grow stronger. The show will spotlight the creativity of local nail technicians who come up with designs to match clothes from local designers. (May 10, 6 p.m.; $15-30; Neu Neu Event Space, 514 N. 3rd St., Minneapolis.)
Super Dope Super Fly Super Fresh Fashion Show: Leticia Degante, Mattie Nunn, and performers to be announced at a later date. (May 11, 7 p.m.; $20-40; Neu Neu Event Space, 514 N. 3rd St., Mpls.)
Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Street Wear Fashion Show: Celebrating hip hop through fashion, music and performance, this show features designers specializing in everything from activewear to couture. More than a half-dozen designers, including Sonelle Couture and NoExcuses Brand, will show off their latest work. Looks from main sponsor Puma will also be part of the show. (May 12, 7 p.m.; $20-50; W Minneapolis — The Foshay, 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls.)
MN Met Gala: The Twin Cities’ first-ever Met Gala is a great opportunity to get dressed up. Featured designers include Rox Jewelry, Lexurie Collection, Von Taylor, BernGouba, Neekmolac and Rammy Mohamed of Ramadan Designs. (May 13, 1:30 p.m.: $50-$75. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls.)
