Twin Cities Fashion Scene

One of the things that I've been surprised about since being back in the Twin Cities is the ever-growing local fashion scene here. I should say that I am "pleasantly" surprised actually. For those of you who've known me for 10+ years, you would know that I've always been a believer and continued follower of fashion. You would also know that I was a part of the Twin Cities fashion scene dating all the way back to age 17 and modeling with Vision Models (the BEST agency in the Twin Cities!).  Back then, Vision, in my opinion, was responsible for changing the fashion scene here for good. They opened up doors to men and women of color, edgy-looking street kids and a bohemian soul party scene that previously was not as dominant. No other agency in town could compete with them for years and they continue to contribute a cultural flavor to this city that no one else really can touch. They are my good friends and my fashion family forever!

(I Feel Love Fashion Show/Photo by Ellen Dahl)

When I can squeeze it in, I always make an effort to go out and support the fashion scene here, which has now included highlighted events such as Voltage, an annual fashion rock show now in its 4th year. There's a great boutique in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood called Cliché, which sells fashion made by local designers and also holds its own fashion show and monthly events. Another great addition is L'etoile, an online magazine blog run by local fashionistas that stay busy reporting on the scene. However, my personal and in my opinion "legitimate" fashion event of the year here belongs to Macy's (formerly Marshall-Fields), the annual fundraiser known as Glamorama (previously FashBash) or also Macy's Passport.  I've attended a slew of these over the years here and the show is dialed in -- great models (although disappointingly they never seem to really book local models and if they do...of course they are Vision Models!), great production and big national special guests (music artists, celebrities, etc.). I've seen Lenny Kravitz and The B-52's in a very intimate setting during these events and the fashion is always great! Lastly, my fashionista friend/colleague Ellen Dahl can always be seen with her camera shooting the cutest/hip/cool street fashions for her own blog The Minneapoline.

(I Feel Love Fashion Show/Photo by Ellen Dahl)

It's nice to return almost 10 years later to see how fashionable this city has become because there was a time when it wasn't as prevalent. Big accolades to the Twin Cities because the fashion scene here is not over-saturated and new ideas and events still feel fresh. The community support, interest and enthusiasm for anyone involved in the fashion scene here is really commendable. Keep up the good work!