Avoid the Grey

Two weekends ago on February 4^th, TRAX staff member Madeline Riebe ventured to the annual Avoid the Grey fashion show hosted by Uptown’s favorite boutique for young, edgy, and eclectic styles: Cliché.

While the surrounding neighborhood seemed quiet and drab, entering the grand warehouse venue was like walking into a hip, undercover New York club. Upbeat techno music enhanced by a pop harp player boomed throughout the building as an artistic medley of psychedelic video clips projected on the wall. Fashionistas in high heels, LBDs, mink shawls, thick-rimmed glasses, and red lips were everywhere, clutching onto fancy drinks and mingling with Minneapolis’ happening in-crowd while getting their chance in the spotlight as professional photographers shot away.

However, no traditional runway or designated seating was to be found. Instead, five giant white boxes were dispersed throughout the room, each with several “peep holes” cut out for spectators to peer into which provided for an usual, interactive experience. Inside the boxes housed the creative visions of amazing local designers. Looking into them was like entering a fantasy world of fashion complete with complex scenery and dramatic lighting to evoke a personal message.

Rather than more marketable garments, the models were dressed in incredible, bizarre, artistic and extravagant costumes and makeup and had to act out their role in the scene. From a horned, woodland goddess to a glam Amazon woman in 12-inch yellow lace heels, each box awakened a unique perspective. Could this creative approach to apparel design be the new trend in fashion shows?

Avoid the Grey definitely pushed fashion “outside (or inside, rather) the box” and was a must-see event of the year.

Sad you missed out? Don’t worry, with Minneapolis/St. Paul fashion week approaching, here’s a list of other jaw-dropping shows to attend:

MNfashion Emerging Designer Showcase

Februrary 20^th, 6:00 pm @ CO Exhibitions Space

The Shows

February 21^st, 6:00 pm @ 514 Studios

RESURGENT

February 23^rd, 7:00 pm @ Amsterdam

Parc Boutique Trunk Show

February 25^th, 12:00 pm @ Parc Boutique

SnowGRADE  

February 25^th, 12:00 pm @ Architectural Antiques

Check out http://mnfashion.org/ for more info on the events

XOXO,

TRAX

By Madeline Riebe

Photo Cred Madeline Riebe