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On Thursday, October 6th, a number of local designers will band together to present a fresh spin on a staple garment. “Little Black Dress” will feature looks by local faves Max Lohrbach, Maritza Ramirez, Danielle Everine, Ivan Idland, Raul Osorio, Sarah Holm, Amanda Christine, George Moskal, Laura Fulk, Jenny Carle, Emma Berg, Jenn Bratvold and Nicole Larson. Each designer was invited to create their own version of the little black dress as well as a second look that encompasses their signature design style. Held at St. Paul’s newest and hippest joint, the Amsterdam Bar & Hall, Little Black Dress will surely make a glamorous splash as the venue’s first fashion event.

We got the low down from St. Paul fashion designer George Moskal, who will be showcasing his work at the event on Thursday…

The 651: The concept of the event “Little Black Dress” is pretty self-explanatory. How are the designers involved taking that simple concept and making it unique?

George Moskal: For me, fabric was important and finding something more dimensional that wasn’t just a solid or typical black fabric.  I chose a lacquered lace which gave me the texture I wanted,  levels of matte and sheen, as well as sheerness and opaqueness.  I like the duality of the fabric and was able to choose a more classic shape which I tried to keep more modern with inserts of another sheer lace and raw edges.  I like the additional texture you get at the edges leaving it raw.

Can you give us any hints as to what you’ll be making for your second look?

For my second look I wanted to choose a really bold color to offset the black.  I chose a fuchsia waffle weave silk crepe with a little bit of sheerness.  It’s so lovely to work with, so I chose to drape something with it and let the fabric almost do what it wants on the form.  I am controlling slightly by using a cording base and draping and cascading the fabric around the cord and body (as it sees fit).

Your studio is in St. Paul! As a working designer, what are your favorite or most inspiring things in the city?

I think first and foremost is my actual studio/home which is a converted warehouse with 2 walls of windows that lets in so much light and helps my creative process.  It makes me a bit of a recluse, but I need to be constantly creating whether it’s fashion, decorating my space, or cooking a great meal.  Other than that, I love getting outside and walking or running along the Mississippi.  There are a lot of great vintage clothing stores in St. Paul which is always fun.  So much great architecture, especially on Cathedral Hill and Summit Avenue.  So, I love absorbing as much of that area’s great restaurants, book store, and shops.  I live downtown, so there are a lot of great restaurants and a wine bar within walking distance and we have the best Farmer’s Market in the Twin Cities.  The Art Crawl twice a year is also a great reason to visit and I have shown work in the past.  I Love St. Paul!

Aside from a “little black dress” what accessory or item do you think a woman absolutely needs to have?

It probably doesn’t help me as a designer, but I have always thought that a great haircut and a good pair of shoes are the most important piece of both a woman’s and man’s wardrobe.  That and self confidence!

What projects are you working on this year?  

I am working on Fall ’12 which I plan to show next Spring during MNfashion Week to give me more time to produce for prospective clients.  I have had my line sketches created and fabric for months, and am now in the patterning stage.  I am playing up some of the darkness and avant garde aspects that inspired my early work but making it more refined and accessible for the woman of today.  There is a certain artist/poet that has inspired my work for awhile and listening to that while I work has really helped the creative process.

EVENT INFO:

Thursday, October 6th // 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.
Attendees must be at least 21 to attend.
Runway will occur promptly at 8:30.
Validated parking will provided in the Lawson Ramp (connected to the venue). Entrance to the Ramp is on 5th St between St Peter and Wabasha.

For additional details visit the Facebook page HERE.

For more info on George Moskal’s designs visit his site HERE.