Style + Nightlife Notes for 10.8-10.14
by Jahna Peloquin on Oct.08, 2009, under Style & Nightlife
It’s a stylish weekend in St. Paul with the opening of new men’s store BlackBlue, a fashion show from longtime local designer Hazel Matthys, the expansion of Heimie’s Haberdashery into womenswear, and a headlining show from British rockers The Horrors.

BlackBlue
THURSDAY: BlackBlue Grand Opening, Hazel Matthys + “Angels and Divas”
The Twin Cities seems to be in dire need of shops that cater to the style-conscious man, so the arrival of well-edited menswear boutique BlackBlue in St. Paul comes as a welcome addition to the Selby & Dale intersection. Look for classic plaids by Pendleton and mod-style polos from Original Penguin and Fred Perry, as well as shoes and accessories. The grand opening will feature champagne, wine, cheese and music – and probably lots of hip, good-looking dudes. (7-10 p.m. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul.) Bonus: Read my interview with BlackBlue’s Steve Kang in l’etoile.
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A sketch from Hazel Matthys' S/S 2010 collection
Local designer Hazel Matthys has emerged from an apparent hiatus to show her first collection since spring 2008. The Twin Cities designer, who has over ten years of industry experience under her belt, had always been a standout at the then-annual DIFFA/DIVA fashion shows. Her ultra-feminine yet classic looks will be shown with accompaniment from composer/pianist Steven C. (6:15 p.m cocktail hour, 7:15 p.m. show. Free with RSVP to bias@hazelmatthys.com. 340 Summit Ave., St. Paul.)
Tonight is also the “Angels and Divas” fashion show at the super-fancy St. Paul Hotel to benefit the Angel Foundation, which provides non-medical emergency financial assistance to adult cancer patients. The show will feature fashions from St. Paul shop Hot Mama as well as Zelaz, La Rue Marche and Just Cause Jewelry. (6-8:30 p.m. $50. St. Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul. 651-292-9292.)

Katherine Hepburn
FRIDAY: Heimie’s Ladies Fall Celebration
Until now, Heimie’s Haberdashery had catered primarily to the man who appreciates a well-cut suit. Though custom apparel has previously been available for women, Heimie’s female fans should be excited to hear that the old-fashioned custom clothier located in the heart of downtown St. Paul is launching its own ready-to-wear womenswear department this fall. The launch event includes Heimie’s custom ladies’ clothing and accessories, said to be inspired by Katharine Hepburn and designed in-house with all-natural fibers, while enjoying live music, food, and wine. (400 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-224-2354.)

The Horrors
SATURDAY: The Horrors at Turf Club
It could be said that no band out there is quite as stylish as British quintet The Horrors. Hot off the success of its debut album, Strange House, the band quickly shot to success landing the front cover on the UK’s music mag NME, an appearance on the upcoming Gorillaz album, and a Mercury Prize nomination. The band is touring in support of its sophomore effort Primary Colours, full of polished indie-rock that belies its goth-y looks. The band also has a local connection: Rhys Webb is the son of British ex-pats Tim and Mo Webb, owners of local sunglasses company Glasses Webb. (9 p.m. $13. Turf Club, 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

Dean Magraw
SUNDAY: Benefit for Dean Magraw at Artists’ Quarter
Local musician Dean Magraw’s friends are rallying to his aid with this benefit show as he works to recover from a bone marrow transplant. The day-long benefit concert will feature many Artists’ Quarter regulars, including Jay Epstein, Dave Karr Quartet, and JT Bates. A silent auction featuring sports tickets, wine and liquor, and CDs and vinyl as well as proceeds from ticket sales will go toward Magraw’s medical expenses. (3 p.m.-midnight. 308 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-292-1359.)

Fair to Midland
MONDAY: Fair to Midland at The Rock
The term “heavy metal” might draw eye-searing images of long hair, tight pants, and eyeliner to mind. But believe it or not, metal is back – though it doesn’t share much in common with the hair metal of yore. This kind of metal is spacey, proggy, and of course, loud. Texas’ Fair to Midland is one such metal band, distinguished by warped song structures and guys who really know how to shred. (7 p.m. $13-16. The Rock, 2029 Woodlynn Av. Maplewood. 651-770-7822.)

