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Situated on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, the Goldstein Museum of Design is like our very own mini-MOMA right in our backyard. Unfortunately, few of us have been lucky enough to take a peek inside the Goldstein’s 26,000-strong collection of designer garments running the span of the 20th century. But now, thanks to a grant it recently received, the Goldstein is currently in the process of creating a digital database of its vast collection of clothing, shoes, hats and accessories, thanks to a grant it recently received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Eventually to be made viewable in an online database, it’s part of a measure to increase access to the collections to the public, and increase the use of the collection as a research tool. “This new database will transform the way students, staff, and volunteers interact with the collection, improving the quality and efficiency of GMD’s service and dramatically increasing the number of people who benefit by this resource,” said Lin Nelson-Mayson, Goldstein director in a press release about the project.

So far, they’ve posted some preview images at their facebook page and the Goldstein website, and items range from flowered rayon chiffon afternoon dress from the late 1930s, a Repousse art nouveau vanity case from 1925, and brown leather riding boots from the 1950s.

The museum itself also have some items from the project on display as well as large-scale prints of some of the photographs.

While you’re there, check out these upcoming exhibits:

“Off the Top of My Head: Hat Habitats”
This exhibition features the work of artists Cynthia Rapacz and Ryan Haro, exhibiting a melange of artistry including photography, design, fashion and architecture that become fanciful vignettes of the life of the hat.
Opening reception 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, June 4; ongoing through September 3.

“Flights of Fancy: Feathers in Fashion”
Flights of Fancy is a colorful and thought-provoking exhibition that explores the historical and contemporary use of feathers in western fashion. Visitors will be invited to examine the function of feathers in nature, the historical feather trade and activism against it, and the psychological appeal of wearing feathers. Feathered apparel from the late 19th through the 20th centuries from the GMD collection will be on exhibit including garments designed by Bill Blass, Sonia Rykiel, Victor Costa, and Oscar de la Renta. The opening reception will feature curator talks, a live-bird display and talk from the UMN Raptor center, and food & drinks. Please join us!
opening reception 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 11; ongoing through September 8. Visit goldstein.che.umn.edu for more info.

The Goldstein is located at 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434.

[Images courtesy of Goldstein Museum of Design]

MNfashion Week is one of our favorite times of the year. When else can you have so many stylish events packed in a one-week period? Of course, this spring it’s more like MNfashion Month, with fashion shows and events happening throughout the month of April. There’s so much going on, we can understand if you feel overwhelmed – so to help you out, we’re highlighting the must-be-at events in St. Paul, as well as offering a comprehensive listing of the rest.

WEEK OF APRIL 19-25:

Christopher Straub Premier Collection (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Former Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub has kept himself very busy since appearing on the sixth season (and coming in fourth) of the reality show. He opened an e-shop, announced an accessories line for ShopNBC, created a dress out of packaging from the Project Runway Wii game, and will be participating in Voltage as a handbag designer for PFT Couture and Emma Berg’s lines. This spring, he’s showcasing his very first full men’s and women’s clothing collections (accompanied by accessories, of course). Tickets are $15 to $50 and available online at www.vitalculture.com. (Pictured: A sketch from Christopher Straub’s Spring 2010 collection.)
When: 4-8 p.m. (5:30 p.m. show.) Sunday, April 25.
Where: Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul. www.christopherstraub.com

Saturday: A Man’s Show (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Guys don’t ever seem to get as much attention as the ladies in the fashion scene. Fellas, feel neglected no more. This runway show will feature sartorial options from VState, Elsworth, Details Style Lab, and eyewear from the Spectacle Shoppe. Live music from the School of Rock’s student band Road Crew will provide a rockin’ accompaniment to the runway show, which includes an all-underwear segment. You can buy a retail discount ($10 for 10 percent up to $30 for 30 percent) for any of the retailers involved for a $5 donation, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities. Free, but be sure to RSVP at event@detailsmn.com.
When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, April 24. (Pictured: A spring look from Elsworth; photo by Chris McDuffie.)
Where: Lowry Theater, 16 W. 5th St., St. Paul. Details Style Lab: 651-251-8700. www.detailsmn.com

Thursday-Tuesday: “The Office on Film” (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Presented in conjuction with the Goldstein’s current exhibition, “How Secretaries Changed the 20th Century Office: Design, Image, and Culture,” this film series highlights secretaries’ role in the working world over the years. Tuesday evening, the series kicks off with Skyscraper Souls, set during the market crash in the 1930s as romantic and financial entanglements provide the backdrop to costumes that range from day to evening. On Wednesday, Joan Crawford stars as a tough lady-boss in 1950s-era The Best of Everything. The series finishes off with over-the-top big-hair ‘80s classic Nine to Five – that’s right, the one starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Free. (Pictured: Joan Crawford in The Best of Everything.)
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 20-Thursday, April 22.
Where: Goldstein Museum of Design, 32 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul. 612-624-7434. www.goldstein.design.umn.edu

Saturday & Sunday: Bibelot Spring Sale
What: Locally-owned gift and accessory shop Bibelot is hosting its spring sale at all four locations and its e-shop. Take 20 percent off storewide on jewelry, gifts, clothing and stationary, and get a $10 gift card when you spend $100 or more. (Pictured: Anne Garrison moon earrings.)
When: Saturday, April 24 & Sunday, April 25.
Where: Grand Avenue: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-0321. Como: 2276 Como Avenue St. Paul, 651-646-5651. www.bibelotshops.com

Thursday: Shop Local at Picky Girl (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: St. Paul boutique Picky Girl showcases its collection of local designer wares at its MNfashion Week event – including our favorite local design duo, Calpurnia Peach. The whimsical clothing line for the girly-girl with good taste and a heart for story-telling features original hand-drawn screenprints in a bright sherbert color palette. Other local lines featured include handbags by Nelle, Post-, and Rapport, and accessories Julian Capelle and Perfect Pumps, with complimentary drinks and apps from D’Amico. The event also doubles as the launch of the “Picky Perks” card: With a $100 purchase of regular-priced merchandise, you’ll receive a Picky Perks card good toward future purchases. Simply present the card with each visit and receive 10 percent off all regular-priced merchandise (good through one year), and 25 percent off any purchase during your birthday week. (Pictured: A Spring 2010 look by Calpurnia Peach; photo by Lauren Gantner.)
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107. www.pickygirlmn.com

Thursday: Carrie Cordelia Handbags Trunk Show (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Check out the new handbag line by Carrie Cordelia at this launch party and trunk show at W7 Collective. The line incorporates a creative application of high-tech fabrics and traditional materials, with designs incorporating feminine silhouettes and a gender-neutral aesthetic that should appeal to women and men alike. While you’re there, enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres and wine, and if you RSVP to the show, you’ll receive a discount card for 20 percent off at the event.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
Where: W7 Collective, Pilney Building, 1032 7th St. W., St. Paul. www.w7collective.com

Spring Promotions at FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa
What: Mark your calendars for May 1 and make a date with Mom: FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa will be hosting a Smashbox Saturday event just in time for Mother’s Day. For $75, you’ll get a makeup application redeemable for Smashbox product, a photo session, a printed photo and refreshments. (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Also May 8. Appointment required.) Now through May 8, buy a $50 gift card and receive a travel bag and two free 2-oz. samples of Bumble & Bumble product. Also while supplies last, buy a Dermalogica Daily Microfolian and receive a travel size Special Cleansing Gel and Active Moist for only $50 (an $80.50 value) – and through May, receive 10 percent off all Dermalogica products. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. Finally, for every three people you refer to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut – and each referred person receives a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
When: Ongoing through May.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon Spa & Gallery, 529 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839. www.526salon.qwestoffice.net.

BlackBlue Winter Sale + New Spring Offerings
What: BlackBlue has finally made the full transition into Spring. The hot men’s shop has just received shipments from Original Penguin and Hyden Yoo, in addition to Fred Perry, Shades of Greige, Tretorn, and more styles of Red Wing Boots as well as a fresh stock of A.P.C. denim in both the New and Petit Standard. While you’re there, fall clothing at men’s boutique BlackBlue has just recently undergone another round of markdowns with some items over 50 percent off. Brands include: F-Trope, Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn.
When: Ongoing while supplies last.
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.

Friday: Elinor Grand Opening
What: St. Paul welcomes a brand new boutique, featuring the work of area fiber artists and jewelers (many of whom can typically be found at juried art fair venues such as the American Craft Council Show). Pieces ranging from sophisticated and sleek to whimsical and eclectic. Meet the artists, or swing by over the weekend during the St. Paul Art Crawl.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 23. Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24. 12-5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
Where: Elinor, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, http://elinor7.wordpress.com

Saturday & Sunday: Wearable Art Midwest at St. Paul Art Crawl
What: WAM (Wearable Art Midwest) collective capitalizes on the St. Paul Art Crawl this weekend with a sale featuring more than a dozen local designers and artisans showcasing handmade fashions and artwear. Everything from clothing, accessories, hats, bags, jewelry, scarves and more will be for sale, and many of the items are made from repurposed and recycled materials.
When: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24 & noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
Where: Downtown Embassy Suites, 175 E. 10th St., St. Paul, http://www.facebook.com/wearable.art.midwest

Content shared with the651.com partner l’étoile magazine.

This week, St. Paul shops gear up for Valentine’s Day with new sales, shopping events, and other stylish happenings. Take it all in, or pick and choose – there’s something here for everyone.

[Tees by Tilton]

Saturday & Sunday: Dream of Spring Event at Bonne Chance
Local artisans coalesce at St. Paul gift boutique Bonne Chance. Find hand-crafted jewelry, scarves and accessories. That includes Carole Hallman’s up-cycled slip dresses, hand dyed in bright colors, and trench coats; hand-bound journals by Robyn Priestley; and knit tees by Katherine Tilton. Sadly, with this event comes the announcement that Bonne Chance will be closing for now, with hopes to reopen at another location eventually. (Noon-5 p.m. Bonne Chance, 713 E. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul. 651-771-1791.)

Friday: Artist Mercantile’s Art of Romance Soiree
Artisan co-op Artist Mercantile starts the romance early at their annual Valentine’s themed “Art of Romance Soiree.” Listen to live poetry by the St. Paul Poetry Slam team and live music from Sam Hall, enjoy chocolates and wine, and shop for handmade goods from the Mercantile’s 65 artists. Valentine’s gift ideas include locally-made candles and bath products, stained and fused glassware, jewelry, and painted chairs. You can also try your hand at poetry and bring in a love-related quote on a postcard-sized card stock and you might get it displayed in the storefront window. (6-9 p.m. Artist Mercantile, 24 7th Pl., St. Paul. 651-222-0053.)

Saturday & Sunday: Grand Hand Local Jewelry Trunk Show
Minnesota jewelry artists Laura Stamper and Mitra Vahhaji’s latest creations will be in display at this jewelry trunk show, just in time for Valentine’s Day. New to the gallery is Laura Stamper, whose collection is composed of mixed materials, while Mitra Vahhaji’s designs are composed of silver, pearls and stones. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Noon-5 p.m. Sun. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Thursday: Details Salon Spa Color Offer
Details Salon Spa is letting you reap the benefits of cancellations in their books. This Thursday only, receive 50 percent off any new color service that you book and receive. Call or go on-line to book at 651-251-8700 or www.detailsmn.com. (Details Salon, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

Monday-Wednesday: Hot Mama Denim Sale
Stylish moms-to-be, head to Hot Mama’s Annual Denim Sale. Get 25 percent off all premium jeans, including new arrivals. (Hot Mama, Rosedale Center, 612-633-9400; 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

Tuesday: Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out
Get your culture fix at the Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out event, centered around the Opera’s current production of Roberto Devereux. Enjoy free appetizers and drink specials at the St. Paul Grill, where 107.1’s Lori and Julia will broadcast their show live. Then head over to the Ordway, hear FM107.1’s Ian Punnett and MN Opera’s Artistic Director Dale Johnson talk about Roberto Devereux, and enjoy the show. (3 p.m. $30 including price of show. St. Paul Grill, 345 Market St., St. Paul. 612-333-6699. Click here to purchase tickets.)

Friday: “How Secretaries Changed the 20th Century Office: Design, Image and Culture”
Find out how woman’s secretarial role in the office over the years has transformed the style of the workplace as we know it in this new exhibition at Goldstein Museum of Design. Enjoy refreshments at the opening reception, and bring gently-used women’s business wear for Woemn Achieving New Directions during the exhibit’s run. (Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Fri. Ongoing through May 23. Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul. 612-624-7434.)

Ongoing:

[A look from Details Style Lab]

Details Sweater Sale
Fellas need gifts for Valentine’s Day, too. Buy one sweater from lines like Skunkfunk, Bertigo, and Ben Sherman and receive 20 percent off; buy two and take 30 percent off; and buy three to receive 40 percent off. (Ongoing through Feb. 14. Details Style Lab, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

With MNfashion Week kicking off early this weekend, it’s no surprise there happen to be a ton of stylish events happening in St. Paul this week. After all, Minneapolis isn’t the only Twin City with a happening fashion scene.

Thursday: An Evening at Eastcliff

Looks from Amanda Christine's Fall 2009 collection / Image by Nic Marshall / Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

The Friends of St. Paul’s Goldstein Museum of Design are behind this official MNfashion Week event at the beautiful home and gardens of the President of the University of Minnesota. Two local fashion designers, Amanda Christine and Allison Quinnell (both of which were featured in Voltage 2009), will share a selection of their Fall 2009 collections as guests sip wine and take in a rare opportunity to take in the surroundings at Eastcliff. Since space is limited, be sure to RSVP for entry to gmd@umn.edu. (6-8 p.m. Free. 176 N. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. 612-627-6800.)

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