Collage3_3 The cool crowd turned out tonight for the Collage fashion show at the Nicollet Island Pavilion (a perfect venue for the event, save for the bad acoustics). Unlike Glamorama, which is really a society benefit attracting a lot of movers and shakers, Collage is for the young, creative and purely fashionable on any budget. The overwhelmingly female crowd was dressed to impress – lots of flowy, jersey dresses and, refreshingly, a minimal amount of denim. As for the show itself, Ivy, Ivy Men’s + Design, Stephanie’s and Bluebird Boutique exhibited their sharp eye for trend-forward style. Ivy showed chunky knits, short skirts and high waisted trousers while Bluebird is still rockin’ the super skinny jean. The Ivy man is at ease in a dapper suit or jeans and a cool trench. Stephanie’s provided the big finish with her reliable crop of fab evening dresses. If you attended, or got a post card in the mail Collage1_6 for the show, be sure to stop by the stores Friday or Saturday for your store wide discount – you’re going to want to buy.

Looking for inspiration, or at least some great people watching? Local fashion events abound in the next couple of weeks:
Sept. 19 to 23: it’s Fall Fashion Weekend brought to us by MNfashion.org, the group behind Voltage. The festivities will include trunk shows and runway shows by local designers, a tour of collections at the Minnesota Historical Society, parties, in-store events and networking opportunities for aspiring designers and stylists.
Sept. 27: Collage fashion show at the Nicollet Island Pavilion from Stephanie’s, Ivy, Ivy Men’s + Design and Bluebird Boutique. The looks are sure to be hot, and the crowd even hotter. (Last year, I remember thinking who are these good-looking, well-dressed people and where have they been hiding? Maybe I just need to go out more.) Success does have it price, and this year, the formerly free event is charging $25 for admission. That does include a complimentary champagne and dessert bar and an after party with DJ. Tickets can be purchased at www.collagefashionshow.com.