On Friday, April 21, Ignite Models Inc. held its long-running Envision runway show at Machine Shop in Minneapolis as part of Fashion Week MN. The show featured new spring collections by ten Twin Cities designers. Due to the breadth of the show, this review is written in three parts, in order from beginning to end. Read Part 1 (Kindred Folk, Reinier Vigoa, Kyra Deva, and Cliché) and Part 3 (Sarah Furnaé, Form over Function, and Emily Trevor). All images by Jay Larson
George Moskal
A decade into his fashion design career, George Moskal is a veteran of the local fashion scene. After a few years’ hiatus, the designer returned to the runway at Envision’s Fall 2014 showcase and has been a consistent presence at the show ever since. Following his luxe, jewel-toned Fall 2016 collection, the designer has again returned to what he calls “the absence of color” with seven looks in white, black, and champagne. His latest collection was much in the vein of his spring 2015 collection, which incorporated the designer’s signature draped silhouettes and textured, natural fabrics in pale neutral shades. (Moskal is a textile designer by day for Target, of course.) With the absence of color, the designer emphasized innovative silhouettes, starting out strong with a white look that combined a pearl-encrusted bodice with a flounced chiffon for a silhouette that was one part sleek and tailored, one part airy and feminine. The silky black-and-white dress that followed featured a Marilyn Monroe-esque halter neckline infused with a sporty vibe. A champagne-hued strapless sheath made up of rows of silky fabric was topped with a Chanel-like tweed jacket, and he smartly paired sequins and mesh in a cocktail dress with elegant, origami-like folds at the waist. I was somewhat disappointed in the fit of three of the looks, which hung off the models in a way that would seem unintentional. (Perhaps there was a last-minute model change or three?) Quibbles aside, while he presented a quieter collection than his Envision contemporaries, Moskal demonstrated his consistently thoughtful approach to design, detail, fabric, silhouette, and craftsmanship, reminding us why he continues to be one of the Twin Cities’ brightest talents.
Idle Child
In their previous collections for their Idle Child label, the sister design duo of Becky and Ellie Niemeyer have consistently shown looks inspired by bohemian fashions, from the French Bohemian movement of the 1830s, to the flappers of the Roaring ’20s, to the hippie flower children of the ’70s. Their spring collection of bright, bold swimwear, jumpsuits and separates was more Boogie Nights than their earlier, free-flowing, moon-goddess looks. Each season, the designers take inspiration from a musician they love, and this year it looked to be a combination of David Bowie, T. Rex, and the New York Dolls. While their color-blocked swimsuits (paired with poolside-ready robes) were a focal point of the collection, my favorite pieces were the bubblegum-pink velvet cropped bell bottoms, sheer glittery “Sold My Soul” tee, and sparkly pink cropped bell-bottom jumpsuit.
ACG by Anna Chambers-Goldberg
With a few seasons under her belt on the Envision runway, designer Anna Chambers-Goldberg has become a reliable fixture at the show. Following a conceptual, wildly patterned last fall, the designer has reined it in with her latest collection of beach-ready swimwear and separates. A few of the separates featuring the designer’s signature use of fabric manipulation gave the pieces an artful, one-of-a-kind quality. The swimwear was made up of minimalist, ’70s-inspired one-pieces as well as bandeaus and high-waisted silhouettes, paired with flowing coverups for a look that said “the artsy, intellectual girl goes to the beach.”
Where to Buy:
George Moskal: By special request @ georgemoskal.com
Idle Child: Available online @ idlechild.us
ACG: Swimwear collection is available @ Gallery 360 (3011 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, 612-925-2400); the full collection will be available @ ACG studio during Art-A-Whirl, May 17-19 @ Northrup King Building (1500 Jackson St. NE. #466, Minneapolis) and @ acgmpls.com
