When it comes to fashion, menswear often is relegated to the back row. But this is changing—on a national level, with the advent of NYFW: Men’s, New York’s first-ever fashion week dedicated to menswear, as well as on a local level with the burst of shops and brands in the Twin Cities dedicated to heritage-inspired, hand-crafted menswear and accessories.
That was the impetus for the creation of Fashion Week Minnesota’s Homme, which represented the best in local menswear brands and retailers in late September at Muse Event Center in Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood—ground central for the Minnesota heritage style movement. Produced by Sarah Edwards—known for her I AM events including I AM Mpls!—and newcomer Connie Mrotek, the evening included a runway show featuring local brands, a Minnesota-made marketplace, and craft cocktails from Minneapolis bitters purveyors, Bittercube.
Following a beautifully produced video that seamlessly wove in the event’s partners came the runway show, which featured emcee Tom Horgen (Star Tribune‘s stylish nightlife and features editor) and a cast of stylish, bearded dudes-around-town (think craft bartenders, baristas, and craft beer reps) modeling fall looks from North Loop shops Atmosfere, Arrow, and MartinPatrick3, plus outdoor gear retailer Gander Mountain, the dapper Heimie’s Haberdashery, and the contemporary Len Druskin, accessorized by Greenwich Vintage shoes, Duluth Pack bags, leather accessories by Leather Works MN, bowties by The Bow Tie Shoppe, tees from Sota Clothing, and the list goes on. I’ll put it this way: You’d be hard-pressed to find a local menswear brand not represented. (Not to mention a couple of luxury vehicles displayed out from courtesy of Luther Jaguar Land Rover of Minneapolis.)
Based on the runway looks shown, it was clear that heritage style is still going strong for fall, but with a more polished, refined feel—luxe wools, buttery-soft leathers, and cashmere knits were paired with rugged selvedge denim and hardy canvas jackets. More than anything, fall fashion for men is all about a great piece of outerwear, sharp-looking footwear, and plenty of layering.
all images by Jay Larson
Additional sponsors include: Luther Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis, Liberte USA, Thread Connected Content, Minnetonka Moccasins, Chrome Industries Minneapolis, Woodchuck USA, My Sister, Near North, Artful Living Magazine, Whitney VerMeer – Men’s Hair Designer, Bittercube, and The Scout Guide Minneapolis
