The Walker Art Center’s annual gala, Avant Garden, may just be the most stylish fundraising event in the Twin Cities. This Saturday’s event doubles as the preview party for the exhibition Question the Wall Itself and the unveiling of its new main entrance and site-specific commissions by artists Frank Big Bear, Philippe Parreno, and Aaron Spangler. The evening includes a silent art auction, food, and drinks, and a dance party featuring DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest—hot off the iconic hip hop group’s critically acclaimed, final release, We Got It From Here, Thank You for Your Service. (Seriously, do yourself a favor and go listen to it now.)
In honor of this Saturday’s party, I’ve rounded up some party-ready looks from local stores inspired by works from the Walker’s permanent collection, artwork featured in Question the Wall Itself, and sculptures coming soon to the Walker-adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Pick up tickets for the fundraiser at walkerart.org.
Inspiration: Tony Cragg, Level Head, 2007
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: Eliza J Cold Shoulder Crepe Jumpsuit
Courtesy nordstrom
Take inspiration from the architectural shape and fluid lines of Tony Cragg’s Level Head sculpture, coming soon to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with this Eliza J cold-shoulder crepe jumpsuit—a fun gown alternative. $158 @ shop.nordstrom.com (online only)
Inspiration: Jonathas de Andrade, Nostalgia, um sentimento de classe (Nostalgia, a Class Sentiment), 2012
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: Clare V. “Margot” Flat Clutch in White Rainbow
Courtesy mille
Pick up on the primary color scheme of Jonathas de Andrade’s Nostalgia installation, part of the Walker’s newest exhibition Question the Wall Itself, with this Clare V. clutch. $246 @ Mille, shopmille.com
Inspiration: Katharina Fritsch, Hahn/Cock, 2015
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: Chelsea28 Off-the-Shoulder Stretch Sheath Dress
Courtesy nordstrom
Take a cue from Katharina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock sculpture, coming soon the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with this off-the-shoulder dress by Chelsea28 in electric blue. $149 @ shop.nordstrom.com (online only)
Inspiration: Eva Rothschild, Empire, 2011
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: Rachel Comey red and green water snake slingback sandals
Courtesy mille
These Rachel Comey snakeskin slingbacks mimic the red, black, and green pattern of Eva Rothschild’s Empire sculpture, coming soon to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. $529 @ Mille, shopmille.com
Inspiration: Hannah Wilke, Teasel Cushion, 1967
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: A Détacher “Basia” Dress
Courtesy mille
A Détacher’s dolman-sleeve ruffled dress in pink crepe perfectly encapsulates the feminine, organic form of Hannah Wilke’s Teasel Cushion sculpture from the Walker’s permanent collection. $621 @ Mille, shopmille.com
Inspiration: Sherrie Levine, Fountain (after Marcel Duchamp: A.P.), 1991
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look: Maryam Nassir Zadeh “Agnes” Boot
Courtesy mille
This textured gold ankle boot by Maryam Nassir Zadeh picks up on the metallic hue of Sherrie Levine’s Fountain (after Marcel Duchamp: A.P.) sculpture, currently on view as part of Art at the Center: 75 Years of Walker Collections. $582 @ Mille, shopmille.com
Inspiration: Andy Warhol’s silk-screen Flowers
Courtesy Walker Art Center
Get the look:
Courtesy mille
Courtesy idun
Courtesy idun
Courtesy nordstrom
Courtesy nordstrom
Courtesy bumbershute
Take the “Avant Garden” theme literally with a floral print dress, such as this boho fall floral dress from by Warm, this graphic peony-print silk dress by Samuji, or this floral Rachel Comey vest. Warm floral dress, $634 @ Mille, shopmille.com; Samuji peony dress, $544 @ Idun, shopidun.com; Rachel Comey vest, $690 @ Idun, shopidun.com; Aidan Mattox Burnout Velvet Gown, $365, available at Nordstrom Ridgedale and Mall of America and shop.nordstrom.com; Ted Baker London Imoen Opulent Orient Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress, $335 @ Nordstrom Ridgedale and shop.nordstrom.com; Self Portrait Vine Lace Midi Dress, $545 @ Bumbershute, bumbershute.com
