Last weekend’s fashion show at the new Hotel Ivy was the best I’ve seen in the Twin Cities in the two and a half years. It featured the work of Joynoelle (above) and Monique Lhuillier (below).
Why? It was professionally and elegantly choreographed (thanks to producer Mitch Kelly), the setting was lovely (thanks to the new IVY) and the clothes were stunning (thanks to the designers and stylists).

Joynoelle’s shabby chic designs were at their best in the first look and the xxx look. Monique Lhuillier’s spring collection was inspired by her favorite Laduree macaroons. Even though I saw it on the runway last fall, it’s a spectacular collection of dreamy pastels in floaty, feminine, playful silhouettes.

The show was further boosted by jewelry from JB Hudson baubles.

A nice touch? A run of show… The audience can follow along with look-by-look descriptions as they watch. So you can shop as you watch. It’s standard fare at New York fashion shows, but a rare occurrence in the Twin Cities.

Here’s the description of look number nine from Lhuillier’s run of show:

Mist grey crinkle gazar one shoulder asymmetrically draped gown with soft bubble tier skirt.

For fashionistas, it’s poetry!

Here’s Joynoelle’s first look (my favorite):

Cream shredded silk taffeta bodice dres with pale blue skirting and black rose and hand-knotted details.

The collaboration was an impressive effort–a day of watching, shopping, eating and socializing. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday.

Where to shop:

Joynoelle, 312 W. 42nd St., Mpls, 612-209-7822.

Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747. For reports about Lhuillier’s fall 2008 collection, click here, here, here, and here.

You have to go out of your way to NOT see a fashion show this Saturday night.

What: Envision 2008

Where: Windows on Minnesota, on the 50th floor of the IDS. (Cool!) 

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Featuring: Arwyn Birch, Cliche, Local Motion, RVNG by Wear it (pictured), Revolution by Sarah Holm and Kjurek Couture.

Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Young Survivors Coalition, a breast cancer research fund. Visit http://www.vitaculture.com/ for more information.

We’re springing forward an hour on Sunday morning, but don’t sleep in! Get a glimpse at the new Hotel Ivy with a Joynoelle/Monique Lhuillier fashion show/trunk show.

Yeah, you read that correctly, the two designers are teaming up to celebrate the hotel’s opening.

When: There are two shows–one at noon and another at 5 p.m. with trunk shows in the middle.

Drinks: Both designers have signature cocktails concocted by the hotel’s mixologist. Joynoelle’s is the demi-couturini. It has cranberry-infused vodka made just for the occasion.

Tickets: 612-746-4600. Proceeds go to the Institute for Health and Healing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

If you’re a Laura Fulk fan, today’s the day to check out the Star Tribune. Here are a few runway shots from last week’s Cliche show.

What impressed me about her collection was the clear, precise vision– black, red, and gold sequins all over. They looked strong together and yet I could imagine taking one piece and integrating it into my wardrobe, as Laura herself does below.

Also pictured–the dress that Laura designed for Annie Enneking to wear in God Save Gertrude. The starting outfit that tears away to this one is in the paper today. (Thanks Laura for the photo!)

When you look up close at this T-shirt dress by Anthem Heart, you can see the artfully drawn imprints.

In addition to the impressive craftsmanship, the cotton has attitude, which is reinforced here by styling it with the blue tights. You don’t have to be that gutsy to let a little of it’s cool-factor work for you.

Amanda Christine is best known for her very wearable tunics. The new dresses were some of the same in fun prints and a few surprises–frocks that are a bit more tailored, more grown-up.

This aqua and black dress is (as you can see) extremely striking. The color-blocking gives it structure.

Here they come–a few highlights from last week’s Cliche show. Starting with  Kjurek Couture. The clothes were bright and sunny. I must admit when I saw some of the butterfly sleeves and bold prints on hangers last week, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As you can see, on figure, they’re bright and playful. Just what we all need right about now.

If you’re doing the shopping circuit this weekend, in addition to the events/sales, a few boutiques are having trunk shows with local designers. 

– Joynoelle: (Click on the above image!) If you haven’t seen the new Joynoelle Boutique & Atellier, this is your chance. Tonight (4 to 8 p.m.) and Sat. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), see the uberfeminine dresses, coats and hats. For this special event, you can also browse Penny Larsen Jewelry and Apiary Design stationary. (312 W. 42nd St. at Grand Av., Mpls, 612-209-7822)

– Luna Vinca: Robyne Robinson will be at the store on Sat. (noon to 4 p.m.) with her Rox Minneapolis line of statement jewelry. While there, spend $50 on holiday decor and receive a $15 gift card for future purchases…or a gift??? (3344 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls, 612-823-6178)

– Max’s: Meet jewelry designer Vincente Agor Sat. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sun. (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.). His 18K gold jewelry (some with precious and semi-precious gemstones) in organic shapes are giftable and wearable. (Excelsior & Grand, 3831 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-922-8364)

– Cliche: There’s no rest for local fashion fans this weekend. A mega trunk show (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will feature Betsy Campbell, Tea Tree Designs, Miss Ann, Toy Box, Niki English (cute handbags!), Adreinne, Timmi Johnson, and Andrea Oseland. Yeah, I’ll be there to figure out who everyone is. (2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls, 612-870-0420)

Joy Teiken rarely wears her own designs. At her party last week, she wore this coat, which was featured in Women’s Wear Daily last year. Lovely!

 Sorry about the photo–I’m having technical problems, but wanted to share with you the joy at the Joynoelle party last night. First of all, the house was 11,000 square feet, in MANHATTAN. Then, the people. Squint at the photo, if  yu will. From left: Husband and wife, Tyler Harcott and Genevieve Gorder (that’s her back), Joy Teiken’s head in the back, and Carson Kressley to the far right. It was quite a fete for the Minneapolis designer. In addition to fellow Minnesotan Gorder, Shauna Raisch and David McCarthy from Twiggs of Wayzata helped out with hair and makeup. Apparently, we stick together.