The Alliance Française of Minnesota (AFMSP) recently celebrated its seventh annual Fashion Show Fundraiser, showcasing the creativity of 12 local brands. Held for the first time at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, the event transformed the venue into a vibrant runway, featuring a ballroom-style setup with rows of chairs for over 100 attendees. Natural light poured in through high windows, illuminating the models as they presented more than 30 diverse looks on a gray, industrial runway that bisected the room.
This year’s show distinguished itself by embracing the theme “à la mode durable,” which translates to “to a sustainable world.” Each look was curated to highlight the importance of sustainable fashion, aligning with the American Swedish Institute’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Rachel Joyeux, Developmental Director and a key organizer of the event, noted the ease of collaborating with designers committed to reducing wasteful production. “This theme allowed us to incorporate vintage and secondhand stores that focus on upcycling materials and small-batch production, showcasing the local fashion community’s dedication to sustainability,” she explained.
Opening remarks from AFMSP and ASI leaders set the tone for the Fall/Winter fashion season, highlighting trends such as kitten heels, jewel tones, and animal print outerwear. The showcased designs featured rich autumnal colors and long-sleeve garments, ideal for the changing seasons.
Brands like Way the Label prioritized comfort and simplicity, debuting a relaxed vest over a burnt orange t-shirt dress—an ensemble emblematic of fall. Their commitment to sustainability was evident, as the brand repurposes 100% of its fabric scraps into clothing and accessories.
The fashion show not only celebrated local talent but also emphasized the growing movement towards sustainable practices within the industry, making it a standout event in the Twin Cities fashion calendar.
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