On Sunday, September 22, the Alliance Française of Minnesota (AFMSP) held its seventh annual Fashion Show Fundraiser at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis. The event featured 12 local brands and included pop-up boutiques outside and at the back of the audience. This was the first time the show was held at ASI, taking full advantage of the venue’s spacious ballroom setup with rows of chairs for the audience. The high-set windows allowed natural light to flood the room, illuminating the models as they showcased over 30 outfits on a gray, industrial-style runway.
The fashion show embraced a wide range of styles, from monochrome streetwear to hand-beaded accessories and designs on denim. Attended by over 100 guests, the event allowed audience members to purchase runway looks directly after the models finished their walk.
A Themed Fashion Show Focused on Sustainability
This year’s event stood out as the first themed fashion show by the Alliance Française, reflecting its collaboration with the American Swedish Institute, where sustainability is a core value. The theme, “à la mode durable” or “towards a sustainable world,” emphasized the importance of sustainable fashion.
“It was easy to find designers participating in this movement to reduce wasteful fashion production,” said Rachel Joyeux, Developmental Director and one of the show’s organizers. She noted the inclusion of vintage and secondhand stores, highlighting local efforts to upcycle materials and minimize waste. “This theme really speaks to the local production community, and we’re excited to use our platform to support what they’re doing,” Joyeux added.
Fall/Winter Fashion Highlights
The show featured a variety of looks welcoming the Fall/Winter fashion season. Opening remarks from AFMSP and ASI leadership highlighted key trends for the season, such as kitten heels, flats, and animal print coats. Most of the models wore long-sleeved outfits in autumnal colors, with cozy sweaters and statement coats making an appearance.
Audience members responded positively to the collections, with Sara*, an attendee, expressing her love for chunky sweaters, while another guest, Monika*, appreciated the versatility of certain outfits, noting they would work well for various age groups and occasions.
Brand Highlights
Several brands stood out for their innovative use of textures, patterns, and sustainable materials. Way the Label, known for its simple and comfortable style, opened the show with a burnt orange vest layered over a t-shirt dress, exuding fall vibes. The brand’s focus on repurposing 100% of its fabric scraps to create clothing and accessories demonstrated its commitment to sustainability.
Loon Co. offered a unique combination of street style and sleek, all-black winter outfits. The brand emphasized sustainable fabric choices, which were also explored in detail on its website. Nashi Pai, another standout, focused on beading denim to create new, upcycled pieces. “Our lead designer in Nairobi thrifts the denim, washes it, and then adds intricate beading to give it a second life,” explained Jenny*, a staff member from Nashi Pai. The brand’s creative process aligned with the show’s emphasis on sustainability.
Throughout the show, pops of color and bold patterns added vibrancy to the collections, with many brands incorporating wide-legged pants and layered styles. The finale featured a bridal line with three distinct looks tailored for different wedding seasons.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The event concluded with a lively brunch, silent auction, and the opportunity for attendees to purchase runway looks or visit the pop-up boutiques. The strong turnout and enthusiastic community engagement underscored the Alliance’s dedication to supporting local designers.
Joyeux expressed excitement about future plans for the Fashion Show Fundraiser, emphasizing the need to expand outreach within the broader Twin Cities community. “We know how to reach our membership, but we want to connect with a wider audience,” she said. “The Alliance Française can be a hub that supports not only our community but also other businesses and nonprofits.”
Looking ahead, the Alliance plans to continue expanding its fashion show with a focus on sustainability, new locations, and deeper community involvement. More information about upcoming events at the Alliance can be found on their website.
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