The biggest fashion and music show of the year is just days away. I stopped by Russell Bourrienne’s studio on Sunday afternoon to observe a fitting.
Russell is the show’s sole menswear-only designer. He normally does custom clothes. He describes his Voltage collection as “Europe meets Asia,” which you’ll see in samurai-inspired pants and Gandhi-esque shorts (a.k.a. “Please Hammer don’t Hurt ‘em” pants) paired with European tailored shirts and vests. There are also some strong denim pieces.
So I was there when Russell was fitting Jose (remember him?). He first pulled these suede patchwork pants for Jose. Then he tried on a series of tops–a vest (no), a button-down striped shirt (not quite) and then finally this corduroy jacket (yes!).
Want to see more? You’ll have to attend Voltage on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30. There are a few tickets ($17 each) still available via Ticketmaster.
Even more? Russell will host a wine and cheese reception on Friday, April 18, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of Minnesota Fashion Weekend. He’s at: 711 W. Lake St., Studio 510.
More? Just make an appointment already– 612-709-7327.

In case you haven’t been to Calhoun Square lately, Express is long gone and in its place is a, simply put, cool clothes superstore.
VState has moved across the mall to the much larger space and joined forces with Atmosfere and Suit Up (formerly of Gaviidae).
The result is an emporium of premium denim and every imaginable clothing need for men and a nice selection for women. Fellas will find Jhane Barnes suits and Humble and Rarity shirts by local designer Jason Hammerberg. For women, there are many fun dresses and a few fabulous fedoras. This polka dot dress by Donna Ricco ($118) has the perfect silhouette for spring–get used to those full skirts.
The amazing thing about the new store? It’s such a perfect fit for Uptown that you forget that it ever was an Express.
More on the grand opening festivities to come, but
VState/Atmosfere/Suit Up, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls, 612-823-4699.

Here are a few photos of the models, outfitted in Elsworth attire. As you can see, I watched the show from outside the store. I’m not complaining, I’m impressed–the place was way packed.
Anyway, read more about the store in Star Tribune this weekend. You’ll find these ensembles at Elsworth. As usual, models not included. (However, for the record–Above: Jose and Avery, who is the son of shop owner Keith and Kim Dorsett. Below: Joe and Garrick.)

Elsworth, Highland Bank Court, 811 LaSalle Av., suite 205A (skyway level, right through Macy’s men’s shoe department), Mpls, 612-339-0763.

Keith Elsworth Dorsett is one of the most recognizable sales people in town. He spent 21 years at Macy’s-Marshall Fields-Daytons. If you’ve bought something from the downtown store, you’ll probably know his face and you’ve probably missed seeing it in the past few months.

Never fear, his new menswear boutique is just steps away on the skyway through the men’s shoe department. The shop is a well-edited version of what Dorsett wants to stock. You’ll find a John Varvatos suit ($895), Jason Hammerberg’s Rarity shirts ($80), Parasuco jeans ($120-$140), Ted Baker and some very distinctive shirts from Billtornade such as this cotton sweater ($200) with subtle, but cool details. This soft collection belt ($106) in brown or black has very distinctive texture.

That’s what Dorsett’s style is about. “Simplicity without a lot of bling. Sharp,” he said. That’s also why he prefers silver (over gold) hardware on belts and clothes (such as buttons and studs). The store’s logo? A dark silhouette of a man, actually his father when he was 16. At Elsworth, it’s all about the personal touches.

The best reason to shop there? Dorsett’s signature advice. He’ll show you how to put your looks together–such as this outfit he mixed and matched before my eyes, inspired by the Leather Island belt ($56). Trousers with a Gypsy 05 shirt ($68) and Kenneth Cole boots ($275). He doesn’t use mannequins–the ideas will be just for you.

Yesterday, Dorsett answered the phone, “Thanks for calling Elsworth.” Then he proceeded to tell the rep: “I’m still getting used to the phone. For years, it has been Macy’s or Marshall Fields or Daytons.” I suspect he’ll become accustomed to it really quickly.

OPENING PARTY & FASHION SHOW!
Celebrate the opening with Dorsett this Thursday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Fashion show at 7:30.

Elsworth, Highland Bank Court, 811 LaSalle Av., suite 205A (skyway level, right through Macy’s men’s shoe department, Mpls, 612-339-0763.

In comments about the opening of ”via C,” Kent and others asked about Nordstrom’s menswear. Here’s the update:

1. New in denim: Joe’s Jeans and William Rast (Justin Timberlake’s line, pictured right).

2. Other brands:

Armani Collezioni

John Varvatos Star USA

Ermenigildo Zegna

Canalli

Robert Graham

Hugo Boss

Happy shopping!

Confession time: I know very little about menswear. So I was shocked to realize that on the first day of fashion week, I’d seen three mens-clothes-only designers before 3:00 p.m.. John Bartlett (left) is one of my favorites. His show sets a high standard. The texture on these pants was a luxurious chunky tweed. Though, most of his pants (left) were more fitted/tapered. The collegiate theme and cream and khaki color scheme carried through to Perry Ellis. I also went to Duckie Brown, a hipper show that was much more downtown with splashes of color, which showed in red gloves or chartreuse sweaters.