Congrats to handbag designer Laura Nelli! She’s back from New York where she was a finalist in the Independent Handbag Designer Awards. She didn’t win (robbed!), but she participated in a three-day trunk show at Henri Bendel (my favorite!). The photos are from the window display and her set-up.
She met designer Judith Leiber of sparkly bag fame. More good news? She’ll go back in July for another trunk show and will be carried by New York boutique Covet. (Note to self: Must visit the clutches in New York). One of her bags even showed up on the CBS Early Show and another bag is in the current issue of IN Style Weddings.
Locally, she sold her bags at the now shuttered Clutch, so stay tuned for future where to shop info. In the mean time, visit her fun website for ordering and contact info.

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.