Minneapolis Street Style: Trends discovered at “Creative Renaissance”.

Last Saturday evening, creative minds from across Minnesota gathered for one of the state’s biggest fashion evenings, Fashion Week Minnesota’s “Creative Renaissance,” held at the galleries of the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). And as guests climbed the dramatic stone steps of Mia’s entrance – lit by custom projection art from Future Projections – it was clear that the runway wouldn’t be the only place where trends came to life that evening.

Attracting curious creatives from across the Midwest, Fashion Week Minnesota’s famously welcoming spirit is reflected each season in participants’ eclectic style gallery, representing a mix of cultures, personalities and aesthetics. As the official press sponsor of Fashion Week Minnesota, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite street style looks from the evening, offering local inspiration for the upcoming fashion season.

Trend: From head to toe

Whether in the form of chic berets, detailed headbands or eye-catching headpieces (see below right), the participants established a new fashion rule for the season: An ensemble is not complete until the head is accessorized. Replicate this trend locally by shopping from independent headwear designers like Karen Morris Millinery and Celina Kane.

Trend: Western chic

Call it the lingering influence of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” but western hats, boots and belts were a recurring theme of the evening, in many cases mixed with high-glam couture to create a compelling constellation of styles. Shop the trend locally at vintage hotspots like Queenie & Pearl and Moth Oddities.

Trend: Statement sleeves

Long sleeves, an ’80s classic, are popping up again and again in haute couture this season, likely as a rejection of the more subdued, calm luxury trend that dominated 2023. Rosella Vintage owner Jahna Peloquin offered a nostalgic take on the trend with her vintage ensemble (above left), while various modern takes proved that the maximalist look is a staple on this season’s trend list.

Trend: Subtly sporty

Recently featured in our après-sports trend roundup, it seems like the crossover between athleisure and haute couture is just beginning, represented Saturday night by nostalgic varsity jackets, oversized hoodies, basketball jerseys and sleek racing jackets (above left). Shop the aesthetic locally at Venci, an independent label founded by Minnesota United player DJ Taylor.

Trend: Sequins and glitter

Coinciding with the rise of statement sleeves, the reemergence of shimmering textures proves that the fashion world is ready to embrace maximalism again. Sequins, rhinestones and glittery fabrics were so prominent Saturday night that they might as well be described as neutral — a sentiment that will likely be reflected in fashion’s fall and winter seasons as well. Local shops like Olio Vintage, The Fitting Room, and Serge + Jane are notorious for supporting shimmery things.

Trend: Big and brave accessories

Attendees made it clear that bigger is better when it comes to accessories this season, with long drop earrings, wide belts and stacked necklaces becoming the stars of the street style runway. Shop local boutique Larissa Loden for top-of-the-line accessories to get the look this fall and winter.

Trend: A touch of lace

Sheer fabrics have been a popular trend since the beginning of 2023 and it seems that lace will be one of their preferred representations this season. Incorporating a subtle hint of lace peeking out from under a midi dress (below right) or worn under a statement jacket (below left) is an easy way to elevate basic ensembles this season.