#joynoelle

April may be the cruelest month, but in Minneapolis, it happens to be the most fashionable. In her column this week, Beth Hammarlund previews the biggest local fashion shows coming this month, including shows by Emma Berg, Joynoelle, Envision, The I Am Everything benefit show, and more.

By Beth Hammarlund

Last night, Joy Teiken of Joynoëlle presented her 2013 collection in one of the most elegant local fashion showcases in recent memory. The event, titled Amusement, benefited The Makers Coalition, an organization dedicated to revitalizing the cut-and-sew fashion industry of Minnesota. The event was divided into three segments: Get Pretty (in which VIP ticket-holders were treated to hair and beauty makeovers, as well as tarot card and psychic readings), See Pretty (Joynoëlle’s runway presentation), and Be Pretty (a cocktail-fueled post-runway party).

The runway presentation featured both Joynoëlle’s Ready-to-Wear and Bridal Collections. Graceful models (seriously, Vision models must be the most poised women in all of the Twin Cities) navigated the twisting runway in cream, black and gunmetal gowns, sheaths and separates. Though Teiken uses a lot of fabric when creating her pieces, there was some noticeable restraint in her Ready-to-Wear, which featured several looks that highlighted the models’ enviably tiny waists. Puffed sleeves and thoughtfully-placed bows provided just the right touch of girlishness, and hand-painted spiders made several whimsical appearances. A pencil skirt of woven fabrics appeared almost plaid from a distance, and lace wide-legged tuxedo pants with black stripes were a major risk, but one that strangely paid off. Perhaps less risky, a lace pencil skirt with black banding at the hem and a black tuxedo stripe down the side featuring a small black bow at the hemline. (It immediately went on my wish list.) A pair of black sheer ruched bermuda shorts didn’t fare so well. Their inclusion was the most puzzling choice of both collections.

One of the things that sets Teiken apart from other local designers is her choice of fabrics. In addition to the more traditional silks and chiffons, Teiken incorporates fabrics that, from a distance, almost resemble shredded wheat or cheesecloth. It’s a choice that either works or doesn’t; there is no in-between. In this collection, the fabrics mostly worked in her favor, creating a sort of homespun Audrey Hepburn chic, but unfortunately, in some cases their usage was just too heavy. The best trend in her RTW collection was the showcasing of womens’ backs. Teiken doesn’t flaunt legs or cleavage, instead incorporating delicate sexiness in draped open backs that are far more alluring than any plunging gown or micro-mini could ever be.

This week check out new designer consignment shop Mona Williams in Northeast Minneapolis, head to JCPenney to see the latest designer collaboration lines, and take in fashion shows from Joynoelle and Dress Rehearsal, which will debut new pieces from Stephanie Lake Design and Emma Berg alongside vintage couture.

NOW OPEN

Mona Williams

@ 18 University Ave NE Minneapolis

Hours: 11 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays

Named for a fashion idol from Kentucky, Mona Williams was the first American to be declared Best Dressed Woman in the World in 1933 by the top Paris designers. Now Mona Williams has become the newest designer vintage consignment shop in Minneapolis. Founder Patric Richardson ran designer apparel at Nordstrom for ten years, so it is safe to say he knows high style. Find all the top brand name labels like Versace, Yigal Azrouël, Zang Toi, Jason Wu and more. Among his finds are Lanvin ballet flats and Louis Vuitton purses, priced at 25 to 33 percent of the original retail price. Carrying everything from vintage to last seasons’ best, Mona Williams is sure to make a glamorous addition to Northeast.

I had the privilege of meeting this talented designer almost 8 years ago.  Her collections are full of beautifully crafted clothes that were made with happiness (seriously, Joynoelle is a ball of sunshine and she likes to work with "yummy" fabrics, feel the love)!  In her words,

"How I work is very sculptural and my end goal is always to accent the female form...not change it."

Below is some of her work: