Studying style

In a world with Wikipedia, putting together a new encyclopedia is quite an undertaking.

Since 2003, Joanne B. Eicher, regents professor emerita at the University of Minnesota, has been doing just that.

The former head of the U's Design, Housing and Apparel Department is now editor-in-chief of the newly published Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion.

The 10-volume set, also available online, gives fashion a global perspective. The volumes are organized by geographic region, such as Africa, East Asia, the United States and Canada and West Europe, but there's also a volume that takes a cross-cultural look at everything from beads to nudity to fashion icons. "It doesn't privilege the West," said Eicher.

Eicher hopes that the encyclopedia will broaden the interpretation of fashion. "Sometimes there are still people who like to look at fashion as superficial. It's such a narrow point of view," she said. "Everywhere around the world, people dress themselves, use body modifications and body supplements. It's not just an encyclopedia of clothing."

The publication comes at a time when fashion designers are incorporating global influences into their looks. But Eicher said the volumes will hold surprises for designers and fashion lovers alike.

"In the Africa volume, there are two articles that relate to contemporary fashion," she said. "People think they're running around like Tarzan and Jane, but there are designers with studios in Paris and big annual fashion productions held in Niger. These are contemporary fashions, out of a tradition where designers are African."

"Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion" presentation and celebration with Joanne B. Eicher and Kathryn Earle, managing director at Berg Publishers, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fri., 33 McNeal Hall, 1985 S. Buford Av., St. Paul, free, RSVP at z.umn.edu/encyclopedia. Free sewing kits while supplies last.

See www.bergfashionlibrary.com for more information about the encyclopedia.

Plus size hits the runway

For all those who complain about skinny models, here's a fashion-focused show for you.

The Bold Beautiful Curvy runway presentation will exclusively showcase plus-size fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Second Debut and local designer ArielSimone.

Adrienne Yancy, the designer behind ArielSimone, recently showed her collection of swimwear during Fashion Week in New York. She has been working with private clients in the plus-size market for a while, but will present her first collection at the show. Yancy said she likes working one-on-one with clients because of the challenge. "Basically every plus-size woman has a different body type and that's the challenge," she said. "You have to see the client and go for their needs and wants. A lot of people don't do plus size, because it's difficult."

Pieces from the collection, including $65 stretchy tops and $70 skirts, will be available on www.arielsimone.etsy.com after the show.

Bold Beautiful Curvy, Oct. 28, doors open at 5 p.m. and show at 6 p.m., BMW, 15802 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. See www.iammoody.com for more information.

SALES AND EVENTS

THURSDAY

Zang Toi personal appearance: The exuberant New York-based designer is back for his annual visit to the Twin Cities. He'll be making the rounds this week, including a stop at StyledLife for the accessory boutique's fourth anniversary.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Galleria, Edina, 952-928-8888.

Face à Face trunk show: Shop the latest frames from the collection known for understated style.

InVision locations, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thur. at 11300 Wayzata Blvd., 952-591-9567; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri. at 867 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651- 291-0318; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. at Galleria, Edina, 952-920-5458.

Lululemon's grand opening: Pick up a copy of Passport to Health, which includes offers for passes for classes at yoga, pilates and fitness studios in the Twin Cities. The store will also offer complimentary classes on-site and at the Mall of America.

Through Oct. 24, Lululemon Athletica, Mall of America (first floor, south), Bloomington, 952-854-6785, www.lululemon.com/bloomington.

FRIDAY

Sarah Graham jewelry trunk show: The line is known for mixing metals, including 18k gold, blackened steel and black, white and cognac diamonds.

Through Sat., Max's, 3831 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-922-8364.

The Great Northeast Pumpkin Grab: Shop for pumpkins, go trick-or-treating and compete in a costume contest. The first 50 participants receive an "I NE" coffee mug.

4 to 7 p.m., corner of E. Hennepin Avenue and NE. 4th Street, Mpls.

Designer Meet and Greet: An event showcasing the work of seven of the Twin Cities' top wedding talents: Emily Koski of Emily J hair and makeup artists, jewelry designer Penny Larson, Laura Nelli of Nelle, Lisa Roy of Flora Bella Studio, Emily Snyder of Queen Quills, Molly Sullivan of Apiary Design stationery and Joy Teiken of Joynoelle.

5 to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Joynoelle Boutique, 312 W. 42nd St., Mpls.

Wixon's Watch Fair: Check out new and limited-edition styles from top lines, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Panerai, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Through Sat., Wixon Jewelers, 9955 Lyndale Av. S., Bloomington, 952-881-8862.

SATURDAY

Karma's fifth anniversary: Boutiques grow up so fast! Celebrate with 25 percent off your entire purchase, including sale merchandise.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 867 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-291-1997.

VState's fall party and sale: All sweaters and outerwear will be 20 percent off and denim will be buy one, get one 50 percent off. There will also be free appetizers and a raffle.

7 to 10 p.m., Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls, 612-823-4699.

Anne & Friends Indoor Farmers Market: In collaboration with pop-up experts W7 Collective, the event will feature local artists and antiques.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wayzata Bay Center, 819 E. Lake St., Wayzata.

CONTINUING

Refashioned jewelry event: Fine jewelry expert Patti Geolat will evaluate customers' jewelry so they can trade in for cash or new jewelry. Shop from Geolat's estate and vintage collection along with designer lines or have old jewelry transformed to new custom designs.

Through Fri., Laurie Kottke Fine Jewelers, 3204 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-825-9898.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 sglassman@startribune.com