Fresh spark for Voltage

Meet some of the new Voltage designers

Last update: April 15, 2009 - 12:48 PM

ALLISON QUINNELL

Voltage collection: "I used to live in Japan, and have been deeply influenced by their dress and culture," she said. Look for origami folding and repurposed vintage obis.

Previous experience: "I have been sketching clothes and creating 'catalogs' since I was 8 years old. But I started designing clothes in high school; I made my prom dress, and was hooked," Quinnell said. This will be her first post-school (University of Minnesota and Central Saint Martin's College in London) collection.

First thing she ever made: A pair of boxers in "family and consumer education" with tree frogs on them.

Shop: Runway collection (up to $250) and woven and knit tops ($45), dresses and origami headbands ($20) at Design Collective.

Website: www.myspace.com/allisonquinnell

Twitter: AllisonQuinnell

EMILY WEICH

Voltage collection: "It's inspired by the colors and whimsy of a vintage Mary Poppins book cover. Although my models won't be dressed in a true MP style, they will have plenty of bows, full skirts, and handmade umbrellas," said Weich.

Design signature: Tulle.

Previous experience: For Voltage 2008, she designed for the Haves Have It. She's been making clothes her whole life and could thread a sewing machine (eyes closed) at age 5. Graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a degree in fashion merchandising.

First thing she ever made: A costume for a pet or a doll. "My teddy bears wore custom-made vests or skirts," she said.

Shop: Most of the tops, shorts, skirts and dresses seen in the show will be available for $80 to $280 at Cliché.

Website: www.emilyweich.blogspot .com

2709: BONNIE VIG AND BECCA JANE KOEHLER

How they met: They work at Target and became friends in early 2008, when they realized they inspire each other and moved in together that summer.

2709: It's their street address. "Living together brought us together," Koehler said.

Voltage collection: "Creating solutions for women who bicycle for transportation. Our idea was to design clothes that are wearable anywhere you bike." Watch how clothes move when they are in motion (such as a cape coat), and are still practical.

Previous experience: Label will debut at Voltage.

Why bicycle clothes: They bonded when Koehler, who didn't have a car for over a year, persuaded Vig to get a bicycle.

Shop: Runway garments (up to $200), T-shirts ($20), bandanas ($15), gloves and jersey dresses ($80) at Design Collective.

Website: www.2709designs.com

KIMBERLY JUREK:

APRIL 17

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