Five cool things from MNFashion WeekThe annual music and fashion extravaganza showcased local designers, bands and a whole lot of talent. Here are some of the more memorable style lessons from this year's event:

Don't be afraid to be edgy

Designer Sarah M. Holm's Voltage debut was decidedly hip, thanks to a combination of leather, hand-dyed silks and swimwear. These clothes aren't for wallflowers.

The 1970s are (laid) back

The debut collection from Gail & Salima showed easy pieces that you can wear with minimal accessorizing and minimal effort.

Up-cycling is chic

The CounterCouture line by Angie Arner, Katrina Elliott and Allison Danzl proved that up-cycling (using repurposed clothing) can be fashionable.

Classic can be dramatic

George Moskal's gorgeous, billowing silhouettes and eye-catching colors were beautiful on the runway, but plenty of the ready-to-wear items could easily work into a woman's everyday wardrobe.

Capes are always in style

Ivan Idland's first Voltage look was goose-bump-inducing, a combination of beautiful craftsmanship and drapey silhouettes for a modern romantic look.

Eco-chic It's not easy being green? Well, the designers who are debuting collections at Sol Inspirations runway show are trying to prove otherwise.

At the eco-fashion event, six finalists will compete for a $5,000 prize by designing outfits in three categories; nontraditional fabrics, recycled materials and sustainable fabrics. To make it more challenging, one of these outfits is required to incorporate solar panels.

Here's a preview of some of the designs:

Niki English, www.nikienglish.com

English used approximately 300 feet of window screen intertwined with colored mesh to resemble "solar flares of the sun," she said.

Christopher Straub, www.christopherstraub.com

The "Project Runway" alumnus used organic cotton and a rough processed cotton. "I'm incorporating a theme of solar panels in a printed pattern of the fabric," he said.

Atom Pechman and Jenn Bratvold

Bratvold (a student at St. Catherine's University) teamed up with Pechman (a furniture designer) to create designs that incorporate metal and rubber tires. "Everything was donated," said Bratvold.

Sol Inspirations

What: The runway show will feature eco-friendly looks from local designers KathrynV, CounterCouture, Jenny Carle and Renalie Bailey and Seth Aaron Henderson's SolarWorld collection. Then watch six designers compete for a $5,000 prize.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Sat.

Where: The Depot, 225 3rd Av. S., Mpls., 612-339-2253, sol-inspirations.org.

Benefits: Minnesota Renewable Energy Society and Help Haiti Rebuild.

Tickets: $35 (general admission) and $75 (VIP reserved seating and reception), www.Sol-inspirations.org.

British designer Matthew Williamson recently launched a capsule collection, exclusively at Macy's (Minneapolis, Rosedale, Ridgedale and Southdale). Incorporating his signature bold patterns and color combinations, the 30-piece collection will comprise party dresses, scarves, rompers and other separates priced at about $50 for tops, $150 for dresses and $300 for jackets.

THURSDAY

L'atelier Couture Bridal Boutique sample sale: Get deals on designer gowns by Angel Sanchez, Elizabeth Filmore, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang and more.

Through April 30, 493 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-602-9492, lateliercouturebridal.com. Appointments required.

SATURDAY

Lululemon's first birthday party: Enjoy a day of shopping, music, chair massages, eyebrow shaping, hula-hooping, acro-yoga demos, food, beverages and more.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Shops at West End, St. Louis Park, 763-545-9069, www.lululemon.com.

Arena Bikini Iconoclash: The fashion show/performance under the direction of Mathew Janczewski will benefit the nonprofit modern dance company Arena Dances.

8 p.m., Grain Belt Studios, 79 13th Av. NE., Mpls., $45 to $100 tickets, available on www.arenabikini.org.

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