Students of style show off work at annual fashion show

STUDENTS OF STYLE

Be the first to see the work of the freshest collections on the local fashion scene. On Saturday, the University of Minnesota will host "Distortion," its annual senior student fashion show. Here's a look at the work of a few promising, soon-to-graduate designers.1. LESLIE A RANDALL, 22

Collection inspiration: "It's all about the balance between retro and modern," she said. "I wanted to take the timelessness of Jackie Kennedy and shake it up through texture and silhouettes that emphasize volume."

Style advice: "Rely on the classics, and then find new ways to reinvent and update them through pops of color and innovative fabrics."

First project: A Care Bear flag in seventh grade. "I got a C -- hideous," she said.

Post-college plans: "I spent this past summer interning in New York for Simply Vera Vera Wang. I am itching to go back."

2. KAYLA FRAZIER, 21

Collection inspiration: "I was inspired by traditional costumes from East African tribes," she said. "I really wanted to incorporate beading, body art and vivid color into a culturally centered contemporary women's line."

Style advice: Invest in jackets. "They can have many uses for different occasions, dress up basic pieces and give the wearer an aesthetically pleasing holistic look," said Frazier.

First project: A paneled pencil skirt. "Sewing zippers is definitely a skill that requires many tries," she said.

Post-college plans: Move to New York, work for a medium-sized company and "be inspired by the city," she said.

3. CAROL M. LEE, 22

Collection inspiration: "My fall 2011 line is inspired by modern architecture and a blend of everyday life experiences," she said.

Why fashion: Lee quoted Coco Chanel: "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

First project: A broken seam on a teddy bear.

4. Kelly Ver Duin, 22

Collection inspiration: "The rustic feel of the Scottish Highlands melded with the forward-thinking young man's wardrobe inspired this line of menswear," she said.

Style advice: Develop your personal style "instead of chasing down every trend that pops up," she said.

First project: A "murse" (man purse) she made for her best friend. "It looked pretty rough, but luckily he wore it anyway," she said.

Dream career: Design menswear for a high fashion label in the United Kingdom.

5. Jessica St. George

Inspiration for this collection: "Reinventing the classic business attire with inspiration from the relaxed boho style," she said.

Style advice: "Wear what makes you feel great. Classic, chic, luxurious and comfortable define my personal style aesthetic."

Why fashion: "Fashion always changes," she said. "It's a never-ending problem that has infinite solutions."

First project: A purse when she was 6 years old, but it didn't stay together.

'DISTORTION' FASHION SHOW

What: The 43rd Annual University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show • When: 5 and 8 p.m. Sat.

Where: Courtyard at Rapson Hall, University of Minnesota, 89 SE. Church St., Mpls. • Tickets: $10 to $50 in advance or $12 to $25 at the door. • Information: fashionshow.design.umn.edu

Pick of the Week: Simply Shine Lip Shimmers$2, available at Kowalski's and select Target stores.

Give your chapped lips some shiny relief with Simply Shine Lip Shimmers. Created by a Bloomington-based company, the line uses all-natural ingredients such as organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, shea and mango butters, lanolin and mint extract.

SALES AND EVENTS

THURSDAY

All Designer Event at Priscilla of Boston Bridal: Receive 20 percent off all bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and accessories, including Vera Wang, the newest edition to the shop's designer lineup.

Through Tue., 3926 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-922-2106.

FRIDAY

Hammer Made first anniversary celebration: The local label and store will give all customers $20 in Hammerbucks to use toward your purchase anytime during the day.

Galleria, Edina, 952-681-2534, www.hammer-made.com.

SATURDAY

Local designer sample sale: Carrier Pigeon Jewelry, Needle and Black (formerly Red Shoe Clothing) and Raul Osorio will be selling samples, overstock and one-of-a-kind pieces for up to 50 percent off.

1 to 5 p.m., Sat., Carrier Pigeon and Needle & Black Studio, Thorp Building: 1618 Central Av. NE., Suite 223, Mpls., www.needleandblack.com, www.carrierpigeonjewelry.com, www.raulosorio.com.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177