Minnesota isn't exactly the swimwear capital of the world. However, Jolene Danielson, a native of Duluth, hasn't let geography lessen her love of swimsuits.
"I've always loved swimming and had a passion for the water," she said. "I grew up on Lake Superior, so that helps."
Her second collection for her Tekno Doll line will debut in Minneapolis tonight, during a Morocco-themed evening (see below) that will also feature accessories by Tia Salmela Keobounpheng of Silvercocoon.
While most of Danielson's designs expose a lot of skin, she knows what she's doing. She's been designing intimate apparel for 12 years and understands that fit is key. "The essential elements are the same, because you're fitting close to the body," she said.
The current collection is inspired by Hollywood, specifically "Hollywood glam, starlets and Venice Beach," she said. Her California dreaming isn't a coincidence; she's packing up later this summer and moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles.
A Night in Morocco: 7 to 10 p.m. Thur. (The fashion show starts at 8 p.m.) Sky Garden of the Crowne Plaza, 618 2nd Av. S., eighth floor, Mpls., www.teknodoll.com. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $30 for VIP, www.vitalculture.com.
Designer diapers Stylish babies are in luck -- they can now add dapper diapers to their wardrobes.
In May, Huggies came out with a line of denim diapers with trompe-l'oeil pockets. On July 11, a line of Pampers by Cynthia Rowley will launch exclusively at Target stores and Target.com. The latest designer collaboration will feature fashionable madras, stripes and printed ruffles on disposable diapers ($15.99 for 26 in size 3 and 23 in size 4).
Top them with a cute little dress or even just a tank top, and your tot will be ready to take on the playground with panache.
Sew pretty With "Project Runway" starting again at the end of the month, you might want to "make it work" for yourself.
Sewtropolis is a do-it-yourself sewing studio and fabric store, where you can take classes and rent machines by the hour.
Nikol Gianopoulos opened the store in 2009 for "sewistas" like herself. She thinks her business model is a sign of the times. "There's a whole generation that never learned from their mothers. With the economy and people wanting to go green, there's a resurgence in learning how to sew," she said.
Sewtropolis offers classes for kids and adults. One of their offerings, a skirt class, will be highlighted in an upcoming seminar with stylist Sasha Westin of Fabuliss. Gianopoulos is confident that beginners can make a wearable skirt during the three-hour course ($50). "It's one of the easiest things to make," she said.
Summer of Skirts event: For $10, receive a 15-minute style consultation with Sasha Westin of Fabuliss, a $25 gift certificate on future styling services and $10 off of a skirt sewing class ($50). Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Sewtropolis, 5 W. Diamond Lake Rd., Mpls., 612-827-9550 (call for reservations), www.sewtropolis.com and fabuliss.com.
SALES AND EVENTS
THURSDAY
Exc and the City: A fashion show with summer and fall styles from Excelsior area boutiques, including Cynthia Rae, Avanti Shoe Boutique, Cherie Consignment Boutique, Lillian's, Ooh la la, Zelaz and House of Amore & Fede.
6:30 to 8 p.m., Water Street, Excelsior, $10 tickets available at Cynthia Rae, Avanti Shoe Boutique, Pantouf's and Zelaz.
Local Motion summer party: Get 20 percent off through the entire store, win door prizes, enjoy refreshments and watch informal modeling.
11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 2813 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-8436, www.localmotionmpls.com.
SATURDAY
Mainstream Boutique grand opening: Check out the latest clothing and accessories spot in Stillwater during a two-day open house. There will be discounts, drawings and fashion shows.
July 10 and 11, 421 S. Main St., Stillwater, 651-351-2802.
NEXT WEEK
L'atelier Couture Bridal semiannual sample sale: Gowns will be up to 90 percent off. Visit the store's Facebook page for information on reserving gowns before the event.
July 12-17, 493 Selby Av., St Paul, 651-602-9492, by appointment only, lateliercouturebridal.com.
Shopping and happy hour: Join SBG Designs jewelry and Uffdaa Wear workout attire for a joint trunk show and food and drink specials.
July 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m., patio at Tiger Sushi 2, 2841 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., free parking across the street in the Egg & I lot.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@ startribune.com
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