"Project Runway": The sequel Shakopee resident Christopher Straub, who made it to the top five in Season Six of "Project Runway," debuted his first post-reality TV collection at the St. Paul Hotel. Like on the show, there was a celebrity in the audience -- supermodel Janice Dickinson.
Dickinson introduced Straub as "Christian" before the show started, but made up for the flub by saying: "I'm really impressed with the integrity of the collection. The talent makes me so energized, and to come from Minneapolis, Minnesota." With praise like that, I didn't want to point out that we were in St. Paul. For more information on Straub's designs, visit www.christopherstraub.com.
Fire sale While there has been a lot of news about the restaurants lost in the fire at 50th and Bryant, there's been little press about the boutiques that burned, such as the charming Stacey Johnson Jewelry. Johnson will be having a fire sale this weekend to sell some of the pieces that weren't destroyed. The sale will be held at Bahu (Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 99 S. 10th St., Mpls., 612-339-1792). Everything will be 30 to 70 percent off. Prices on sterling silver, semiprecious gemstones, freshwater pearls and gold-fill earrings will be between $11 to $35; necklaces $23 to $60; bracelets about $30; and all sterling silver rings will be $9 to $17. There also will be a preview of Johnson's summer collection. While you're at Bahu, a boutique recently opened by Johnson's fiancé, check out the selection of European lines for men and women.
Sales and events Move over, chain stores, Ridgedale is going local this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the center court will be converted into a market for "Indie Collection Ridgedale," a pop-up boutique with local designers, including jewelry by Infrared Studio and Shayne & Coco, Jennifleur candles and Louise Bags and Totes.
Now's the time to stock up on sunglasses for summer or upgrade your everyday frames. InVision will host a trunk show featuring new eyewear designs by Robert Marc at its three stores (Thursday in Minnetonka, 11300 Wayzata Blvd., 952-591-9567; Friday in St. Paul, 651-291-0318; Saturday in Edina, Galleria, 952-920-5458).
In Mother's Day prep, there are more jewelry trunk shows this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, check out Byzantine and stain glass-inspired work by New Yorker Jeanne Johngren (Max's, 3831 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-922-8354). On Saturday (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), OPM (3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399) will host local designer Helen Wang, who is known for a wide variety wearable and elegant pieces. Get 20 percent off during the event.
Through Saturday, Corset (715 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-224-2495, corsetstyling.com) is featuring a "Wardrobe Builder" sale. On regular-priced apparel and accessories, you can buy two items for 20 percent off, three for 30 percent off, four for 40 percent off and five or more for 50 percent off.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com