A new line of boots named Cobra Society definitely has charm. The cowboy-inspired collection comes from Blake alumna and Wayzata-raised designer Alex Davis. The boots, already in boutiques from Paris to New York, have been spotted on celebs such as Olivia Wilde and Beyoncé. We chatted with Davis, currently based in Los Angeles, who will return to her hometown for a trunk show next week.
Q How did you get into fashion?
A I interned with Stella McCartney in London, worked for a magazine in Paris and Bismarck Phillips Communications and Media in Los Angeles.
Q What look were you going for with your boot line?
A I wanted to create a timeless classic fashion item that also capitalized on a traditional craft of Morocco. My boots are all made with Moroccan kilim. Each rug on the boot is a little different so they're collector's items.
Q How did you get the inspiration to use Moroccan rugs?
A I lived in Morocco for a summer.
Q Why did you design boots?
A I'm just a boot girl. I wear them 300 days a year.
Q They're pretty, but are they practical?
A You can't have a timeless style unless there's some practicality in it. My boots are made for walking -- they last forever.
Q What's next?
A For spring we're expanding the women's collection and adding loafers for men and women.
COBRA SOCIETY TRUNK SHOW
When: 1 to 10 p.m. Mon.
Where: International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls.
Also available: net-a-porter.com and at Pumpz (Galleria, Edina) in September.
More information: thecobrasociety.com.
STATE FAIR SYTLE
Fashion at the State Fair is usually an oxymoron, but a few vendors are offering goods that will help you make a stylish statement.
Fair Do's (Old Machinery Hill, statefairdos.com): There's already a lot of color at the State Fair, so why not add a little more with your hairstyle. Lorri Weissen and her team from Hairs to You Salon and Boutique in Roseville will add temporary and non-toxic neon hues, that cost $11 for one color up to $30 for a majestic mohawk.
Apron Elegance (Heritage Square, apron-elegance.com): For aspiring blue-ribbon bakers, designer Rachel Hart of Duluth offers retro aprons ($20 to $30), crinoline skirts ($25) and lace hostess aprons ($35) with matching potholders and towels ($5 to $28).
Shoes to Boot (Grandstand, originalshoestoboot.com): If your feet start to hurt, seek out David Addis' Euro-comfort footwear shop. It'll have sandals and shoes for men and women, including Teva flip-flops ($24), Birkenstocks and Dansko clogs (up to $125).
I Like You (Heritage Square, ilikeyouonline.com): This local boutique offers handmade items from Minnesota artists and crafters, including necklaces by Falling Forward's Michelle Kellogg and T-shirts by owners Sarah Sweet and Angela Lessman.
Colorful Cotton Clothing (Merchandise Mart, colorfulcotton clothing.com): Thanks to former Dayton's buyer Ellen Reinhardt, you can find a head-spinning variety of tie-dye offerings in rainbow colors and more hues for infants and adults up to size 4X. ($20 for T-shirts and purses, and up to $75 for coats.)
Shhh.-on-a-stick and Towel Topper (Grandstand, 3waybeauty.com and mytoweltopper.com): Becky Sturm has put her all-natural hybrid shower/shave/shampoo bar on a stick ($6 each or $20 for four) and designer Sairey Gernes will sell her decorative elastic bands that keep your bath towel in place.
Peace Pavilion (Underwood): Give peace a chance at Pam Mondale's VW bus. For $3 to $45, you'll find an assortment of items with the ultimate hippie symbol, including T-shirts, jewelry, embroidered pillows, ice trays, candles, hats and even a toaster that imprints the symbol on your bread.
SALES AND EVENTS
THURSDAY
RAW Natural Born Artists: This showcase for up-and-coming artists will feature fashion, hair and makeup artists as well as film, visual art, photography and performing art.
8 p.m., Fine Line Music Café, 318 N. 1st Av., Mpls. 21-plus, Tickets are $10 online, rawartists.org/minneapolis/fusion.
SATURDAY
Shop for a Cause at Macy's: Buy a $5 savings pass and save 25 percent on most items at any store and online. Sales from passes benefit March of Dimes.
Passes available at marchofdimes.com/shopforacause.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com • Follow Glassman on Twitter: @sararglassman
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