Garland's gowns on display

Garland's gowns During the fifth annual Judy Garland Festival this weekend, collector Michael Siewert will showcase 17 of the actress' gowns. The traveling exhibit's Minneapolis debut will include the finale dress from "Easter Parade" that Siewert bought from Debbie Reynolds and the red velvet gown that Garland wore in "Meet Me in St. Louis" when she sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

There's also a two-piece dress she wore several times, including to her fourth wedding, dubbed the "pineapple renaissance gown" by its designer, Bob Mackie. Siewert refers to it as "a bedspread, because it's quilted and weighs a ton with all the beading on it."

Since Garland was just 4 feet 11 and 95 pounds, the dresses and mannequins all fit into Siewert's sport-utility vehicle, which he'll drive from Augusta, Ga., to Minnesota for the event. Of course, the trip would be a lot faster if he had a pair of ruby slippers.

Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m., Marquette Hotel, 710 Marquette Av. S. (Great Lakes boardroom, fourth floor), Mpls., $10 admission. For details on the festival, visit judynoplacelikehome.org. For more information on gowns, see judygarland.com.

Q&A: Adele Wechsler, eco-wedding designer Designer Adele Wechsler is known for wedding gowns that are simple, elegant and organic. She'll be in town for an event on Thursday, highlighting green wedding options. Originally from South Africa, Wechsler called us from her headquarters in Toronto.

Q Why eco-bridal?

A Though a dress needs to be beautiful and stunning, it also needs to say more. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a statement about yourself.

A I incorporated fabrics that are more sustainable -- organic hemps and silks that are sustainable, made with vegetable dyes at mills that recycle the water instead of pumping refuse into rivers and streams. We also use fair trade labor and produce in North America.

Q Any trends you're excited about?

A We've introduced the Chrysalis collection, the idea of being able to have a metamorphosis. Brides can wear short, but they attach a skirt so they have a traditional experience of being in a gown. At the reception, you can remove the big skirt and end up with a short, sassy number and not be encumbered by all this fabric. Or you can keep the ball gown skirt and put it with a colorful bustier, and use the shorter dress another time. It's actually great for a practical bride because it's not a one-time dress.

Q What's your advice for picking the dress?

A Try to maintain your personality and who you are. Don't lose yourself in a poof of fabric. Look for a dress that enhances your silhouette and doesn't take over. In the end, you want you to shine.

A I was married at 21, so I quickly sketched up my dress on a scrap of paper. It was organza with a windowpane check on it and a big sleeve with a collar in front and in the back. You could see right through it and I knew I'd get a body suit made. But I tried it on for my mom and forgot to mention that fact. She didn't want to say anything, but the next morning she came in and said, "Adele, I have to tell you that your dress is see-through." I told her that she didn't have to worry.

Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Juut Salonspa, Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3512, www.juut.com. Meet designer Adele Wechsler, watch updo demonstrations, eat confections from Coco & Fig, see floral displays from Indulge & Bloom and browse wedding invitations by Hanke Panke Paper Plus Design.

Adele Wechsler Bridal trunk show: The designer's organic wedding gown collection will be available for brides-to-be. Get 15 percent off purchases made during the event.

Thursday through Sunday, Macy's Downtown Minneapolis, Bridal Salon, appointments recommended, 612-375-2162.

John Frieda Style On-Site Salon Tour: Get a free styling session with celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh and the team from John Frieda. Drop by for a 15-minute complimentary appointment. Then check out an on-site BCBGMAXAZRIA mini-boutique.

Casting call: Locally owned and operated Hot Mama is looking for moms (over 35) and their daughters (over 5) to appear in print campaigns for the brand, which has 17 stores nationwide.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 50th and France, 3914 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-746-8255, www.shopmama.com.

Über Baby grand opening party: Meet local designers Angela Anderson from Snowy Owl, Alisha Perkins from Cakes and Beans, Jenni Thompson from Snuggleboo and Julie Povolny from Baby Cakes. There will be free professional black-and-white photos of kids, gift card drawings, special orders on diaper bags, and snacks from Crave.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Shops of West End, 1628 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, 612-869-0930. www.uberbaby.com.

"I Feel Love" fashion show: New collections by local designers Maritza Ramirez and Mackenzie LaBine of Oishiimomo, accessories by Kristin Berwald of Bionic Unicorn and Jared Zachery of Freedom From Doubt with live video art and performances.

Miss Minnesota fashion show: The 20 statewide Miss Minnesota candidates will be modeling in a fashion show featuring Jovani dresses, and reigning queen Brooke Kilgarriff will be performing. There will also be a silent auction of two gowns with proceeds benefiting the Children's Miracle Network.

2 p.m. at Glitz!, Mall of America (third floor near Nordstrom), 952-854-5257.

Tarte cosmetics event: Receive a complimentary makeover with products from Tarte, which are free of mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Noon to 5 p.m., Sephora, Rosedale, 651-697-6577.

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