Everything old was new again at the fourth incarnation of RetroRama on May 21.The swinging event at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul revived the period from the 1930s through the 1960s. Live music echoed through the museum. Gals in poodle and pencil skirts could grab a fun-size bar from the Pearson's Salted Nut Roll girl's tray. Or you could pluck a cracker from another server's tray and get a squirt of Cheez Whiz on top. Bradstreet Craftshouse Restaurant shook things up with a cocktail demonstration, and Chowgirls Killer Catering offered old-school entertaining tips.
One of the main events was a fashion show with local designers who drew inspiration from the past, produced by Anna Lee (left) of MNFashion and hosted by Colleen Kruse (right) of 107.1 FM.
Ivan Idland created a 1930s dress that was glamorous on top and a flour sack skirt on the bottom. "I wanted to combine Hollywood starlet with what the poor were wearing," he said.
Jennifer Mumm, one of the owners of Blacklist Vintage, came in a 1940s look, while her business partner, Vanessa Messersmith, came in a flapper dress. "They're so easy to wear," Messersmith said.
Dressing up definitely gave the night a special feel, and the recently opened exhibit "Minnesota's Greatest Generation: The Depression, the War, the Boom" added a dose of gravitas to the experience.
"It's really nice to see young people involved in the community and history," said Dani Fenn, a student from Minneapolis. Indeed.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
