The art of fashion at MIA

Wearable art will take on new meaning at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this week.

The museum challenged local fashion designers Emma Berg, Laura Fulk, Raul Osorio and Samantha Rei to create outfits inspired by the museum's collections. Their designs will be featured in a show at the MIA's Third Thursday event.

Osorio said it was easy to get inspiration from the works in the museum. As he walked through the galleries, he was drawn to a man's jacket designed by a Lakota Indian in 1910. The animal hide was embellished with beads and metal buttons. Osorio said he was attracted to the color palette and the styling. "I've been really big on ponchos," he said, "so I wanted to go that way and play with volume."

Berg said her designs were inspired by Pablo Picasso, Laura Fulk used concepts by Doc Edgerton, and Samantha Rei was drawn to decorative arts, including 19th-century tiles by George Grant Elmslie originally used in a bank in Hector, Minn.

What: Fashion show featuring work by local designers, plus trunk shows with Ruby3 hats, Urban Junket handbags, Helen Wang jewelry and Retrospect Designs jewelry.

Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thu.

Made in Minnesota For the HandmadeMN Market, local artists and crafters will highlight their latest creations. Look for repurposed vintage buttons turned into charming rings and pendants by Kelly Barto of Kellybot, clever magazine jewelry by Jennifer Merchant Design, beaded bookmarks by Brenda and Jess Irwin of Light Reading, peppermint soaps by Sacred Suds, tile magnets by My Little Chickadee Creations and fused glass jewelry by Toni Kuffel of Wild Dog Studio.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., Ballentine VFW, 2916 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., www.handmademn.com.

Pick of the week: Mulberry for Target Did you miss out on the limited edition collection of Mulberry because it sold out so quickly? Well, now you have a second chance. A rare second delivery of the handbags ($15 to $50) has landed on shelves at select stores and on Target.com. The label's signature silhouettes have been made in denim, pink leopard print, black velvet and patent leather.

Happy hour and trunk show: Shop the latest by local accessories designers Annie Fink, Karin Jacobson for Julian Capelle, Nelle and Post- and Vintage City Classics. Local label Calpurnia Peach will be there with two new dress styles that are exclusive to Picky Girl. There also will be giveaways.

6 to 9 p.m., Picky Girl, 949 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-698-4107.

5 to 7:30 p.m. Thu., continuing through Monday, FinnStyle, 160 Glenwood Av., Mpls., 612-333-2127.

Mehera Shaw store closing: Grab dress and separates for women and girls at 40 to 85 percent off before the women's boutique closes.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sat., 2004 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-874-9115, www.meherashaw.com.

Special occasion trunk shows: Wares by two of the store's exclusive designers -- Argentinian jewelry maker Rodrigo Otazu and Gia P Fleming's new line of dresses and separates -- will be available.

Through Sun., Get Social by Glitz!, Mall of America (first floor, north), Bloomington, 952-854-4830.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 321 S. Main St., Stillwater, 651-430-2234.

Northeast Minneapolis Holiday Boutique Crawl: Enjoy discounts, caroling and giveaways.

Noon to 5 p.m., E. Hennepin Av., Mpls.

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