4/11/2011 MinneCulture

This is Twin Cities fashion week, and KFAI is featuring five related stories from its 10,000 Fresh Voices series:

1. MN Fashion presents Voltage: Fashion Amplified
Produced by Allison Herrera
If "Minnesota fashion" conjures up images of down jackets, waterproof boots and layers of scarves, sweaters, and thermal underwear, check out Voltage: Fashion Amplified. This annual event is part of Spring Fashion Week, and showcases work by 10 local designers in a rock and roll environment tailor made for First Avenue. KFAI's Allison Herrera explains how the sartorial sensibilities of this diverse group have helped redefine Minnesota fashion.

2. Designer Rachel Blomgren
Produced by Katey DeCelle
Rachel Blomgren in one of 10 designers selected to show at Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2011--the Midwest's premier spring fashion and rock show. Blomgren talked KFAI's Katey DeCelle about how fabrics can have hidden meanings, and how textiles can tell stories.

3. Designer Raul Osorio
Produced by Katey DeCelle
Twin Cities designer Raul Osorio learned how to sew at his parents' textile school in Honduras. He spoke to KFAI producer Katey DeCelle about his creative inspiration, and what it's like to prepare for his second Voltage: Fashion Amplified runway show.

4. Vintage Fashion: Rewind & Lula
Produced by Sabrina Crews
The Twin Cities is home to a wide variety of independently owned clothing stores, including many thrift stores and retro shops. Vintage fashion is especially popular, but what draws locals to clothes from the past? KFAI's Sabrina Crews went to Rewind in Minneapolis, and Lula in St. Paul, to talk to business owners about the lure of vintage fashion.

5. Dyed in the Wool: Kim Christensen
Produced by Diane Richard
Minneapolis fiber artist Kim Christensen finds a bounty of natural dye stuffs in her backyard and alleyways. She sells her woolen wares at the Kingfield Farmer's Market of Minneapolis.