RetroRama

Explore the roots of retro glamour at RetroRama, May 13, 7 – 11 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. This year’s RetroRama fashion show is inspired by yesteryear’s elegant leisure lifestyles and is produced by MNFashion and DJ’d by Jake Rudh. Local designers include Ivan Idland, Joy Tieken of Joynoëlle, George Moskal, Max Lohrbach, and Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Company. Plus, join FM 107.1’s Colleen Kruse as she emcees audience participation. It’s a chance for partygoers to join the catwalk where they can “strut” their vintage “stuff.” Guests can also pick up retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores, and unearth unique finds at vintage boutiques, courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, the Spectacle Shoppe and Spinario Design.

Belt out favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the karaoke lounge, and make throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe. Who knows more about specs than Ben Franklin? Learn about the man who invented bi-focals in the History Center exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.”  Visit with chef Dan Ritter as he shares a few tips on mid century cuisine and bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.

Vintage attire is encouraged. For inspiration, visit www.mnhs.org/retrorama and check out past RetroRama evenings with an online video showcasing some of the most fashion-forward vintage looks. Plus, explore a timeline of fashion history from the 1920s through the 1960s.

RetroRama is May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fee is $15 or $12 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Parking is $5. Cash bars will be available and snacks can be purchased. Advanced tickets are recommended; for more information, call 651-259-3015 or purchase tickets online at www.mnhs.org/retrorama.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. Its essence is to illuminate the past as a way to shed light on the future. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing.