Diva Minnesota’s Club Diva 2008 was a huge success, both in raising tens of thousands of dollars to support HIV/AIDS programs in Minnesota, and as a glam bash featuring live performances and runway fashion from Twin Cities designers including Pather Yang, Hazel Matthys, Ivan Idland, Taissa Lada, Tanya Thomas- Schaefer, Jason Hammberg, Michele Henry (one of her designs pictured at left), along with Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway fame.

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First up was the student runway show and design competition, with Samantha Rei taking first place for her unique eastern-inspired design.Next came the successful auction of cool packages such as Entourage - getting glammed in designer clothes, styled up by Evolution, then going out to a four-course dinner with Cheryl Tiegs and having the whole thing photo’d for a spread in Twin Cities Luxury & Fashion magazine!

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Now on to pics from the fashion runway show, kicked off with sunglasses & attitude when Pather Yang’s designs came in on the hoof! Designer bio from the program:
Pather designs with youthful romanticism that teeters on the edge of minimalism and excessiveness. The perfection of that balance is demonstrated in each of her carefully constructed garments. Her easy-to-wear dresses very much stand on their own but also encourage individuals to make it their own. Says Pather, “Style is all about the individual, and my clothes empower and enable you to do that.”

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Hazel Matthys provided classic looks. Her info from the program:
Hazel has been working in the fashion industry for the past 10 years. Designing custom clothing under her own name, she has owned and operated her private label for the past six years. As a child, Hazel was always encouraged to create and dream. Inspired by her mother’s ability to work with many mediums of art and design, she channeled her talents toward fashion. At the age of 17, Hazel gained nationwide recognition by winning the “Make It Yourself With Wool” contest. Her design aesthetic is a classic look that will never go out of style.

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Ivan Idland provided a cool, contemporary lineup for both men and women. His bio from the program:
Ivan grew up on a ranch in a sparsely populated area of eastern Montana. He was inspired by the vastness of the land and sky around him. At Concordia College, Ivan became involved in the theater program and spent his time in the costume shops. In 2000, he moved to Minneapolis, where he continued to sew and design for himself and others. “If you prefer to blend into a crowd, then my clothing is probably not for you,” he says. Ivan especially enjoys giving the fashion-conscious man options to choose from in a world often ruled by uniformity and tradition.

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Designs by Taissa Lada Hrenchyshyn were a mix of fun and elegance. Designer info from the program:
Taissa’s clothing represents a modern-day interpretation of visions from the past. Many of her inspirations stem from the movie “The Dark Crystal,” the 1920s and 1930s, surrealism, and the classic “little black dress.” She specializes in high-end eveningwear, accessories, one-of-a-kind garments, and ready-to-wear items. Taissa does not think that fashion should ever be taken too seriously, but rather something to be enjoyed, appreciated, and most of all accepted.

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Tanya Thomas-Schaefer showed off colorful designs, flapper-era inspired? Here is her info from the program:
Tanya has been a sewer for 20 years. As a studio art major at St. Olaf College, she worked in the theater’s costume department and studied in Florence, Italy. Tanya is currently working a clothing line with an emphasis on athletic maternity wear that, in time, will include a full women’s ready-to-wear line. She strives to invent creative, colorful twists on timeless pieces with an emphasis on fit, form, and function.

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Jason Hammerberg’s collection of ready-to-wear men’s styles. Here is info on Jason from the program:
This Minneapolis-based designer has been designing men’s clothing for the past decade for large corporate retailers and small start-up ventures. Jason’s current endeavors feature him in the driver’s seat as he has stepped out on his own. Humble Fashion is a distinctive collection of button-down shirts for the man who wants the high-end look without the high-end price. And let’s not forget about the little people: Brand New Baby Wear is a line of unique onesies for the fashionable youngster.

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Jack Mackenroth — a cheer went up for the celebrity designer’s models when they came out including for this colorful dress. Jack then surprised the crowd by adding some personal moves to the lineup! Here is info on Jack from the program:
Jack studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design. Fresh out of Parsons, Jack opened a menswear store called “Jack” in the West Village of New York City. There he showcased new designers alongside upscale brands. He then went to work for Tommy Hilfiger, designing knits for the women’s line and doing fashion illustrations for the entire division. He later went back into menswear, designing for the Slates brand under the Levis umbrella. Before appearing on season four of Project Runway, he was the design director at Weatherproof Activewear for four years. Jack is currently developing his own line of men’s dress shirts and dress pants and hopes to expand into all aspects of men’s sportswear.

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Michele Henry’s designs not only were stunning, but she also had the models’ moves choreographed in twos and threes and whoe group. If not stealing the show, she certainly closed it out with a bang! Here is her promo from the program:
Dynamic, bright, funky, zealous garments express Michele’s passion for life and all she endures. In the spring of 2007, House of Henry was launched, making its debut appearances at local boutiques Picky Girl and Collaborations. The collection is currently sold at five Twin Cities stores and at one in San Diego. In February, House of Henry will be showcasing at the Pool Trade Show in Las Vegas. Michele aspires to have her designs in boutiques across the country within the next year.

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All in all this an absolutely fantastic show and benefit event. Our congrats to those who put it on, and a huge thanks to Lola Red for making it possible for us to cover the event.Feel free to comment below!