Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category
Mar05
Alice Riot: Women-Owned Fashion Startup Combines Art and Fashion
2018 at 08:50 pm by admin | Comments Off
It’s no secret that we here at Tomodachi love a good creative collaboration — and a good mashup of artistic mediums. New Minneapolis women’s wear line, Alice Riot, checks both those boxes. Founded by artist Kate Iverson, and biz strategist Kelly Groehler, Alice Riot combines original artwork with timeless fashion pieces.
The line’s inaugural collection features the artwork of co-founder Iverson, but future iterations will highlight other female artists from around the globe (while maintaining consistency with garment silhouettes. Designed for the working woman, these office-friendly looks include a 3/4 sleeve dress, sleeveless sheath dress, midi skirt, pencil skirt and two sizes of silk scarf — all in a size-inclusive range from XS-3XL. Designed by Iverson’s sister, Andi Hillestad (whose daughter, Alice, was the inspiration behind the line’s name, in addition to Kelly’s beloved late, great aunt Alyce) each garment represents a classic style that’s work appropriate but brings a “creative spark” along with you, no matter where you work or what role you play.
A hat tip to feminism, Alice Riot encourages women to break free of traditional workplace style and own their power, fierceness and creativity — in other words, ditch the boring monochrome suit and literally wear your art on your sleeve!
Alice Riot is currently taking pre-orders via a flashy Indiegogo campaign, featuring real women leaders as ambassador models and a colorful, art-inspired presentation. The campaign runs through April 19th.
Check it out and support this Minnesota-grown, women-owned business HERE. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/alice-riot-wearthegallery-apparel-collection-art-fashion#/
If you want to see and try on samples in person, the Alice Riot founders are hosting weekly open studio events at their spot in Northeast Minneapolis. Details on that HERE.
https://www.facebook.com/events/424573967981170/
Follow them on Instagram and Twitter: @aliceriotstyle or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aliceriot/
Nov30
The UNABOMINABLE Yodi Book Signing with Christopher Straub
2017 at 09:39 pm by admin | Comments Off
Head to Tomodachi at Mall of America on Friday, Dec 8th for an exclusive book signing and meet and greet with Christopher Straub for his new book The UNABOMINABLE Yodi.
Christopher Straub and yodi
Be the first to get your hands on a copy of The UNABOMINABLE Yodi, as well as its adorable matching plush toy and other related merchandise. The illustrated children’s’ book tells the tale of a little yeti that wants to do good things, unlike his abominable older brothers. Ideal for ages 3-6 and makes a great holiday gift!
Complimentary snacks will be served and Tomodachi will be offering a special FREE gift for customers purchasing the book and plush bundle!
About Christopher Straub
Christopher Straub is a Minnesota fashion and accessories designer who gained national exposure on season 6 of hit television show, Project Runway. Since his time on the show, Christopher has worked on projects with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Maurices, Target, Yoplait and PBS. He’s also been featured in such magazines as US Weekly, Star, People, and O Oprah Magazine and is a regular guest on Fox 9’s The Jason Show. Though fashion is still his primary focus, Straub has found success with his series of children’s books (Albert the Confused Manatee, Rocky the Confused Platypus, and Albert’s Underwater ABCs) and the development of a number of plush toys. https://christopherstraub.com
HOURS
Fri, Dec 8th from 4pm-7pm
Sep04
Back-to-School Special: Buy 2 Get 1 Free on mt tape!
2015 at 02:11 pm by admin | Comments Off
Now that summer is winding down and it’s time to head back to school, TOMODACHI is offering a special deal on our colorful selection of designer washi tape! Through the end of September, customers who purchase two rolls of mt tape will get one for free! Stock up on tons of cool colors and patterns to use for creatively decorating dorm rooms, embellishing interiors and making beautiful, eye-catching arts and crafts. This offer is only available while supplies last and will conclude at the end of September, so don’t miss out!
What is mt tape? mt is a brand of washi rice paper masking tape produced by Japanese company Kamoi Kakoshi. This no-damage adhesive is designed to be easily applied, aligned and repositioned, making it a perfect tool for use in crafts, interior decoration, contemporary art installation and design. Available in a huge variety of colors, patterns, styles, and sizes, mt has become a part of daily life for customers and artists across the world, adding a little bit of color everywhere!
Sep03
TOMODACHI x MT Event Recap
2015 at 11:41 am by admin | Comments Off
TOMODACHI’s collaborative art event with Japanese washi brand, mt tape, opened its doors this past Saturday and we couldn’t have been happier with the outcome! We had an amazing turnout at this unique exhibition and family event, with artists giving their all to show the world just what mt tape can do with a little bit of creativity!
TOMODACHI’s gallery debuted some amazing art and design work from 18 featured artists, who each took their own spin on using mt tape as a medium. From framed wall pieces to decorated paper mache animals, large-scale wall installations and even a miniature mt tape city, each artistic interpretation was unexpected, colorful and unique. Emerging and established artists alike took part in the exhibit, including internationally-renowned artist and graphic designer Michael Cina, pop surrealist darling Rudy Fig, whimsical painter Jennifer Davis, installation artist Leekyung Kang and many more.
During the event, Los Angeles-based artist and architect, James Rojas, led a hands-on art activity which taught attendees about urban planning through the construction of an evolving tape-covered mini city. Throughout the day, TOMODACHI gave away complimentary mt tape and dozens of raffle prizes that included collectibles, gift cards and merchandise from our sponsors. DJ SALLY provided the musical soundtrack for the day, playing a fun mix of J-Pop, K-Pop and everything in between.
We would like to thank everyone who made this event possible, including our friends at mt tape, all of our participating artists, sponsors, and most importantly our friends and customers who have supported us from the beginning. The show debut was a huge success, but if you weren’t able to make it to the opening, the work will remain on view through Wednesday, September 30th. Stop by TOMODACHI at the Mall of America to check out this exhibit of awesome mt-based artwork before its gone!
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