A theme of growth is the message for the 17th Fresh Traditions Fashion Show at Saint Paul RiverCentre on October 12! 10 designers from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Thailand (yes, Thailand!) will bring their interpretation of “BLOOM” to the show. As the Hmong community evolves and grows, the theme is especially important as we celebrate Hmong inspired and fusion fashion. Hmong fashion, like the community, is blooming.

This year will mark the 17th year that Center for Hmong Arts and Talent will be overseeing the production of Fresh Traditions Fashion Show. The show brings Hmong designers to integrate elements of their cultural motifs and colors into fashion and apparel. Hmong stories were told on story clothes (paj ntaub) for centuries and this show will tell a little bit of their story too.

Embroidery and unique handmade crafts will be sold at a vendor’s marketplace before the show from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. just outside of the ballroom area.

Vanh Thao, this year’s program manager, remarked, “I am amazed by all the creativity and talent. I really just want to sit back and enjoy the show!”

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Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) is the first and only multidisciplinary Hmong arts organization in the United States. For over 30 years, CHAT has been nurturing Hmong artists, creating a platform for them to share their art and advocating for a more vibrant Hmong community through the arts.

aboutchat.org