The Fitting Room’s new store at 50th & France offers a curated selection from local designers. Photos: Chris Emeott
From city streets to suburban style, Minneapolis boutique has all the answers to your fall fashion needs.
Chunky boots, fur coats, knit sweaters and vintage apparel—no matter the fall fashion item, they have a new home in Edina. The Fitting Room has long been a staple for chic finds, having sold one-of-a-kind pieces by local designers for the last seven years. Owner Kim Jurek-Valanzasca shares her favorite fall trends and boutique offerings.
What do you love about Minnesota and its fashion, and how did it inspire you to create The Fitting Room?
I love that we have a supportive fashion community with lots of talented people willing to share and be resourceful … I grew up in central Minnesota and moved to Minneapolis in my 20s. I studied fashion design in Florence, Italy, which is part of what motivated me to start my own line in 2005, Alma Mia. My mom was also a big influence, as she taught me how to sew when I was young and encouraged me to participate in our local 4-H chapter and the county and state fair fashion shows.
The Fitting Room boutique owner Kim Jurek-Valanzasca.
What makes The Fitting Room unique?
We are a boutique that is curated with all local designers. We have clothing, jewelry, handbags, other accessories and a milliner … We also work in one-of-a-kind, small batches and custom designs. Often, you can meet with the designers directly, which I think is really special. The shop follows the slow fashion movement, which means our designers trickle items in over the season, so you will find something new every time you come by.
Fall is a great time of year for fashion and accessorizing. What styles do you predict will be on trend? Any favorites?
While traveling in Spain this spring, I noticed some fun trends and love how those styles find their way to Minnesota. Lots of faux fur and fur, and that’s such a Minnesota staple in vests, coats, bags and trims. Several of our designers consistently work in fur and faux fur, so [I’m] excited to see those pieces coming in for the fall to the shop. I have also seen a mix of grunge, ’70s, feather accents, cozy textures and rich colors, which I am excited about. Also, a mix of modern and vintage.
In what ways will The Fitting Room engage with the Edina community?
We produce four to five fashion shows a year. Our big ones are both the spring and fall shows, EVOLVE. In September, we produced EVOLVE … at 50th and France, and it was wonderful to be a part of the community in that way. We find these shows really bring together [the] community. They’re an opportunity to connect designers with the clients directly … All of the looks are immediately available in our pop-up after the show and in the shop after that evening. We also have smaller fashion show events like our Anniversary Party, The Resort Show in February and Merry Merry in early December.
The Fitting Room
Instagram: @thefittingroommpls
