.png)
.png)
_edited.jpg)
about the exhibition
on view: feb 15 - mar 29
The Serpent’s Charm, a one-of-a-kind celebration of Lunar New Year 2025 in Minnesota, honoring the Year of the Snake through a vibrant showcase of emerging Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) fashion designers. This initiative delves into the deep cultural connections between fashion and Lunar New Year traditions, providing a dynamic platform for designers and local creatives from diverse backgrounds to share their artistry.
The Serpent’s Charm explores the interplay between contemporary and traditional fashion, weaving cultural symbolism from the Lunar New Year to celebrate transformation, resilience, and renewal embodied by the snake as we enter the Year of the Snake in 2025.
By elevating the work of six AAPI designers and a team of creatives, The Serpent’s Charm fosters cultural pride while offering designers meaningful opportunities for professional growth and broader recognition in the fashion industry. This project provides hands-on production experience for local creatives and volunteers, cultivating talent and empowering the next generation of artists.
events
Fashion Show
Fri. Jan 31st | 6PM - 9PM
The Luminare: 700 SE 9th St. Minneapolis, MN 55414
Join us for the exhibition of "The Art of Resistance" by Zhi Kai Vanderford. Vanderford is a transgender artist, activist, writer, and elder. This exhibit curates the artwork he's created while incarcerated in the last 37 years. The exhibit curates four different themes: identity & transformation, prisons & policing, police violence, and friends.
Exhibition Opening
Sat. Feb. 15th | 1PM - 3PM
XIA Gallery & Cafe
Join us for the exhibition of "The Art of Resistance" by Zhi Kai Vanderford. Vanderford is a transgender artist, activist, writer, and elder. This exhibit curates the artwork he's created while incarcerated in the last 37 years. The exhibit curates four different themes: identity & transformation, prisons & policing, police violence, and friends.
meet the creative team
meet the
creative team
Vivian Tran
Director, Producer, and Photographer
Vivian Tran is a Vietnamese-American fashion photographer, passionate about capturing unique personalities and styles through her work. She blends her love for fashion, art, and creativity to help clients express their individuality, whether through editorial shoots or lifestyle photography. As both a photographer and director, she collaborates with artists and brands to produce standout visual content.
Ami Diep
Exhibition Creative Director
AMI is a creative director, photographer and multi-media artist based in Minneapolis, MN and is available worldwide. AMI is known for her high-level execution photographing fashion editorials but has strived in her roles as producer, art director, scout and stylist.
Aeola Lu
Project Coordinator
Aeola Lu is a Taiwanese-American multidisciplinary artist based in the Twin Cities. She has spent the past five years working as an event organizer and creative support for local artists and performing arts groups. She’s committed to supporting the development and visibility of local artists and creative communities.
