Scene/Milieu
Last day for me, ending the eight days that were Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011. I have seen 31 shows and presentations, met writers and bloggers from all around the country, seen good, bad and indifferent behavior in the venues from journalists and attendees alike, and filled my mind with ideas and trends to bring back to little old Milwaukee. Mayor Bloomberg stated that $770 million in revenue was brought into the city by the fashion fete. This leads me to question why our city, with its talented fashion designers, boutiques and models, can’t seem to pull together a cohesive representation of our work and wares annually? After all, we now have The Art Institute of Wisconsin starting classes in October, offering a bachelor of arts in fashion marketing. Perhaps some of the graduates will stay and help promote our vibrant fashion landscape. For your own taste of MBFW locally, check out Lela Boutique’s seventh-anniversary show next weekend in the Third Ward, which is probably as close as you can get! The institute is a major sponsor of the show, and is also located in the ward on Buffalo Street. According to Stephanie Sherman, co-owner of Lela along with Carrie Barnes Arrouet, the fashion show will bring together the city’s fashion elite, which includes professional models, designers, photographers, stylists and others closely involved in Milwaukee’s arts and fashion scene. I will be there wearing headphones helping out with the pacing of the enormous show on the production end. Check it out!
Celebrity sightings/Who’s who?
Flamboyant ice skater Johnny Weir, rocking fur and a hot pink jacket at Isaac Mizrahi.
“Real Housewives of New York City” star Kelly Killoren Bensimon at Argentina Designer Group Show. Debbie Gibson, looking fabulous at the Elene Cassis runway show. Also in attendance was “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star 
Danielle Staub.
Itinerary
Design duo Andy & Debb presented a fantastic collection of impeccably made dresses and separates. I particularly love the unique pocket detail on their coats as well as the “picture frame” detail on one of the sheath dresses. Fresh and ladylike, there was something here to suit anyone with a sense of style and taste. My favorites were the sheath dresses with the colorful “Rorschach” type treatment! Take note of the simple hair and soft pink makeup on the models.
Isaac Mizrahi 
has re-invented himself in the design world once again. With a simple and beautiful collection featuring some of the most interesting prints I’ve seen in a while. The theme of “XEROX” was used here and the standout piece was a black strapless number that had the “bow” at the bust that was actually a copier-like print. Brilliant! He showed some longer calf-length dresses that seemed to be the antidote to some of the extremely short lengths that have been promoted by other designers in the past. A few gowns were done in a “XEROX” floral, and one had a sheer nude corset top over a swishy tulle/organza skirt. Welcome back to Fashion Week, Mr. Mizrahi!
Spanish designer David Elfin presented his runway show “Tautology” to an appreciative crowd. His signature tailored pieces were held together with brightly colored industrial looking strapping material. His idea was, “Repetition of a same thought expressed in different ways. The need of protection is the main concept to be used. Search of shelter, security and fastening. Unions, separations, displacement, twists, and grafts. Destroy and rebuild.” The hard architectural elements were softened by his use of primarily Royal Blue in many of the garments. Cool and edgy yet wearable. I thought of someone like Rhianna sporting some of these looks.
Argentina Group Show was a collective of six designers of Argentinean descent. La Dolfina, Laura Valenzuela, Evangelina Bomparola, Mercelo Senra, Maria Pryor and Pablo Ramirez were on hand to feature their wildly inventive designs. Everything from Polo-inspired leathers, to white Gothic brides, and traditional separates made for an interesting show. The stand out designer for me was Mr. Ramirez whose “English Bobby meets Carmelite Nun” looks were exquisite. What a wonderful way to bring the world the talents of south of the equator design.
At Elene Cassis, I was able to go backstage to have a brief chat with the lovely designer and mom. She said: “I really thought about the woman, her lifestyle, her family and her work. To be able to take something contemporary and bring it from day into evening is important. I love architecture and streamlined design. My customer is independent, confident, successful and wants to look good. A lot of my stuff is compared to Coco Chanel, and it 
is an honor to be thought of in that company.” How kind for her to share her collection so intimately with me! I couldn’t agree more with the comparisons to the great couturiers of the 20th century, but this hard working designer has won adoring fans with her own unique style. The tailoring and finishing work on her garments is nothing short of impeccable. Her designs are season-less and suitable for any occasion that calls for chic sophistication. Why isn’t this lovely line sold in our area? That is a question I’d like to find the answer to. I will be making a few calls to boutique owners I know.
Must Haves
Simple, clean-lined sheaths and separates.
Black and white color blocking.
Unique ways to use new prints.
Nude and blush tones in dresses.
Longer lengths for skirts and dresses.
Colorful shoes as an antidote to the neutrals so prevalent for spring.
Red and Coral lip tints.
Ladylike tailoring ala “Jackie O” and equally toned-down hand bags with frames and handles.
Travelogue
What can I say about New York and the way it never ceases to inspire and educate? Because of its diversity, we’re able to put the world in perspective and become better custodians of the ideas presented here on a daily basis, whether in Lincoln Center or simply on the street. The next time you visit here, promise me you’ll keep your eyes, ears and heart open to ideas that have the ability to create change, and bring them back with you to share here in Milwaukee. Now for a long nap! See you next week for my interview with Rock legend Steven Van Zandt.
