After a week of intense fashion scrutiny in Manhattan, it feels good to be back in Milwaukee. I definitely have a greater appreciation for the retailers who bring their own personal tastes to the items they so carefully and thoughtfully choose to sell. It also made me aware of how many designers we have here in the city and how much we should embrace their creativity and courage to forge a career with an unpredictable future. During the week I also met “fashion people” who populated the tents along with celebrities, journalists, editors and buyers. These are the people who at a certain level are living examples of style that you see on the street. I took quite a few photos of fashion followers, models and others and wanted to present them to you. I also compiled a list of the Top 10 trends to keep an eye on. On another level, those who think that fashion people are frivolous or self-serving need to know of all the fundraisers for many worthy causes that happened during that time. I urge you to think about sending a contribution or just spreading the word.
Street Fashion
This British duo is proof positive that “New Wave” and the ’80s are still viable looks for those with the guts to pull it off. They were at a show in the Garment District and were either photographers or rock stars, I don’t
know really. I just liked their confidence!
“Defying Mainstream” is the name of a new online fashion periodical that is the brainchild of Bacall Michaels. I saw this young woman at quite a few shows on the final day of MBFW. I applaud her sense of style and her willingness to put her opinion out there via her Web site, defyingmainstream.com. Plus there was a trend for top hats! (See next picture of pretty brunette with top hat!)
This interesting couple is, catwalker Justin Rinehart, with the razor sharp cheekbones, and wearing some funky shades is Tanyka Renee from the Lingerie Football League. I actually saw quite a few people with different takes on this type of eyewear in the tents, but no one did them justice like this lovely lady. These two definitely made an impression!
Designer Chantell Walters strutted her stuff in her own design while waiting for entrance to another show. 
She was sweet, and I did like this look on her. Check out more of her British-influenced looks at chantellwalters.co.uk.
The girl with the sequined beret was hip and interesting. She sported quite a few trends at once. Berets, monochromatic tones, metallic, texture, and socks with open-toe shoes all pull together to create a unique statement. The bright tones of the socks keep it playful.
Fall’s Top 10 Trends
1. Metallic trench coats
2. Menswear looks for women
3. Embellished leggings and patterned and textured tights
4. Floral fabrics for fall separates and dresses
5. Velvet coats and dresses
6. Ruffles as a detail on clothing
7. Leather for dresses, slacks and jackets
8. Cropped jackets of all sorts
9. Oversized scarves of all kinds
10. Handmade-looking cable-knit sweaters
Fashion Gives Back
On a serious note, in the main tents, Diet Coke was the presenting sponsor of The Heart Truth’s Red Dress 2010 Collection fashion show on opening night (I had an invite but couldn’t get there because of LaGuardia closing!). It provided free heart-health screenings and helped raise money and awareness for women’s heart-health research. For more information, visit dietcoke.com.
CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) sold T-shirts to help raise money for Haiti. I bought one,
and the tones and design are in keeping with the ’80s influence that is rearing its head again. Neon bright is coming back like it or not. I think it can work in small doses. You should visit cfda.com/fashion-for-haiti/ for more information about where T-shirts are sold. Proceeds benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of assistance. It’s amazing what a $25 limited edition T-shirt can do.
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Check back next week for interesting fashion observations from people in the industry who have ties to the Midwest. See how that affects their own views of style and design. Also, please let me know of any emerging designers or fashion events that you’d like me to cover in this column. I would be more than happy to promote anything that helps others get the word out about our creative and fascinating fashion scene here in Milwaukee! I can be reached at bjorn@milwaukeemagazine.com.
