Photo courtesy of Kryg Photography.

At this moment in Milwaukee there is a great groundswell of young, talented and remarkably hard-working people taking the lead when it comes to producing and organizing fashion-related events. I met one of them, Caitlin Larson, when she graciously asked me to be the emcee of her third fashion production in the past year, “A Date with Couture and Luxury,” at the Astor Hotel on July 21. An accomplished model herself and a noted organizational dynamo, she pulled off an incredible event, showcasing original designers in this classy runway show. I wanted to ask her a few questions about her hopes and dreams for a future in fashion as well as her production company, Tres Chic Fashion and Modeling Productions, LLC, and here’s what transpired.

 

When did you develop an interest in modeling?

I’ve been interested in fashion since I could walk; I used to tell people what I thought they should wear and why they shouldn’t wear that particular outfit. I also told them what colors brought their eyes out, complimented their skin tone, and how some people shouldn’t wear large patterns, because in general they make you look wider. [laughs] I started modeling for department stores when I was 10 years old, and with that, my fashion and modeling knowledge and experience continued to grow.

Why did you start your own production company?
After modeling for quite some time, then receiving my degree in Fashion Marketing in May 2011, I decided it was time to put my experience, knowledge and degree to work. I wanted my fashion and modeling production company to not only represent the always asked for 5-foot-9-inch or taller models, but petite models as well.

Tres Chic Productions has many goals, one of which is to show people that there’s more to fashion than what they see and hear from their peers or on television. Experiencing a real live runway fashion show will definitely open your eyes to the high fashion industry.

Why do you think fashion plays an important role in society?
What you wear represents who you are, your personality and even how you’re feeling that day. People take you more seriously when you’re dressed up and look professional. Or if you accessorize quite well others may think of you as their fashion icon! When you get dressed in the morning, remember you’re always making a statement everywhere you go. Don’t just dress to impress, more importantly dress for yourself. You’re the one wearing the clothing, so you have to wear it confidently.

Do you have any favorite local designers?
Yes, I have many: Kelvin Haydon, Kia Xiong, Stacy Rogers, Kendra Wilks-Williams, Chelsea Stotts, Pamela Graham and Elena Velez. I feel their designs, individually and as a whole, are quite unique. From their one-of-a-kind couture with bold colors, exotic prints and a variety of different fabrics, these designers show you styles and trends that are similar to what you may see in New York fashion shows.

Who is your favorite designer in the world? And why?
Ashley Isham. He recently debuted his spring collection in London. His signature draping and tousled feathers add texture to his elegant floor length gowns that are made of silk and chiffon. He uses intricate flowers and distinctive patterns as well.

How do you see Milwaukee’s fashion scene? Is it getting better than it has been?
I see the local fashion scene improving each year. I also see a lot motivated models and designers striving to make positive changes. Milwaukee models in general should understand that nightlife, or “going out” fashion, and high fashion are two completely different things. If a model chooses to participate in a night life fashion show in a bar or club and then a week later is interested in doing a high fashion runway show, the casting crew may not book her because she walked in a bar/club show. Models that are seriously interested in high fashion must be very selective in which fashion shows they take part in. Your good reputation could vanish completely for not making a wise decision.

Overall, I’m very proud of Milwaukee’s working fashion industry, let’s keep making great improvements.

What is your goal for world domination in the fashion industry?
I want to show others in the industry that you don’t have to be the so-called “legal” runway height of 5 foot, 9 inches to walk the runway. As long as the model has a beautiful and unique look and a great walk there’s no reason the model can’t do runway. Tres Chic Productions gives petite models a chance. Some agencies and high fashion photographers will even turn petite models down for print work, so I help petite models receive a variety of work and together we’ll make a change in the industry even if it may take years.

What is your best fashion biz tip?
If you’re going to be in the fashion and modeling industry the number one thing you must have is extremely thick skin! Being strong at all times is very important. If you’re weak and sensitive to what people tell you to your face or even behind your back, get out now! Or suck it up and deal with it because working people in the fashion industry will always have something to say, whether it’s positive or negative. Hurting your feelings is not what they’re worried about; they just want to work with the best of the best and nothing less. Be ready!

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This lovely blonde is a hard worker and sees her company’s future moving first to Chicago, and then on the Big Apple. At least for now, we have Ms. Larson as one of the growing numbers of 20-somethings keeping the fashion torch not only lit, but burning brightly here in the city by the waters…

Make sure to check out the gallery. Photographers Canny Photography, Kryg Photography, Abe Van Dyke Photography, Skip Meucci, Geoff Hawk Wilde and Tony Cash graciously shared their photographs from “A Date with Couture and Luxury,” featuring 23 models and the fashions of many established and up and coming Milwaukee designers.

For more information, please check out Tres Chic on Facebook.