There is something about fall weather that just gets you excited about pulling out your favorite coat or jacket. Fashion is so much more fun in the fall and winter months simply because we have more options.  The same holds true when people dress for events when temperatures drop. More thought goes into the way you present yourself, and as I always say, “great style is about ideas.” There was style and ideas aplenty last weekend for Gallery Night/Milwaukee Fashion Weekend. Here, I’ll highlight the people who obviously took great care to make a positive fashion impression.

Starting in the Third Ward and then going on to the Milwaukee Art Museum for the “Run Up” show was my plan. On the way, I ran into the always fashion-forward Kate Blake and her Aunt Barbara “Babs” Picardo at Shoo and the Katie Gingrass Gallery. Kate shows us how to utilize one strong color to “pop” against her all black ensemble. Her Aunt Babs does the monochromatic look just right with silver statement jewelry playing off her simple tunic top. She showed us some leg with a shorter skirt but kept it classy by wearing opaque tights. You just can’t go wrong with interesting black pieces.

At Katie Gingrass, I saw Michelle Zerzanek in a really cool putty-colored coat from Anthropologie. I loved the ruffled detail and simple black buttons down the front placket. Simple and chic!

At MAM later on, I got a picture of this cool young family who not only looked great – she in her ruffled shirtdress from Anthropologie, and he in his fitted leather jacket and jeans – but they also accessorized well with their baby stroller. It held a couple of beers as well as their very fashionable little boy in a trendy plaid button down, jeans and a jaunty courduroy cap! He looked like an angel while he caught a few ZZZZs.  

Keeping up the family theme, I saw Tom and Judy Tice and their offspring, Whitney and Kindy, who graciously posed for a picture with me. Not only are they fashionable, but they are also great philanthropic supporters of many charity fashion events around the Milwaukee area. It is always great to see those who support culture and design in our city. Tom looked great in his velvet jacket, and I wholeheartedly approve of the untucked shirt. His daughter told him it looked better, and she was right. Whitney sported a cool belt over her black romper. Good looking group here, which also does well for their community.

Wearing leather can be a bit tricky sometimes, but Christie Heinrich gets it just perfect in her calf-length leather sheath dress.  She kept the accessories to the absolute minimum with a knit wrap, black heels and a clutch. Sophistication is written all over this outfit. Her friend seems to like it, too!

A couple of guys had some cool trends going on. The man with blond hair sports a thin headband that seems kind of ancient Greece and modern at the same time. The other with the plaid shirt and vest, just knows how to sport a hat, something other guys should emulate. (Hats for men don’t just mean baseball caps.)

What fashion event would be complete without models? Eva Beyer and Sigrid Lubner are two gals who I’ve worked with many times, and they both always donate their time and energy to help others. Not only are they beautiful on the outside but also inside. Note their great hair and makeup by Erik of Norway and Neroli.

Last but certainly not least, we have this group of ladies in colorful hand-painted vintage furs, 18 in all! Wisconsin artist Lon Michels is behind these fantastical creations. He recently had a show of some of his paintings at Tory Folliard Gallery in July and August. He and partner, Todd, thought it would be fun, so they brought the whole gang down in an enormous limo for the MAM event. The idea of using and repurposing these furs was really cool. The detail was incredible, and they will be auctioned off for charity in the near future. For more information go to www.lonmichelsart.com to find out when and where the auction will take place and how you can get a one-of-a-kind art piece for yourself. 

I must admit that I am always impressed by the turnout and attendance at the many fashion/art events held in our fair city. The correlation between art and design has always been something that I love to promote. Please support our local designers, artists and creative entities. They are what make life a little more beautiful, whimsical and, in many cases, more fashionable, too.

While returning photo-shoot clothing to a retailer, I ran into a hard-working beat cop who patrols the Brady Street area. Officer Edward Ciano, when told of my new endeavor, smiled and offered an idea:

“Why don’t you do the mirror awards?” he asked.

“And what would that be exactly?” I asked.

“An award for those who should have looked more closely in the mirror before they left the house!” he said.

And a column was born. I know he was thinking about calling out those who need a fashion intervention or at least a wake-up call, and this got me thinking. On his daily route, he sees all kinds of people from all walks of life. The fact that he pays attention to what people wear and has opinions on their choices was an aha moment. After all, isn’t fashion and taste in the eye of the beholder? Perhaps, but every day someone judges us simply on our appearance. Fair? Maybe not. Is it fair game for blogging about in a fashion column? You bet! We are all fashion critics in some way, shape or form. So about once a month here, we will give out our own “Mirror Awards” to celebrities, locals and anyone who makes a good fashion statement or a terrible misstep.

Let’s start with the statements and some of Milwaukee’s fantastic style makers who attended Symphony Orchestra fundraising events.

This trio of beauties knows that less is more. They have on well-fitted, jewel-toned dresses accessorized with a statement belt, earrings and necklace, respectively. They wear the fashion well. It doesn’t wear them.

The next couple shows perfect taste in modern fashion. Her jewel-embellished dress is elegant and understated. He channels his inner rock star by pairing a textured houndstooth sport coat with a graphic print tee. Bravo to style!

The last couple wears black and white, which is always fashion’s go-to pairing for ensembles that look chic and timeless. His tone on tone is quite sophisticated, and the tie, in a shiny silk, sets it off. She is stunning, simply pairing a draped blouse with a high-waist, ruched skirt. The layered necklaces add a Chanel feel without detracting from the simplicity of the tones. Who says Milwaukee isn’t fashion-forward?

Frankly, some of the upcoming international jetsetters could have taken a tip or two from our locals. With the holidays upon us and party invites coming in, let’s dish out the inaugural misstep awards to these hot shots who must be exhausted from all of the red carpet posing. The images are from “Fashion Rocks”events in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, this fall. They stand as a testament that money and celebrity do not equal good taste or, for that matter, good style. These are definitive “don’ts.”

First up, we have the “Most likely to be mistaken for Mrs. Roper” award. And the winner is … someone named Dudu Bertolini as he poses for a photo at a Mario Testino book launch. There is so much wrong in this picture. What is that cuff thing made of? Play Doh? And what is with the print on that caftan (muumuu)? I know people will do anything for publicity, but at least when someone like Lady Gaga does it, she does it knowing she will offend many. This guy looks like a gender-confused hostess on “The Love Boat.”

Next up is this unidentified duo. They didn’t look that bad until I realized that her too-shiny dress looks like something any self-respecting bridesmaid wouldn’t wear. It’s unflattering with its boxy shoulder line, and her hair is all wrong. Maybe she had on a nice pair of shoes. He doesn’t look terrible, just a little on the bland side. Alas, he could be mistaken for a waiter.

What can one say about Donatella Versace’s gown? At first glance it seems to fit well and cover what needs to be covered. On closer inspection, the Dolly Parton platforms are an odd choice. She seems to be floating above the floor. She also needs to ditch the raccoon eye. I wonder if anyone has ever spoken to her about bangs and the way they can flatter, shall we say, women of a certain age?

Like I said at the beginning of all this, what we wear is how we communicate who we are. Make sure that before you attend any of this season’s swanky soirees, you cast a critical eye in the mirror and ask whether the statement you’re making is the one you want people to remember. If you’re satisfied, then damn the torpedoes, and hopefully, the glances you receive will be those of the positive variety.

Have a question, comment or fashion concern? Contact Bjorn at bjorn@milwaukeemagazine.com.