Gallery Night in the Third Ward, when the weather is nice, reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Easter Parade, given that our city’s fashionable denizens walk the four-block stretch of Broadway to 
see and be seen. This is really the place to spy on what “real” style makers wear out and about, from high-fashion chic to hipster cool. I took my trusty digital camera to record the shop owners, art lovers, designers, artists and onlookers as they presented to Milwaukee their own take on what’s in and out when it comes to fashionable attire. I’ll weigh in on the ensembles and why I think they’re “Mirror Award” worthy!
At my first stop, Hot Pop, I encountered owner Margaret Martin and employee Steve Zarzecki. Both look urban and hip, encompassing a couple of trends along the way. Margaret sports some groovy white glasses, striped top and dark denim jeans. Steve has on retro eyewear as well as a great graphic pattern button down and belted 
skinny jeans in taupe. The dog is wearing a Hot Pop sticker!
Shoo employee Dawn Huibregtse shows that leather can be tough and sweet at the same time. Here, her jacket has a patterned lining that shows when turned up while layered necklaces of different styles add dimension and texture to her simple outfit. You can’t go wrong with a 
terrific jacket.
One of Milwaukee’s talented fashion designers Heather Hambrecht posed with me, wearing one of her signature deconstructed gowns. We posed next to a display of her one-of-a-kind handbags, which were drawing a lot of attention. Her accessories, bracelets and rings by local designer Polly Daeger were such a standout that I just had to take some photos of them. Handmade fashion items are always a great investment because of their rarity and uniqueness. I love that we have so many forward-thinking people here. 
I spied Lisa Rossetto at the Katie Gingrass Gallery wearing this fantastic Dupioni silk sheath dress in blazing sun-fire orange. She kept the look simple, pairing the frock with a small handbag, neutral pink wrap and killer heels from Dolce. Confidence is key to 
wearing bright color and Lisa does it exceptionally well. Bravo to style!
Kate Blake was on hand at Shoo to keep the glamour going, wearing a monochromatic outfit that featured a draped putty-colored jersey dress with batwing sleeves, leggings in metallic silver and, of 
course, shoes from her store. The jewelry was dramatic as well with a gigantic silver cuff and crazy asymmetrical lavaliere necklace.
Back out on the street I ran into Gracanne Dragotta whose family owned Dragotta’s restaurant right in the Third Ward for generations. She says she has a lot of fun with fashion, and it makes her happy. I loved her ensemble because black and white is always right. The accessories here are the real icing on the cake. Layered bangles, ornate “snail” handbag and platform peep-toe pumps keep her current and interesting. 
She pulls off a look that is both elegant and whimsical at the same time. Good for you, Gracanne!
Stephanie Sherman, owner of Lela Boutique, let the prints flow in a way that only she can pull off. I personally love the colorful top mixed with the black and white prints of her skirt. Her new “do” was really 
cute as well and added a little retro glam to her ensemble. Bold and proud.
Down the block I ran into Jesse Meyer of Flux Design, sporting an interesting look. He told me his “utilikilt” is actually practical and comfortable. I liked that he wore it with a dark button down layered over a T-shirt along with layered socks with his lace-up work boots. Entirely a look that only a few men can wear successfully, and Jesse does so here, though it was a little cold and breezy that night. I’m just saying.
I stopped by Falcon to see its installation by Hsin-Lin-Chiao, who was dressed fantastically in a Gary Graham dress from the store. It was neutral and had a wonderful mix of textures, including an asymmetrical overlay on the skirt. I loved that some parts of this dress were sheer and others were not. The softness of the top played well off the crispness of the skirt. She kept the delicate look going with minimal jewelry and barely there metallic high-heeled
sandals. While there, I also cajoled owner Gina Frakes into posing for me. She had on a bubble-hemmed sheath dress by Hache, gray opaque leggings from American Apparel and high-heeled “cage” sandals. The statement cuff and belt were all she needed to keep the look chic and sophisticated.
When I posted on Facebook that I would be hunting and gathering fashion pictures on Gallery Night, a few people left me snarky messages like, “Are you going to Chicago?” I 
am tired of Milwaukee getting a bad fashion rap. Those who say that are usually the ones who need the most help getting dressed. So all of you readers who think style lives somewhere else other than in our fair city, I implore you to open your eyes and celebrate the brave fashion-forward individuals who yes, do have style and panache right here in Brew City!
