There has always been a correlation between art and fashion. Designers often create their own textiles with which to sew their garments. Often during the Paris shows we see totally brilliant examples of sculptural works by couturiers that feel the need to inspire and challenge our perceptions of what fashion is, and what it can be, given a new outlook. I adore our local art and fashion events that let my thought process commingle with that of the person designing the garments or art. Such will be the case on Oct. 15, when the Milwaukee Art Museum once again plays host to the “Run Up to the Runway” fashion event benefiting Mount Mary College and its fashion design scholarship program.
In its seventh year, this grand style gala presents local designers Miranda Levy (read what inspired the collection below!) and Shannon Lee Molter, presenting their own futuristic fashion visions. Also on hand will be Lorena Sarbu of Beverly Hills boutique to keep the glam on high alert as well as accessory designer Linda Marcus, whose leather pieces will be incorporated into all of the looks. Before the big runway strut at 10:15 p.m., the fashionable set will be treated to the latest student designs from Mount Mary’s best at 8:30 p.m. Doors at MAM open at 5 p.m. where general admission is $10, and a very limited amount of reserved runway seating is available for $50. (I got mine!) Buy tickets in advance at www.mam.org.
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racked Miranda Levy and Shannon Lee Molter down and asked them what their design inspirations were and what we should look forward to seeing.
Ms. Levy said: “I was inspired by the film Metropolis. It seemed to have an interesting connection to me personally. Watching the scenes where the men were marching reminded me of my eight years in the military. I was intrigued to see numbers on every worker’s hat in the film, itemizing them like machines rather than human beings. Being a veteran and former soldier I often felt like a number and a machine rather than a person. I found it necessary to use leather, cotton and wool fabric in this line because it mimics what I wore as a soldier and what I assumed the workers to be wearing in Metropolis. Gloves and hats play a strong role in my line to create a militant appearance.”
Another style innovator, Ms. Molter said: “ My collection this year is inspired by the French phrase for “deadly woman.” I am creating a character or persona who is as subversive as her name. Perhaps embodying the fears of men, with their powerful beauty and predatory wit, my Femme Fatales are inspired by the mysterious anti-heroine of film noir.”
I cannot wait to see what these talented designers have in store for us at the show!
The following evening, Saturday, Oct. 16, as part of “Milwaukee Style Weekend,” the InterContinental Hotel will host “Style Trial,” where patrons will be able to vote for the best complete outfits created by local designers from unconventional materials provided by the hotel. You must see it yourself to believe what can be done with curtains, towels and placemats! The finale of the festivities will be a full on “fashion stylist” challenge runway presentation. Teams of two or 
more work together to design the head-to-toe looks of three models, from hair and makeup to the stylish clothing provided by a host of local retailers. The key here is to see which team has the “eye” for style, and prizes will include cash and hotel stays provided by the Marcus Corporation and the InterContinental Hotel. The event runs from 7 p.m. until midnight with the runway spectacular at 9 p.m. There will be a $10 donation at the door, and awesome runway seats will set you back $25. You may buy tickets that evening or at the Run Up event the night before at MAM. Proceeds from this event also benefit Mount Mary’s College Scholarship Fund.
In case you didn’t know, I have been working with Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin for the past few years as resident style expert on their website as well as doing consultant work such as the ReTique project in the Third Ward. I am excited to say that I am going to be helping out backstage with their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Retro Rendezvous-On Broadway, on Monday, Oct. 18. Now in its seventh year, this evening of glamour and style will take place at the new Potawatomi Expo Center in Downtown Milwaukee.
Highlight
s of the high-fashion evening include a reception with cash bar, silent auction, raffle drawing, diamond dig, dinner and a high-caliber fashion production. The production will feature vintage clothing from Goodwill’s priceless, historic collection and current glamour fashions from Boston Store. Celebrity models include several Green Bay Packers and their families. Bettina Driver, wife of Green Bay Packer Donald Driver, is the honorary chair. The event in the past has been a sellout, and the new venue at Potawatomi was selected because it can accommodate up to 1,500 guests! This evening will prove to be another great success providing attendees with great fun and fashion as well. The more I learn about the charity and the programs they provide for those less fortunate in our city, the more proud I am to support their mission. Last year Goodwill employed more people with disabilities than any other private sector business in the area. Show your support and get your tickets today by contacting Janine Loveland at 414- 847-4163 or by e-mail at jloveland@goodwillsew.com. Individual tickets may be purchased for $120, and your contribution (less $50) is tax deductible.
Wow! There are so many choices to inspire, intrigue and captivate us. I, for one, applaud and support the charity events in our city and am proud of those responsible for bringing them to us. With so much style packed into one weekend, I may have to retreat and regroup for a while, that is until the next fabulous fashion event in Milwaukee and beyond.
