In case you don’t know it, Milwaukee and the surrounding area has produced numerous movers and shakers involved in New York City’s hip fashion scene. I thought I would focus on a few who I know or have met personally. The idea that NYC is out of reach to us Midwesterners is an absurd concept that still has strong legs! We here in Milwaukee are a creative and talented bunch, and New York should be glad to have us. We help shape culture and fashion in the Big Apple in so many large and small ways. I am proud to know these folks and want to share a little of their transition from “lake country” to “concrete canyon.”
I have known Crystal for almost 22 years and count her among my closest friends. Never one to look away from a challenge, I wasn’t surprised when she made the move to Manhattan. She still inspires me to this day!
Name: Crystal Jane Gerard
Occupation: Hairdresser, educator for world-famous Bumble and bumble salons (including stints in Paris for fashion week as well as numerous seasons with the 
Bumble Editorial Team in Bryant Park), DJ at Beauty Bar in the East Village, research assistant for “Underground Garage” with Little Steven on Sirius Satellite Radio.
NYC resident for: 16 years as of fall 2010.
Ties to Milwaukee: All of my family still lives in the area as well as a few good friends in Milwaukee and Chicago.
Hometown: Milwaukee, just north of the State Fair Park across I-94.
High School: Pius XI High School
Higher Education: Erik of Norway Beauty School (formerly Advanced Institute of Hair Design)
How often you return “home”: I come home at least three or four times a year. I try to never miss Summerfest!
Worst thing about New York: Sometimes the fast pace is too much to handle. Too many people.
Best thing about New York: Unique opportunities that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. Inspiring environment as far as art, music, food, etc.
Best Fashion Tip: Be true to yourself and walk to the beat of your own drum.
I was introduced to Ann, when responding to invitations for fashion week shows. I was pleased to hear that she was from our neck of the woods! Unfortunately, the weather prevented me from attending the presentation she was in charge of.
Full name: Ann Ricchio
Occupation: Sales/Marketing for Elene Cassis Fashions. (See photo.)
Ties to Milwaukee: All of my family and numerous high school friends still reside in
Wisconsin. I currently freelance with a company called FOCUS Training, which is located on Water Street. I grew up in Wisconsin and still refer to the Milwaukee area as home.
Hometown: Pewaukee (Town of Delafield) 
High School: Kettle Moraine High School – Wales, Wis.
Higher Education: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (B.S. – Marketing), Parsons – New School For Design (A.A.S. – Fashion Marketing)
Years in NYC: three years.
How often you return “home”: I’m very close with my family and like to return to Wisconsin at least once every
four months. I also try to attend Summerfest, Oktoberfest and Jazz in the Park.
Worst thing about New York: New York is a buffet of international foods and sweets. It’s hard to pass by a bakery without stopping to purchase a treat – so many bakeries, so little time! Unfortunately, sweets (especially Magnolia cupcakes) do not contribute to a healthy eating plan.
Best thing about New York: Outside of New York you are pressured to conform to what is considered to be “normal” in your hometown. In the city, you can express yourself in any way you wish without being judged. New York is a place with millions of people from all over the world. Who is to say what is normal?
Your best fashion tip: Rainy season is here! Everyone should purchase a fashionable pair of rain boots. You will feel confident in a stylish boot and comfortable with dry feet.
These people exemplify my view that fashion is not a region or even a price tag. It is about the way we think and the way we interact with all the stimuli available to us at any given time. You don’t have to move to NYC to be on top of good taste and style, but I am certainly happy for those who take the challenge and make our city and state proud.
