BY: ANN CHRISTENSON, CHRIS DROSNER, AND BRIANNA SCHUBERT
FIND MORE OF THE BEST OF MILWAUKEE 2024 HERE
Every year we have the privilege of curating Best of Milwaukee, highlighting our favorite things about our favorite city. This year, we wanted to share the love. Here you’ll find more than 20 guest curators – tastemakers, influencers and other people you know, or ought to – who give their perspectives on what makes Milwaukee great.
Our editors still weigh in with their picks from the last 12 months, and, of course, you have your say, too, in our annual Readers’ Choice poll. On to the medley of Milwaukee’s magnificent!
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Our Best
Edessa School of Fashion’s First Class
Wisconsin’s first four-year co-ed fashion school, which opened in January 2022, graduated its first class this year, albeit a class of one. Sabrina Lombardo is the designer behind Native Nations Designs, an Indigenous brand that focuses on slow fashion, gender-fluid designs and wearable art. She was attending the Art Institute of Wisconsin when it closed in 2019, and she was unable to graduate. She started working in the fashion industry until Edessa founder Lynne Dixon-Speller reached out about Lombardo attending Edessa. Since graduating in May, she’s hosted two fashion shows and recently moved to New York City, where she’s an associate designer with Pivot Apparel. – BS
Shake’s 414 Day Kicks
Milwaukee-themed sneakers are nothing new, but Clicks lead sneakerhead Eric “Shake” James’ 414 Day take on Adidas’ Rivalry hoops shoe took the drip to a new level. Cream City brick-patterned tongues topped with beer and cheese tags, Bucks-inspired green-and-red trim and serial numbering to 414 make it most Milwaukee. – CD
Big White Yeti Candles
In the saturated market of scented candles, 12-year-old local Big White Yeti stands out. Their soy-wax candles burn a long time; come in fresh, clean, not overly perfumed fragrances (North Woods Cabin, Blue Moon Soy); and are totally affordable. Two sizes, $12 and $20. – AC
Mount Mary CREO 2024 Fashion Show
I admit, I’m late to the party here: This was the first time I’d seen the show that Mount Mary’s fashion students put on each year, and I could not have been more impressed. So much style and creativity, all in one place! Every project was worth noting, but the garments made out of donated Bucks merchandise won a special place in my heart. This show happens every May – don’t miss it in 2025! – CN
Their Best
Florsheim Wingtips
The main US offices for the maker of my go-to footwear are right in Glendale. If you don’t own a pair of Florsheims, you’re missing out!
– Wes Shaver, president and CEO, Milwaukee Pride
Falcon Flea’s Vintage and Handmade Finds
There’s always a new array of items from vintage sellers and artists to peruse at the bi-monthly flea at Falcon Bowl in Riverwest. The next market is Oct. 20.
– Claire Osterman, owner, Ebb & Flow Design Co.
Indigo Plant Collective
This vibrant new plant store in Walker’s Point (215 S. Second St.) is a delightful haven brimming with unique plants, colorful pots and distinctive gifts. Their staff can provide expert advice as well as repotting services.
– Cody Estle, artistic director, Next Act Theatre
Your Best
See the full list of the Best of Milwaukee Readers’ Choice winners here.
