NOT SORRY WE'RE CLOSED | 2025 /CW REFLECTION

Some. Not all of it.

When? Now. More? Maybe later.

Available? Absolutely! For those who know on a need-to-know basis.

Is this code? Naaaahhhhhhh, you may just need to read a little closer.

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LEXI’S REFLECTION:

Image by Boutique Photographer Linda Smallpage 

Unbeknownst to me….

[Haha, I just felt like that was a random way to start a reflection.

Unbeknownst to me, 2025 would be the reckoning of disillusion. The stubborn bull-headed Taurus I am would have to stop chewing on my dandelion in the field and show my horns to those whom I never wanted to see them [I hardly use them anymore]. 

I have to admit, for years, I have been misinterpreting the people around me & my role in their journey. When someone says they are passionate about something, I always imagine them approaching it with the same gravitas that I have. To pour into one's craft [even when nobody is watching], to want to learn about it from many perspectives, to be dedicated to its growth…nurturing it…doing the parts you don't want to do, so you get to bask in the parts that make your soul glow. 

Listen, my truest and deepest apologies…I don't have the ability to steward anyone who is unwilling [or unwanting] to perform their own growth labor. It's just not a talent I have. This year SHOWED me that words without action don't serve. And the thing is, that I believed people when they said they WANTED, that they WOULD. So that's a reality that slapped me in the face! [Hard to…left a little mark]. I had been making space for what could serve others in their passion journey, and I had disregarded how to maintain my own [in the way that would still bring me joy]. A lesson that has a $100,000 price tag….Weeeeeeeeaaaakkkkkkkk!

So as I sit on the 28th day of December, closing out a year, a space, a 22-issue dynasty [a forever thing], I hear the mumbling of people asking, “Well, what are you going to do now?”...

To that, I answer:

• Focus on me & mines.

• Focus on my other careers [Professor Lexi is thinking abroad & Interior Designer Shawty would love to help you personalize your space for a better quality of life…and baby, I'm good at it].

• Focus on being a muse [no explanation needed]. 

• Focus on the parts of CopyWrite [the pulse] that bring me joy [archival media…so the future won't forget]. 

• Focus on living….¡Pura vida!

Nothing profound. IYKYK.

/Lexi, the CREATOR of /CW

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IMANI’S REFLECTION:

It never occurred to me that the way I can compartmentalize my thoughts and emotions would be the leading factor and armor of “taking life to the chin” this year. I won’t introduce myself by misleading with advice about how being “strong” through the hard times will be beneficial or the strumming of your heartstrings with the  “Things will be better soon” line that is often opted in for fluff. Truth is - it’s all subjective. You set the pace for your healing. I think the most important part about this year is realizing the beauty of choosing to stay who you are when you have every reason to get lost in everything else, everywhere around you. We lose things all the time but what fun is it if you’re offering yourself up to something that you're bigger than? Life is guaranteed to get difficult - so it should be guaranteed that you’ll get creative. I learned that your emotions can’t be bigger than the program. You can leave a small piece of yourself in those moments of initial grief but never let it be anything that will anchor you in that space. To me, for me – this year has been a random tsunami of riddles and paradigm shifts. I am – unsure of how to begin to describe the experience and whirlwind that comes with losing a parent but hopefully, you find yourself and your families safe this holiday season with a lot more time than I had. 

How much time is that? 

How much time was that?

Riddles,

Imani for /CW

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DESRIANA’S REFLECTION:

The world has always been my revolving literary playground from every experience and interaction, making several notebooks and pencils a safe and comforting space where writing became second nature. Being the new kid on the block of CopyWrite (if you’re like me and want to call one year in newbie material), to an acclaimed and household name filled with heavyhitters all around, I assumed every article, interview, and research project would serve the identical function of bringing everyone else’s visions and upcoming projects from the drawing board to real life; however this year I wasn’t expecting the creative dissect that led to a intricate and unforeseen transition unfolding before my eyes. Standing in an abyss with the foundation of change, pivoting, and the overwhelming feeling that the I’m only one who didn’t leave home, journalism began wearing unfamiliar faces and circulating fresh and unique purposes I never knew it identified as. Each assignment felt different than the process I used before, even in how I would approach and ideate them. Experience was the biggest anchor for me. From interviewing legendary idols not only from Milwaukee, gaining trust for monumental assignments, walking into rooms I never thought I’d be in, and being offered opportunities I wasn’t even aware had my name attached to them, while struggling constantly with what my true creative value was, I had a battle within myself this year. When looking around and not seeing the faces you used to aid with their creative projects; you feel as if you no longer have purpose at home; but then it struck me that I now had to step up and bring my own ideas and visions to life as a creative. From fashion shows, flights, and galas my mind has rotated countless ideas to create. The intensity and endless joke about one’s identity being attached to creativity is that the party never ends; your brain constantly forms ideas and you always remain a creative, even when it seems you’re being pulled away from it through certain seasons. I learned that I have to stop playing it safe and follow through on my own thoughts, goals, and ideas creatively. This year was filled with accomplishments I rarely took in for myself as well as the one and only CopyWrite Magazine. I fell in love with in-field work as I was constantly experiencing new places, people, and communities for journalism. 2025 was the eye-opener and journey back home as well as to why writing is second nature to me and how /CW being my home consistently challenges me mentally and creatively. 2026 will be the year where I hold myself accountable and stop hiding behind others’ vision and pour into my own creativity just as much as I would support others with theirs in the past. 

It’s time to get to work and stay out of the comfort zone that I was suddenly removed from early on in the year; with /CW as the forefront of my creative responsibility and fresh new playground where opportunities are endless and my thoughts can be amplified.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

Thespian Legend Set To Direct Monumental 10th Anniversary Production of “Black Nativity”

What comes to mind when you think of this time of year? The festive array of depictions shown around the holiday season often includes winter wonderland markets, filled ice skating rinks, tree lighting ceremonies, and countless trips to shopping malls so that the babies can sit on Santa’s lap. Uniquely, the city of Milwaukee has always shed light and built much anticipation around its very own holiday staple for the community. That timely and riveting holiday staple has become the theatrical adaptation of “Black Nativity” by trailblazing poet, Langston Hughes. Unlike other holiday-inspired traditions and communal staples, this joyful and spiritual production goes beyond the surface of the true reason for the season of Christmas from a divine perspective, rather than being commercialized.

Over the last ten years, non-profit and Black-led organization Black Arts MKE has showcased the soul-stirring, culturally rich gospel song-play, Black Nativity, through a diverse and multifaceted lens. Every director has been granted the fulfilling opportunity of bringing their significance and vision of Black Nativity to life at least twice for the hopeful and buoyant characters that keep the streets of our city alive and energized. What has now become a highly anticipated holiday classic in Milwaukee has brought everything but disappointment over the past decade. Black Nativity boldly celebrates the holiday season from an African-American viewpoint and never fails in placing a glimmering spark inside of the eyes of everyone who sees the production. Although the intriguing essence and authentic spiritual message of the work of art consistently shines through the audience and cultivates much impact, the heavy-hitting song-play is reimagined every year in a completely different way.

As this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the stellar and exhilarating showcase of admirable, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, the production embarks on a new journey after taking on fresh and seasoned leadership. The next visionary who has been given the occasion to reimagine the song-play by transitioning the meaning and theme living in their head onto the vibrant stage is none other than thespian legend, Sheri Williams Pannell. Before Pannell became Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble, and Co-Director of the Fine Arts Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, she was just like all of us, someone who completely fell in love and immersed themselves in the Black Nativity story--ten years ago. After several successful showings of this masterpiece and a theatrical abundance of talented directors who have ignited their own fires inside of Black Nativity, the million-dollar question is, what can everyone expect from Pannel’s reimagination of it this year? How will it represent something it has never displayed before, or how similar in style and music will the high anticipated song-play be compared to previous years?

“From the rhythmic dancing, eye-catching costumes, and carefully crafted storytelling, right away I thought, ‘Oh one day I would like to direct this show.”

— Thespian Legend, Sheri Williams Pannell

“She is a distinguished author/playwright, a phenomenal theatrical talent, with an impressive historical reservoir of the culture and community”

— Barbara Wanzo, Executive Director of Black Arts MKE

Origins and taking a deep dive back into our complex and fascinating roots are the tools being utilized the most by Pannell as the thespian legend has begun directing this year’s showcase of Black Nativity. The intentional artistic director wants to strongly emphasize the original text Langston Hughes wrote in 1961. Pannell’s primary goal is to increase the excitement and enthusiasm people have for celebrating African-American traditions. The feeling of authentic joy and being fully represented in all aspects—mind, body, and soul is the foundation she has cultivated to set the tone for the entirety of the show. Not only is one side of African-American history being brought to life on stage, but also underrepresented traditions as well, such as the unifying Kwanzaa celebration. Her intentionality shows effortlessly. For example, a new partnership with Members of Divine Nine has emerged with Pannell’s Black Nativity showcase. The kind and stylish members have donated authentic African garments and textiles that have been utilized as inspiration for the costume design. She is paying attention to every detail, but wants the message to remain the same: find joy and gratitude in life, Jesus Christ’s life, and never let your trials and tribulations define you.

“It is my goal to maintain the spirit of faith, hope, and joy in the birth of the Christ Child, which Hughes so lovingly expressed in his musical, while infusing African American traditions practiced during the holiday season, especially on New Year’s Eve known in the Black community as Watch Night. This musical is our holiday offering to the world. To recognize that even in the most difficult moments in our history, African-American people have found a way to have joy. Black Nativity is an example of this beautiful truth.”

— Director-Sheri Williams Pannell

Want to celebrate this holiday season in a unique and electrifying way? Is indulging in the colorful and cultural soul-play already a tradition for you and your family? Purchase tickets today and reimagine the true meaning of this holiday season.

Performance Schedule

Each show features a post-show talkback and a full runtime of two hours.
• Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Friday, December 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
blackartsmke.com/blacknativity

$62 | Reserved Seating
Group, Student, and Artist rates available.

Tickets available at the Marcus Center Box Office, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI, or by calling 414-273-7206.
Groups of 10 or more should contact Group Sales at 414-273-7121 x210.
Special discount rates are available for students and artists.

Black Arts MKE’s season is generously supported by Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herzfeld Foundation, and Johnson Controls Foundation. Additional support for Black Nativity by Langston Hughes has been generously provided by the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, the Harri Hoffman Family Foundation, Gruber Law Offices, and the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

The Hype | MKE Screening x Holiday Fundraiser

*info provided by Joel Boyd

On Saturday, November 29th Milwaukee native, television writer Joel Boyd (HBO/Netflix) will be returning home to do a film screening and holiday benefit fundraiser for the historic 50-year anniversary of one of Milwaukee's most impactful institutions—The Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund of Milwaukee. The event will be a night of stand-up comedy, refreshments, vendors, raffle prizes and a film screening for the whole family. As an alum of the  scholarship, Boyd has found passion in fundraising for the foundation for the past few years. A scholarship fund which has gifted almost half a million dollars to local Milwaukee youth attending college since its inception in 1976. This fall, Boyd will be hosting and screening an award-winning comedy television pilot he co-created as a part of the community effort. The story is about a young Black couple trying to make it in Hollywood, and is sharply funny. The night will feature a talkback with the audience on themes of love & relationships, male self-esteem and female empowerment, moderated by Noni Juice (The Brewers, Marquette, Jammin' with Juice).

You can find out more about the event and purchase tickets here. Seats are limited. RSVP while you can. If you are unable to attend, you can still donate to the fund by buying a ticket and choosing "pay what you can" on the site. Help celebrate a historic Milwaukee institution and join us for laughter, food, and conversation. The evening will take place and be sponsored by the Xchange (3334 N. Holton St) on Saturday, November 29th at 6pm.

JOIN US FOR AN ARTIST PORTRAIT “PARTY” | FUNDRAISER EFFORT FOR COPYWRITE

ARTIST PORTRAIT “PARTY” | FUNDRAISER EFFORT FOR COPYWRITE  

A COMMUNITY EFFORT CURATED BY /CW GUEST WRITE JOLEE MALLMANN 

W/ AN AFTERNOON OF PORTRAITS, MUSIC & MORE

Milwaukee, WI — CopyWrite [Magazine], Media, & Design LLC invites our Milwaukee community to join us for a vibrant afternoon of creativity and connection at our Artist Portrait “Party” | Sunday Fundraiser, taking place Sunday, November 9th from 1–3 PM at /CW Creative Studios _ Shop  2201 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 [entry on Garfield Ave]. This special fundraising event will feature DJ’d music, photo experiences, and community engagement — all in support of CopyWrite’s mission to uplift and amplify Milwaukee’s creative culture.

Recently, CopyWrite’s Owner/Active Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson,  released a series of video reels [& a written statement] announcing that the Milwaukee-based media company's decade-old publication, “CopyWrite Magazine,” would end its “quarterly” publication production with Issue 22 | The Vision. Where this came as a shock to many creatives, organizations, and community stakeholders, Lexi has noted that a decade of mostly unpaid labor, a change in community value of the written word, the operational budget funding disinfranchisement of Black & Brown business owners, and personal health capacity all added to the decision. With the economic climate for the creative economy taking a forecasted decline, CopyWrite must also decide if its creative media hub in the heart of Bronzeville can sustain staying open. 

However, some community members see this as an opportunity to actively support /CW’s efforts by volunteering their own talents to curate the Sunday Fundraiser event. Jolee Mallmann, a guest writer for copywritemag.com, focusing on up-and-coming local filmmakers and film projects, reached out with the idea to create a fundraising effort to support /CW’s work and contribution to the community.

“It’s heart-warming to know that there are still creatives, like Jolee, who care and see the value of the work we do. CopyWrite has always been a vehicle to serve our community, whether that be through the Magazine, the website, events, or the studio. I’m not sure if people really understand how many doors we banged on, rooms we shook up, and dialogues we have been in about supporting Milwaukee’s creative economy. We can’t survive on social media likes, we can’t always count on philanthropy, we can’t do everything for free, and still stay around for years to come. We want to continue to support our community, and donating to fundraisers like these will help us continue to do that. But more importantly, we would love our community to actually pay us for the services we offer. We have never strayed away from hard work, and never will.” - said, Lexi S. Brunson

Guests will enjoy portrait sessions from an incredible lineup of local photographers, including SPTMBRBORN, Natalya Cook, Krystyna Nicole, and Jolee.jpg. The energy will be curated by DJ Chad, who will be spinning throughout the afternoon.

A $10[+] donation is required for entry, with all proceeds going directly toward sustaining CopyWrite Magazine’s community-driven media and creative programming. Anyone can donate via our online portal:  https://checkout.square.site/buy/K6BCGCPIXN6TCQYHE4QV4EN4 

All other interest in supporting CopyWrite, media inquiries, and more  can be emailed to copywrite.mke@gmail.com | Attn: LexI

We look forward to hosting the community at /CW Creative Studios & discussing how we can collectively keep moving the needle forward. 

#SUPPORTTHELOCAL | OUTLET APP + COPYWRITE MAG

A word from our partners:

The Outlet App is proud to partner with Copywrite Magazine to continue our mission of connecting and empowering creatives. While The Outlet App gives artists a digital space to showcase and sell their work, Copywrite offers a physical hub for collaboration, expression, and growth. Together, we’re creating a bridge between online opportunity and real-world engagement — building a creative network where artists can thrive, connect, and profit from their passions.

- Outlet App

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As we continue to support the local we will now be vocal in our partnerships to further connections in our community and to bring light to the real bonds that have elevated the Urban creative scene in MKE. We #SupportTheLocal!

/CW

Discover the Human Experience at the Charles Allis Art Museum During Gallery Night & Day

*info from Charles Allis Art Museum

Step inside one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful historic mansions for an unforgettable Gallery Night experience at the Charles Allis Art Museum. Located at 1801 N. Prospect Avenue, the museum invites guests to explore art, music, and culture in an intimate, welcoming setting that bridges history and creativity.

On Friday, October 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, visitors will enjoy an evening filled with ambiance, artistry, and live music. Pianist Neal Bardele will perform from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, blending smooth jazz, Great American Songbook favorites, and timeless classics that set the perfect mood for exploring the museum’s latest community exhibition — Human Condition: A Study of the Body.

Curated from local and regional artists, Human Condition examines resilience, vulnerability, memory, and transformation. Through evocative paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works, the exhibition offers a powerful, personal reflection on what it means to be human. It’s an experience that resonates deeply — whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for an inspiring night out in the city.

The museum’s galleries and permanent collection will also be open on Saturday, October 18, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM for those wishing to explore at a slower pace. Admission is free and open to all both days.

Event Details

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What: Gallery Night & Day at the Charles Allis Art Museum

Exhibition: Human Condition: A Study of the Body

Live Music: Neal Bardele, Friday 6:00–7:30 PM

When:Friday, October 17 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM and Saturday, October 18 | 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Where: Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Admission: Free and open to the public

Website: www.charlesallis.org/exhibitions

Gallery Night Info: gallerynightmke.com/participants/east-town/charles-allis

Whether it’s your first time at the Allis or your tenth, this is your chance to reconnect with the city’s creative pulse — surrounded by art, live music, and community.

Press Contact: For media inquiries, interview requests, or images, please contact:

#ListenUpWithLexi | Our Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson, Announces the Last Ever Issue of CopyWrite Magazine

Instagram got it first! Here is the full video of the “5 Part” Reel/Video montage of “WHY” Issue 22, The Vision is the LAST EVER issue of CopyWrite Mag.

[Plus the sneak peek from Issue 22’s Letter From the Editor, describing THE SAME THING!]

CAN I GO CRY NOW?

/Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW

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INTRODUCING: THEY CREATE, WE RELATE [W/ DESRIANA GILBERT] | EPISODE 1 [RIA]

The city of Milwaukee has recently been experiencing a complete shift when it comes to the representation and advocacy for being a creative. No matter the form of creativity being pursued, our neighborhoods as well as Milwaukee’s social media presence, are becoming the main stage for the success and recognition of the next wave of creatives and those who have been in the game for a minute. After much research and observation, there’s an imbalance of how much the success stories and end results are shown compared to how little the journeys and preparation is displayed to the supporters and intrigued public to see. CopWrite Magazine presents, THEY CREATE, WE RELATE. Every month, the spotlight will be placed on a creative showing a different perspective of why they create the way they do and how they create the way they do. 

THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the talented creatives in Milwaukee and their process to create in real-time. The /CW journalist team will be following them around for an event, performance, conversation, or creative time. Everyone loves feeling a sense of relatability and authenticity with who they follow and support. This will provide not only viewers with an inside look at their favorite creatives and how they tap into their process, but also maintaining /CW’s rep of staying in the know of who and what is driving creativity and putting MKE on the map. This will give exposure to community activists, musicians, artists, performers, and any other form of creative that be. It will be either long-form YouTube content, a featured article on the /CW blog page, or a one-on-one interview with the creative and the /CW journalism team as they recap the footage captured. The beauty about being a creative is that everything starts as an idea and manifests into a physical creation. THEY CREATE, WE RELATE gives a platform and space for the entire process before a party, pop-up shop, poetry slam, or music videos exist. 

“People love learning a person’s come-up story and how they got started, which leads to more exposure for the creative as well as /CW for showing a more personable and in-depth perspective of both the face and work instead of just their work. This is a project dedicated to showing the multidimensional sides to artists, musicians, poets, performers, entrepreneurs, and all other creatives who are putting Milwaukee on the map.” -/CW Entertainment & Social Journalist Desriana Gilbert 

CopyWrite Magazine focuses on five pillars: culture, music, fashion, art, and community. THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is an artistic and bold collage of everyone who makes up the creative space that is now transforming the way our city is viewed. The /CW team stands for all things Urban. As an unapologetic group of creatives, we are in business to change the community. We will tell the stories that need to be told and always showcase the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community while doing the things we love. With our expertise in media and journalism, combined with the untapped talent and hunger many artists have in Milwaukee, a space is now going to be given more attention as well as benefits such as networking, financial leverage, and expansion. 

Do you want your journey to be shared? Please contact copywrite.mke@gmail.com | ATTN: Desriana, THEY CREATE, WE RELATE FEATURE.

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CHECK OUT THEY CREATE, WE RELATE | EPISODE 1 [RIA]

THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the talented creatives in Milwaukee and their process to create in real-time. The very first creative our /CW journalist team took a deep dive into was none other than Vault of Ria. You may know her from the nostalgic and outlandish photography she brings to life on Instagram or the mark she’s making in L.A as a fashion photographer. Our team quickly learned she is more than a photographer; rather, a visionary and a jack of all trades. We saw her talent and creativity in real-time during her NightFlea Market, Godspeed. Watch the very first episode of THEY CREATE, WE RELATE for an inside look at why she creates, the role she’s playing in putting MKE on the map, and how you relate to Vault of Ria.     

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

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/CW INTERN SKY ABNER | 21 Things I Learned at Milwaukee Fashion Week from a Fashion Perspective

A WORD FROM OUR INTERN SKY:

@mkefashionweek was such a fun experience to be apart of! I enjoyed seeing all the shows and doing interviews for @copywritemag

To all the wonderful people that I interviewed thank you so much for being apart of my short film. I wanted to add everybody but it would have been a movie.

Interviewees:
@jmacjr03
@hopemarieusa
@silversarkofficial
@shantiofficiall
@222iluvme_
@cielo.marisa
@pop_that_pooley
@_arturovelasco
@jvrvmyy.joelll
@pakou._.222
@gigiwagener
@julieannmaday

My love for fashion started when I was a kid. It was something passed down to me from both of my parents. My mom had a closet I would raid any chance I could get, which I still like to do to  this day. My dad collected ties, more than 500 of them, and he loved nothing more than putting on a sharp suit. Between the two of them, I grew up surrounded by style. 

I spent hours playing dress-up games, imagining the kind of spaces where fashion was not just  personal but celebrated. Living in Milwaukee, I always wished for a place where people like me, people who loved fashion in all its forms, had a community where that love could be shared  freely. 

Walking into Milwaukee Fashion Week, I realized that dream had found its home. For three days, I watched the city’s fashion community come alive. Designers, models, stylists,  photographers and volunteers all wove together into something bigger than a show. 

This year, the energy filled three different venues: the Milwaukee Public Museum, City Hall and  the Rivulet. Each space had its own story, from high-fashion archive pieces to the blueprint of streetwear and forms and figures. President Jeffrey McAlister called it “the reimagined, renewed and redefined Milwaukee Fashion Week,” and standing there in the middle of it all, I understood exactly what he meant. 

On the runway, the designs did more than turn heads; they told stories. Silversärk brought the  heat with daring, dramatic pieces that were impossible to forget, while Sam Graham Avant  Garde added sophistication, with looks so fly they made me double-take. Some pieces carried a retro flair that pulled me back to the 70s, a time I wasn’t born but still felt connected to through  his clothing. Then, during streetwear night came Arturo Velasco, whose work blended his culture  and love for Chihuahua, Mexico, transforming them into designs rooted in identity and storytelling. Fashion here was not just about fabric. It was about the designer’s voice, memory, and creativity. 

The models brought their own kind of magic. Some had known they wanted to walk the runway  since they were a kid, while others found their way here through friendship and community.  They reminded me that confidence matters as much as couture. The runway can be a family, a  place where people grow together and support one another. 

The backstage process was a world of its own, buzzing with urgency, laughter and the constant warmth of curling irons. Student and professional hair and makeup artists moved with precision, 

transforming models in minutes. Every detail, from beat faces to sculpted hair, mattered.  Watching it unfold felt like seeing another kind of art form, one that rarely comes alive in front  of the cameras. 

And speaking of cameras, the photographers were everywhere, capturing angles and moments that told their own story. Volunteers kept things running smoothly, helping people to their seats, making everyone feel welcome. 

Looking back at my great experience, I walked away with 21 notes from the past 3 nights: 

1. The city’s fashion scene is thriving and growing. 

2. Milwaukee Fashion Week has come a long way. 

3. Every venue told a story. 

4. The designer’s couture amazed me. 

5. Designers proved fashion can carry culture. 

6. Models reminded me that the runway is a family and that confidence matters.  7. Backstage is chaos and inspiration.  

8. Hairstylists push limits.  

9. Makeup turns faces into art.  

10. Photographers make moments last.  

11. Volunteers keep everything moving.  

12. The hosts feel the crowd and the room with energy. 

13. The community is inclusive and very kind. 

14. Everyone has a real love for fashion. 

15. Designers draw inspiration from everywhere.  

16. The runway is about storytelling.  

17. Every detail counts.  

18. Fashion in Milwaukee is about connection.  

19. Organizers want national recognition.  

20. Fashion shows are a celebration. 

21. And at the heart of it all, Milwaukee Fashion Week is about style, creativity and  community! 

As Julie Ann Maday, on the finance committee board, told me, “I want Milwaukee Fashion  Week on the map like Chicago, New York, or Paris. We have the designers, we have the talent,  we just need to keep building.” 

And after three nights of being in the middle of it all, I have the highest hopes for the future of  Milwaukee Fashion Week as well.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF COPYWRITE MAGAZINE ISSUE 22 | THE VISION

“The record will not be unwritten . . . not this time.”

-FOR THE LAST TIME-

In this issue, we explore Vision. From our professional practice, we use vision as a tool to navigate the aesthetic world, playing with the complexities of that faculty. “What does it feel like to have the ability to think about the future, plan for unrealized opportunities, or see alternative ways to approach what is? For some, this appears as clairvoyant. CopyWrite itself was born from envisioning a conduit that supported the local community through creative endeavors. But the gift of vision is not an isolated ability. It manifests itself in so many others forging innovation, redefining ingenuity, and has produced hope by seeing beyond “states of matter”, taking paths less travelled [& others plunging head-first into the unknown]. 

Featuring: Briana Mcquay, Emma Daisy, Dukalion, and the 3C’s | DCD Commissioner Lafayette Crump, County Executive David Crowley, Mayor Cavalier Johnson