Runway Show MKE Fashion Show

Runway Show MKE Fashion Show 

AFROPUNK Minneapolis… Antix in Chicago… a regular ‘Black boy fly’ fit post from St. Louis, MO native Smino- 2022 has been an extraordinary year for Fashion and Design. Now, of course the usual Met Gala, NYFW, and award shows are gonna serve it to us every time but I'm talkin’ about Mid-West fashion! Our Stylists and Designers have been eating it up all year, you’d have to be there to really know. It’s all thanks to showcases like Runway Show MKE, for providing the rooms, the opportunities, and the exposure for so many underground Designers- Black Designers in particular. 

On September 18th, Founders Marlaina Taylor and Honey Daniels booked Gather at Deer District’s rooftop for a wonderful evening of fashion. The smooth sounds of Cigarette Break could be heard as /CW Fam approached the top of the stairs, immediately seeing the runway and the rows of seats gradually being claimed in the midst of some mixing and mingling. The audience was filled with people who understood the assignment for attending a fashion show; Fits were fire! Perfect for some What People Wear MKE content. 

We joined in and engaged with the night’s attendees and spotted some familiar faces. We saw the owners of Rerocc, C&B Creative, Mr. Fashion Sense Jeff MCallister, and right in the front row was Lynne Dixon-Speller, Academic Dean of Runway Show’s Charity Partner Edessa School of Fashion whose student designers represented Milwaukee in NYFW BLK the week prior. Just before the start of the show, we saw the hostess for the night Steph Crosley, who was wearing Keraye London of Kevon Raye, one of the designers in the showcase. The seats were filled and with standing room at capacity, the space was filled with people ready to see fashion come to life. Not only did the models, seasoned and fresh faced, walk it out and give the audience life but the real stars of the show came out with some of the best pieces seen in our city, by our city! 

We had presentations from those who weren’t new to the scene like Deborah Render of GG Collections whose signature dress trains, puff sleeves, furs, coats and patterns gave us the dramatics that we live for! It was 50s inspired glamor meets bold colors.Kelvin Haydon made sure that the ladies knew where to shop should they get an invite to the Grammys with his full length garments; A blend of class and sass. But who else puts more sass on the runway than Chelsea Stotts though?? This MKE native has done nothing but kill em’ softly since her move to Atlanta last year. With her most recent accomplishment of reaching celebrity designer status after making a custom Moda Muneca2-piece for BIG Latto earlier this year, it was about time for a new collection drop. ‘PRISMATIC’ had colors and a look for anything after lunch time, a cocktail renaissance. Her surprise gown transformation from a cute, all white layered skirt to a hooded pattern dress at the close of her segment was enough to remind the crowd that she hasn't lost her edge. Even more anticipated, the newer faces left their impression on the audience for sure! T+FCo Swim by Marlaina herself IS the statement piece for black girls in luxury. Much of her swimsuits were earth toned and nude colored but were also seen in white and even combined with a bridal beach robe as an intro to their new bridal collection- ‘Cause who wouldn’t wanna be married in a bikini?? Maria Olson ofMishka has been making her rounds, having just presented at Fashion Fest MKE at Bayshore. Her pieces walked down the runway speaking more directly to the overall identity of MidWest culture- giving “industrial” with her usage of large belts, shapes, browns and blacks, plastic and leather… Who does that? We do. And we are only getting better. Milwaukee fashion is here to take its place and stay! /Naomi-Re’a for CW