It has been 10 years since Carrie Arrouet and Stephanie Sherman opened Lela Boutique in the Historic Third Ward, and the recent sights and sounds of the Harley 110th anniversary reminded Arrouet of the shop’s beginning.

"Ten years ago, during the Harley 100th, we were doing the build-out and creating the space," she says. "It seems like only yesterday."

Lela will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a fashion show and party on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. The cost for tickets is $22 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP tickets are available for $110.

"The Historic Third Ward has become Milwaukee's fashion district, and it's been an honor to watch the neighborhood evolve" said Sherman.  "The Third Ward's growth is truly a testament to the creativity and energy that places like Lela help bring everyday." 

The event will feature a unique fashion show featuring creations made from Reginald Baylor’s custom-designed fabric by 10 of Lela’s favorite local designers including Shanel Regier, Miranda Kay Levy, Bjorn Olaf Nasett and Linda Marcus.

The evening will also include sweets from Rocket Baby, "Reggie Baylor’s Scotch and cigar lounge," a raffle and, of course, shopping.

In the past decade, a lot has changed in the world of fashion – as well as for Lela. Sherman, who is the wife of OnMilwaukee.com president Jeff Sherman, left the business in 2012 to pursue other avenues and sold her  interest in Lela to Arrouet who is now the sole owner.

Sherman, among other pursuits, is vice president of the Historic Third Ward Association board. 

"From the beginning, Stephanie and I shared a passion for Milwaukee and business development," says Arrouet. "Together we created an amazing place to work and shop. It’s been a lot of work, but we have managed to stay relevant in the Milwaukee scene. I feel very fortunate."