In its third year, Milwaukee's "Fashion Revolution" has solidified its place as a people's revolution. Accepted as one of the most culturally influenced shows of the year, "Fashion Revolution" ups the ante this year with a focus on ethnic and international persuasions shaping the fashion world.
For the first time, "Fashion Revolution" founder and Mind of Matter Inc. leader Sheena Luckett-Dodd is fortifying a concrete theme behind the show. While the past two shows exemplified local fashion talent, this year adds a tribute to cultural awareness and global inspiration on the runway.
"We all have little things in our wardrobe inspired by other cultures. It could be the pattern, the design, or the purpose of the garment, and how it is worn. I personally like wearing funky, and colorful embroidered head wraps. It is more so Afro-centric," Luckett-Dodd says.
The participating 12 Midwestern designers chose a country inspiration and infused their collection with appropriate elements of international flair and experience. This year's designers include Anna Hovet, Lauren Reynolds, Ends-Wealth and Steffsko.
Anna Hovet, a Chicago based designer, eagerly agreed to participate for the second year in a row. Typically known for adding confidence and individuality to women's fashions, Hovet chose to play up Parisian aspects of her collection.
"Most of my custom orders are very couture, one of a kind and kind of eccentric. I thought that'd be a good fit for Paris. I didn't want to limit my collection into a more well known or precise cultural influence; I think Paris is a bit more general," Hovet says.
Hovet's line for the show combines both ready to wear pieces and couture options from her 2009 collection.
"I think my general trendiness evolves directly from American cultural trends but I take design details from all over the world. I went to school at the Art Institute where we were taught to look at fashion as art on the body, so I think my interpretation fits really well with this show" Hovet says.
As she's done in the past, Luckett-Dodd chose to donate a portion of this year's profits to charity. Benefiting the "Fashion Revolution Scholarship Fund of Milwaukee," Luckett-Dodd hopes to provide opportunity and advantage for local students in art and fashion degree programs.
"With the "Fashion Revolution" idea came my other big idea; to be sure that this production benefited the community somehow and served as a positive influence for people entering into the fashion and modeling industry," Luckett-Dodd says.
This year's event is held at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Utilizing the stark white backdrop of the Baumgartner Galleria, "Fashion Revolution" welcomingly confronts a cross section of fashion, design and professional art.
"I consider fashion to be art. Either you like it, or you don't. It makes you think and challenges you. I consider my designers to be artists, and this production is a gallery night for them," Luckett-Dodd says.
Founder of Mind of Matter Inc. promotions, Sheena Luckett-Dodd found interest in modeling while doing promotional work for a small model agency. Itching to be more hands on and involved with creation itself, Luckett-Dodd founded "Fashion Revolution" in 2006 and launched the first show in 2007.
Undertaking this year's first plans late last fall, Luckett-Dodd held open calls for both models and designers. Emphasizing quality of design and looking for production ready designers, Luckett-Dodd chose 12 designers from throughout the Midwest.
Likewise, 20-25 models were cast; some with agency representation and some with very little runway experience. Keeping with the show's mission of exposing talent in Milwaukee, Luckett-Dodd works values professionalism over concrete experience and educates the show's models.
"I want people to see that fashion does live in Milwaukee and not just in certain areas of the city. So many times we get fixated on what the media tells us "fashion" is that we neglect to make our own personal definition of it," Luckett-Dodd says.
Emphatically supporting the indie-fashion scene, Luckett-Dodd does not hesitate to claim the "Fashion Revolution" will be some of the most diverse and culturally integrated fashion in the city.
"The Fashion Revolution wants to convey positivity and team work. Our whole team is made up of all different folks, from all walks of life, dedicated to putting their best foot forward toward not only their goals, but the production goal in itself- to be better and progressive," Luckett-Dodd says.
Tickets for Saturday's "Fashion Revolution" can be purchased on the event's Web site. Head to Trocadero after the show for the official after-party.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
