As talented as she is, local fashion designer Valerie Wortham Jones didn't win this summer's fashion design competition, Project Lela.
She was the fifth contestant eliminated at the Milwaukee Public Market challenge -- where contestants were to adorn their garments with $20 worth of goods purchased at the market and then show them on the runway -- but that's not to say she's not getting a fair amount of attention for her work.
Jones, a seamstress since her sweet 16, was recently selected as one of three guests for the "Can You Handle Brutal Honesty?" episode of "The Tyra Banks Show," which aired on Monday, July 20.
The show's premise dealt with searching for "ultimate honesty," something Tyra's celebrity judge panel -- comedian Ant, Melissa Rivers and Rob Van Winkle (that's Vanilla Ice for all you old-schoolers) -- were ready to dish out.
In an act of appraisal, two of Tyra's models donned Jones' classy yet comfortable head-to-toe denim outfits as the panel gave its brutally honest option of her design and craftsmanship.
"Melissa gave a straightforward opinion -- the price was too low, the simpler the better," says show host Banks. "She was pleased with Valerie's creation."
Getting props from stars in front of a national audience was definitely worth the trip out to L.A., but Jones is a Milwaukee girl and it's here in her hometown that she'd like -- and deserves -- some recognition as well.
With a forte for formalwear, Jones started Valerie's Gallerie in 2002, specializing in elegant dresses for women, whether they are 17 or 75, whether they are bridesmaids or just preparing for the prom. She calls her label the V. Wortham Collection.
"(Teenage-) designed prom dress creations are my favorite items to make," she says. "I have so many young ladies that will come to me with the craziest ideas, but it's fun bringing it to life."
Until she gets her Web site up and running, Jones primarily sells her wares on eBay -- she's sold five of the dresses that she made for Project Lela -- or by word of mouth. Recently, she's expanded her repertoire to include more casual garments, such as the denim two-pieces she exhibited on "Tyra."
Milwaukee's fashion reputation is getting better and better by the day -- and by the Tyra nod -- it seems, thanks to the dedication of designers like Jones.
"It really gives me a sense of completion -- to say that I have finally made it in the industry," says Jones. "It feels really good to see someone in your clothing."
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
