by Jack Roman

Just a little bit south of the bright lights of downtown, on K.K. near Logan Street in Bay View, there is a little shop with a big reputation. The shop is Fashion Ninja boutique, and its reputation is growing as the heart of the independent fashion design community in Milwaukee.

“If I had a microphone and the world’s attention I would tell everyone about the power to make a difference in their community by buying local products,” preaches Areka Ikeler, owner and “Sensei” of Fashion Ninja boutique and the Fashion Ninja School of Sewing and Design. Her boutique and school sells the original designs from the brightest of her 500 plus total students.

Helping to spread the message of purchasing from your local community is www.FashionFlat.com, a website that exclusively features independent fashion designers. While FashionFlat is locally based, it is also larger than just the Fashion Ninja. Currently there are five designers featured on the site which serves as a unifying force amongst fashionistas both locally and nationally. In addition to Areka, of Fashion Ninja, there is Kristy Schomburg of Bill Label, Stevie of ICEBARK and Rochelle Nason of LACKA; all four from Milwaukee, and all four sell their clothes in the Fashion Ninja store. The website also features Sue Havens of Cozy Hoods, who is a designer and artist working out of Brooklyn, NY.

The name FashionFlat is actually a play on words. “The idea behind FashionFlat.com is exactly that, a flat where independent fashion lives,” says website founder Kristy Schomburg, who spends considerable time at the Fashion Ninja store and school. Through the website the ladies offer not only their individual fashion styles, but it is also a “home” for a strong community of independent designers.

Building a community of independent designers is what the website, the school and the store are all about. Areka, who has loved fashion her entire life and studied at the Mt. Mary College Fashion Design program, says there is a real passion in her students to learn and try new things. She also stresses the importance of supporting local fashion scene. “All the small shops make Milwaukee bright. Just one shop is not fun, but 40 shops make it an interesting place to shop,” says Areka. And the designers all agree.

LACKA designer, Rochelle, says small stores and websites give her the opportunity to talk to customers about why it is important to support local business as well as showcase her work. “I think it is perfect for independent designers to get their collections out there.” Rochelle got her start in fashion from a sewing machine handed down from her late grandmother. Mostly self-taught, with a few classes from Areka, Rochelle draws inspiration for LACKA from the hours she spent honing her craft.

Another former student and designer Stevie whose label ICEBARK features hand painted garments, says she likes when someone can appreciate the sweat equity it takes to make a garment. That is why she enjoys being a part of the community. “I have always been artistic, so I decided to teach myself to do design. I design and sell things that I like, thinking that if I like it maybe other people do to.”

Bill Label designer Kristy has different motivations for getting involved in fashion. She relishes the excitement of having something truly different. “It is very fun to meet these designers from all around and it’s a great way to show off what great design work is coming out of Milwaukee.” Kristy’s fashion aspirations started when she was five. She was very good at illustrating fashion, but when it came to sewing, that was a different story. With aggressive encouragement from the Areka, Kristy continued learning and designing for fashion shows, gallery night events and photo shoots.

Although FashionFlat and the Fashion Ninja boutique and school are separate, they have a unique shared identity. The designers know that there is more than just a dollar value involved. There is the value of living in, working in and supporting a community and that is what inspires them to build a place, online and in Bay View, where fashion can truly live.

Support your local designers at:
www.FashionFlat.com
www.FashionNinja.com

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