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

Put Some Style on Your Christmas Wish List

With just a few weeks to go before Christmas I’m sure you are finding yourself dressing up more and more for the many Holiday parties and family events going on. To add to the shopping time crunch, it’s coming down to the wire in terms of last minutes gifts.

With a mega mall on the west side and newly constructed outdoor behemoth on the east there is certainly no shortage of places to blow your cash on a gift of fashion for yourself or others. However the real question is just how special a fashion gift are you looking for?

The Fashion Experience

To help you answer that question, I spent some quality time with Chris Corley, general manager, of MP/Two Urban Fashion Experience on North Jefferson Street. MP/Two specializes in men’s fine fashions, sportwear, accessories and other fashion forward garments for men and women.

If you are even thinking about comparing mall stores to a boutique like MP/Two, STOP! Chris will tell you that the distinctive selection, quality, experience and relationship you build at a boutique is more valuable than what you can get at a mall. “I have a list of clients that includes NBA players, bartenders and office workers alike and they all love it here,” says Chris. “We have fashion for everybody, and a great attitude about helping people express their personal style.”

When it comes to looking good for Holiday events, MP/Two is the place to go. Chris has spent over 10 years honing his fashion skills as a personal shopper and store manager in the upscale department stores and fashion boutiques of Minneapolis. His love for dressing people is evident. I watch in amazement as he whips together outfits that go from the front of the office to back of the club as quick as you can punch the clock. Being well dressed, Chris says, is in the details. Not only do you need the jeans, shirt, blazer and the shoes, but he points out that the belt, socks and tie are what really make the clothes match the man.

Chris’s skills don’t stop there. He is not only a professional in men’s wear, but he outfits Milwaukee’s beautiful ladies as well. MP/Two offers a full line of women’s wear. Boasting designer brands like 575, Splendid, Parasuco and Joe’s Jeans in the women’s department, MP/Two leaves no curve unfitted or nape un-collared. “Women’s clothes is where fashion really shines,” says Chris. “We have custom selections of top brands that really accentuate a woman’s features. And really, the clothes are all about accenting what your body already does well.”

What’s Hot This Season

So we know Chris Corley is the man to see, so let’s talk about some must-haves and great gifts for the holiday season.

The number one hot thing right now for ladies, according to Chris, is the 80’s inspired “cigarette jean.” This is a pair of jeans that are cut very skinny and has a straight leg. To keep the 80’s look going, Chris says to pair them with a long blouse, a waist belt and some heels. “Don’t be afraid of color, right now reds, yellows, bright blues, stripes and light fade denims are in, even though it is winter.”

For men, good fitting denim is always in. Chris says put your man in a good pair of jeans and a classic striped shirt. And then make him tuck it in. If you’re going for a more sophisticated look, then go with slacks, brown or black, a cashmere V-neck with shirt and tie underneath. Good Looking, clean shoes are the key to sophistication. This is a very good look for those semi formal office parties and family dinners.

Some other hot items for men are anything from the Jhane Barnes’ collection. “Jhane’s clothes are so funky and cool,” says Chris, “They really embody what urban fashion is.” Another good item is a new wallet. Get him to ditch that thick tri-fold card and cash holder for something a little more avantguard. The Leather Island brand is retro Rock & Roll and offers paper-thin no fold wallets that are hand designed by Bill Lavin. All Leather Island items feature one of a kind colorful artistic impressions.

Also, Chris says, consider an embroidered fitted Tee as a gift. “This is the kind of item a guy who wants to be noticed will wear. It is very much what the beautiful people want,” he says jokingly. MP/Two carries an embroidered long sleeve Tee from Dulce Leche that makes you never want to wear anything else.

Gifts for Others

To round out your gift shopping needs, MP/Two also has a wide selection of cufflinks, ties, bow ties, socks, belts, watches and sunglasses all starting around $50. There is even an awesome all-inclusive shaving kit for men called About Face. It comes in a military inspired carrying case and it rings in under $50.

In my opinion, one of the best items in the store is the Canali cologne. It smells like a blend of perfection and sexy.

50 ml’s is $45 and 100ml’s goes for $60, both are almost a five-finger-discount type deal when it comes to cologne prices these days.

Stop into MP/Two and see Chris anytime, he is a joy to talk to and when you leave the store you will be looking good. Ladies (and single guys) make sure you check out MP/Two’s Ladies Night on December 15 from 5-10pm, ladies will receive 15% off your purchases and in true downtown style, there are cocktails available for guests 21 and over. The night also features the Uneek Jewelry collection.

MP/Two
825 N. Jefferson Street
http://www.myspace.com/mptwoexperience

Written by Jack Roman

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