The annual Milwaukee Fashion Week runway exhibition took place on September 25 and 26, showcasing the talent and creativity within Milwaukee’s fashion community. Organized by the Milwaukee Fashion Foundation, the two-day event highlighted a diverse group of designers, emphasizing the vibrant fashion scene in the city.
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Milwaukee Fashion Week first began in 2014 but was paused in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Milwaukee Fashion Foundation successfully reintroduced and reimagined the event in 2022.
The foundation aims to enhance the local fashion environment by providing resources to support local creators. Jeffrey McAlister, President of the Milwaukee Fashion Foundation, stated that he wants Milwaukee Fashion Week to serve as a platform to bring visibility and resources to the city’s existing creative talent. He believes Milwaukee's unique characteristics — including its manufacturing heritage, cultural diversity, affordability, and emerging fashion infrastructure — position it well as a fashion hub.
The event utilized local venues such as Pearl and Cade, where the "Invite" Exhibition on Friday night featured numerous diverse designers. Among the participants were Faith Finfrock, who presented "The Realm," and McAlister with "Fashionsense." Other featured designers included Monserrat Delgado, Ana Popa, Elena Akoulova, Shamlla, Eliana Ruiz, Cree Simone Designs, and Bintuamani Boutique.
The exhibition illustrated a variety of fashion perspectives, showcasing everything from medieval silhouettes to modern West African attire, with vibrant colors and textures enriching the experience for attendees.
A poignant moment in the show was marked by the finale featuring sisters Masah SamForay and Kenye SamForay, founders of Bintuamani Boutique. Originally Sierra-Leonean Americans from the Midwest, they focus on merging traditional West African designs with contemporary fashion. Masah noted that the showcase represented a significant connection between their cultural backgrounds.
Milwaukee Fashion Week brought together a multifaceted audience, celebrating local creativity. McAlister expressed that the most rewarding aspect of the event is creating opportunities for designers and models alike, stating that witnessing their work on the runway makes the experience meaningful.