Six designers gathered at La Gente Gallery‘s event space on June 24 to showcase their summer styles for an electrified room of supporters, friends and fashion fanatics. Designers from Sovereignty Collections, Hades Made, Seazoning Salt, Manny Vibez, Nesha and Matte Black put on an hour-long show filled with fashion and representation. In many of the collections, the designers emphasized themes of femininity, Blackness and sustainability.
This wasn’t your average show. The crowd was vocal as the models strutted into the art gallery from the street, cheering for the looks as they passed. The show of support for fashion and design mirrors the communities that La Gente aims to create with its events. The fashion show was hosted by Olivia and Marisa Camacho, sibling duo and co-owners of La Gente. Their gallery triples as a space for art, content creation and events, and has served as a place for people to create art and forge connections in Milwaukee.
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“It’s our first time doing this event, and we are so excited to help support these local artists,” Olivia Camacho says.
As La Gente says on their welcome brochure, “fashion [is] an expression of identity and a reflection of inner selves.” This rang true for runway portion of the event, which showcased a diverse range of models and underground Milwaukee streetwear. Each designer had a different aesthetic, from evening gowns to knitwear, and used their garments to create thought-provoking art.
Aside from the fashion show itself, the event also included a makers market. The four vendors – all Black-owned businesses – sold a variety of jewelry and clothing. Blessing Clark, vendor and jewelry-maker, says La Gente has placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity throughout all of its events. “I’m always seeing new people at events. There’s an openness and love that I know I’ll experience here,” she says.
The show ended with an acknowledgement of the designers and their contributions to Milwaukee fashion. La Gente is already planning another fashion show slated for September to showcase even local designers who were not included in this month’s event.
For information on other events, visit lagentegallery.com.
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