the fashion week mke initiative press kit

Media Contact:
Chaya Jacobs
p. 414-517-5429
e. [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE FIRST EVER FASHION WEEK MKETM KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 22, 2013
MILWAUKEE (September 5, 2013) The Fashion Week Milwaukee (MKE) Initiative Board today announced the first ever
Fashion Week MKETM taking place September 22 - 28th. Raising money and awareness for Abolish Slavery, Fashion
Hope, My Home Your Home and Milwaukee Pets Alive, Fashion Week MKE also pays tribute to the local beauty, fashion
and style experts in the city. Building and bonding to create a fashion initiative that rocks Milwaukee, Fashion Week MKE
includes traditional catwalks (people and furry friends), educational seminars and evening parties.
“Our goal for Fashion Week MKE is to create an event that supports a sustainable, philanthropic fashion industry in
Milwaukee,” says Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board Member and owner of Style by Solares, Wren Solares. “Working
with Milwaukee’s most influential creatives, along with months of strategic planning has led to a unique fashion week that
is perfectly tailored to the city of Milwaukee.’”
FASHION WEEK MKE 411:
WHO: The city of Milwaukee; entrepreneurs, stylists, designers, businesses, charities, fashion enthusiasts, pets
and pet lovers.
WHAT: The first ever Fashion Week MKE benefiting for Abolish Slavery, Fashion Hope, My Home Your Home and
Milwaukee Pets Alive
WHERE: The hottest locations in Milwaukee – SPiN, Hudson Business Lounge, Brewhouse Inn & Suites, Black Sheep
and The Oak. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fashionweekmke.com or on site.
WHEN: Sunday, September 22 – Saturday, September 28. Below are some Fashion Week MKE highlights, visit
www.fashionweekmke.com for a full schedule of events:
 Sunday, Sept 22 – Fashion, Beauty & Style Block UpMarket*, Top Dog Runway Show and MKE Runway: Our City, Our
Style (SPiN Milwaukee)
 Monday, Sept 23 – Beauty, Hair and Health Expo, Wearable Art Model Show (SPiN Milwaukee)
 Tuesday, Sept 24 – Expert Fashion Forum (Next Act Theater), The Business Essentials Social (The Hudson Business
Lounge)
 Wednesday, Sept 25 – Men’s Night of Style, Fashion Expert Discussion (Brewhouse Inn & Suites)
 Thursday, Sept 26 – Cocktail Dress Happy Hour (Black Sheep)*, Hat’s Off Party (SPiN Milwaukee)
 Friday, Sept 27 – Music Icon Night, Milwaukee Tee-Shirt Fashion Show, Band Makeover (SPiN Milwaukee)
 Saturday, Sept 28 – Boutique Blitz (various Milwaukee boutiques), Fashion Week MKE Finale Party (The Oak)
*Free events
WHY: To give aspiring and expert fashion entrepreneurs a valuable network, while supporting local businesses, charities
and the city of Milwaukee.
To purchase tickets and to learn more about the events and the first ever Fashion Week MKE visit
www.fashionweekmke.com.
(more)
Media Contact:
Chaya Jacobs
p. 414-517-5429
e. [email protected]
About Fashion Week MKETM:
Fashion Week MKETM is a seven day event that brings international attention to the fashion industry in Milwaukee, Wis.,
and networking opportunities to build and bond with professionals, educators and the local community. To showcase all
elements of fashion, beauty and style, Fashion Week MKE partners with local artists, stylists, models, photographers,
designers and visionaries in the city. The week includes fashion shows as well as pop-up speakers, seminars, courses,
exhibitions, and more. A portion of Fashion Week MKE’s proceeds supports the Abolish Slavery and Milwaukee Pets
Alive. To purchase tickets and to learn more about Fashion Week MKE visit www.fashionweekmke.com.
“Building and bonding to create a fashion initiative that rocks Milwaukee.” – Fashion Week MKE
About Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board:
The Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board was created from an international fashion perspective, but with a specific
focus on Milwaukee, Wis. and the people that influence the city’s unique approach to fashion. The board
collaborates with a number of key professionals who aspire to make Fashion Week MKETM an annual affair. The
Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board’s mission is to promote Milwaukee’s talent in the beauty and fashion
industries; stimulate economic development; and encourage partnerships to create community involvement in
sustaining a local fashion economy.
Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board Members:

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Wren Solares: Title, of Style by Solares
Michael Damond: Title, of FashionableMags.com
Amy Watkins: Title, of FM Style Studio
Essential Barbie: Title, of Beauty by Essential
Bjorn Olaf Nasett: Title, of Fashionfarmboy.com
Stay Connected: twitter.com/fashionweekmke; facebook.com/fashionweekmke
###
MILWAUKEE PRESS & MEDIA
Welcome to Fashion Week MKE Initiative. Firstly we would like to thank you for all of your time, effort and
coverage that you will put into working with us over the next week. Our Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board
believes our key to success is to infuse SYNERGY, STYLE & SOLUTIONS in all of our partnerships and we are
ecstatic about the opportunity to build & bond with you and your teams.
The major difference in the week we are organizing and what has been seen across the globe as ‘Fashion Week’
is that we have a very strong underlying initiative to build the fashion business in Milwaukee. We are aware
that there is a need for a platform to stand strong and connect people throughout the city looking for
opportunities to create viable and long standing fashion brands, events and more.
The week will entail many opportunities to connect with those like minded ‘creative’ minds whilst any person
or brand can use our platform to showcase what they do best, whether that be their brand, collection, product
line or talent. We are also focusing on culture and the arts as part of our week because we know that this has a
strong influence on fashion, as well as a strong presence in the city of Milwaukee. We have reached out to some
of Milwaukee’s most successful groups to bond together to achieve great things during this seven-day event.
Be aware that this seven days of events was created as an initial teaser and the aim is to build this event as an
annual part of the Milwaukee calendar. We have created the initial basis to grow from and the event will
eventually be created by the fashion community of the city. Everything you are going to see as part of this
event has either been donated in support of a local business, person or trade to be a part of this event. We do not
have any monetary sponsors and the aim of this is to be an example of what can be achieved if you have the
right attitude and surround yourself with a tight community of people, always ensuring you have a high level of
professionalism and commitment to your event.
MISSION: Fashion Week MKE Initiative is promoting Milwaukee’s talent in the beauty and fashion
industries; stimulating economic development; and encouraging partnerships to create community involvement
in sustaining a local fashion economy.
In the following pages you will find details of the event , which includes schedules, celebrity appearances,
contact details and more. We have tried to make the press pack as detailed and informative as possible, but if
you should have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of us for further details. Thank you
once again for your interest in taking part in Fashion Week MKE Initiative, we are all very excited to create a
new fashion platform event for the city of Milwaukee.
The Fashion Week MKE Initiative Board Members
Wren, Amy, Bjorn, Essential and Michael
Fashion Week MKE Initiative | 117 W. Walker Street, Studio 309, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | fashionweekmke.com
About Fashion Week MKE Initiative
MISSION
Fashion Week MKE Initiative is promoting Milwaukee’s talent in the beauty and fashion
industries; stimulating economic development; and encouraging partnerships to
create community involvement in sustaining a local fashion economy.
BOARD MEMBERS
Founder: Wren Solares of Style by Solares
Member: Amy Watkins, Vice President of FM Style Studio and FashionableMags.com
Member: Michael Damond, President of FM Style Studio and FashionableMags.com
Member: Essential Barbie, Creative Director, FM Style Studio and Beauty by Essential
Member: Bjorn Nasett, Style Expert of FashionFarmboy.com
Charitable Causes Supported
GIVING is in fashion.
#FASHIONWEEKMKE SUPPORTS
LOCAL CAUSES
My Home, Your Home Inc. - http://www.myhomeyourhome.org/
My Home, Your Home Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1989 by
Irma and Aubrey Walker. Our initial program, established in 1993, helped abused
and neglected children in the foster-care system.
Milwaukee Pets Alive - http://milwaukeepetsalive.org/
Milwaukee Pets Alive is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization led by a group of dedicated and
passionate volunteers. Their mission is to end the killing of homeless pets in Milwaukee
through comprehensive programs and resources benefiting and serving the people and
companion animals of Milwaukee.
Building & bonding to create a fashion
industry that rocks Milwaukee
Elmbrook Humane Society - http://www.ebhs.org/
The mission of the Elmbrook Humane Society is to promote the human-animal bond
through adoption and education, to provide shelter to homeless animals, and to prevent
animal cruelty and neglect.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013
thru
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
GLOBAL CAUSES
Fashion Hope - http://www.fashionhope.org/
Fashion Hope builds awareness and raises funds in the fashion industry, then partners
with Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) that are doing the front line work to
rescue and rehabilitate survivors of human trafficking.
www.fashionweekmke.com
PRINT DESIGN
The Abolish Slavery Coalition - http://www.abolishslavery.org/
The Abolish Slavery Coalition’s mission is to end the plight of millions of people who are
currently enslaved by human traffickers and stop this crime against humanity from ever
happening again.
Fashion Week MKE Initiative Supporters
Celebrity Guests and Personalities
SUNDAY 9/22 @ SPiN
233 E Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
12 pm Fashion Show
Modeling - Melissa McCrady
Modeling - Heather Shannon
Guest - Zara Duranni on behalf of Fashion Hope
6 pm Fashion Show
Host - Zara Duranni on behalf of Fashion Hope
Host - Leigh McNabb of Kiss FM 103.7
Host - Stephanie Brown of CBS 58
Guest - Esh The Singer
Guest - Larry Sanders of Milwaukee Bucks
Guest - Miranda Levy
Guest - Timothy Westbrook
Tribute to Sarah Brucker Fashion
MONDAY 9/23 @ SPIN
233 E Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
10 am - 4p m Event & Photo Opps
Spokeswoman - Zara Duranni
1 pm to 2 pm Event Workshops
Presenter - Mary Sheehan Warren, Professional
Image Consultant
3 pm to 4 pm Event Workshops
Presenter - Essential Barbie, Creative Director
Hair & Makeup Transformation
TUESDAY 9/24 @ NEXT ACT THEATRE
255 S Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
7:30 am Fashion Forum Panel
Host - Tom Julian of The Doneger Group
WEDNESDAY 9/25 @ BREWHOUSE INN & SUITES
1215 N. 10th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205
5 pm to 9 pm Celebrating Men in Milwaukee
Guest - Tom Julian of The Doneger Group
Guest - Davit Hovhannisyan of Milwaukee Ballet
Presenter 6pm - Timothy Westbrook
THURSDAY 26TH @ SPIN
233 E Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
8 pm Hats Off Party
Honoree - Sister Aloyse of Mount Mary University
FRIDAY 27TH @ SPIN
233 E Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
9 pm Tee Shirt Fashion Show
Guest - Larry Sanders of Milwaukee Bucks
fashionweekmke.com
#fashionweekmke
FWMI GUEST & CELEBRITY ATTENDANCE
Sunday 22nd @ SPiN
Noon Fashion Show
Modelling - Melissa McCrady
Modelling - Heather Shannon
Guest - Zara Duranni
6pm Fashion Show
Host - Zara Duranni
Host - Leigh McNabb
Host - Stephanie Brown
Guest - Esh The Singer
Guest - Miranda Levy
Guest - Timothy Westbrook
Tribute to Sarah Brucker Fashion
Monday 23rd @ SPiN
10am - 4pm Event & Photo Opps
Spokeswoman - Zara Duranni
1pm to 2pm Event Workshops
Presenter - Mary Sheehan Warren, Professional Image Consultant
Tuesday 24th @ Next Act Theatre
7.30am Fashion Forum Panel
Host of Forum - Tom Julian
Wednesday 25th @ Brewhouse Inn & Suites
5pm to 9pm Celebrating Men in Milwaukee
Guest - Larry Sanders (tbc)
Guest - Davit Hovhannisyan Presenter 6pm - Timothy Westbrook
Thursday 26th @ SPiN
Guest - Sister Eloise of Mount Mary (tbc)
Friday 27th @ SPiN
9pm Tee Shirt Fashion Show - Larry Sanders (tbc)
Fashion Week MKE Initiative | 117 W. Walker Street, Studio 309, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | fashionweekmke.com
TOM JULIAN - DONEGER GROUP
Tom joined The Doneger Group in 2013 as the Director of Strategic Business Development. He is responsible
for developing and implementing potential growth opportunities for the company as well as collaborating with
the organization's management team on goals and objectives. Before joining The Doneger Group, Tom founded
his own company in 2008, The Tom Julian Group, where he and his team created innovative and visionary
solutions for companies in fashion, retail, financial, automotive and consumer goods industries. Prior to that,
Tom worked in leading advertising agencies including Fallon Worldwide and McCann Erikson.
ZARA DURANNI - FASHION HOPE
Attending as Ambassador and Spokeswoman for Fashion Hope who sponsors the Abolish Slavery Charity.
Born and raised in Pakistan, her family lived throughout South East Asia before settling down in Vancouver,
BC. She not only brought her suitcase, but her passion for performing as well. Zara has been a prominent figure
in the Vancouver entertainment industry for almost a decade. She has held many titles including actress, model,
television host, producer, director and activist. Through her work, she strives to make a positive difference in
the world.
LARRY SANDERS - MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Larry Sanders (born November 21, 1988) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for
the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. He played power forward for the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.
As a junior Sanders averaged 14.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. He then declared himself eligible for
the 2010 NBA Draft and was selected 15th by the Milwaukee Bucks.
MIRANDA LEVY - DESIGNER PROJECT RUNWAY
Recently on Project Runway Season 12, Milwaukee’s very own Miranda Levy. Since 2009, Levy's designs
have wowed audiences at local fashion shows, including shows at the Milwaukee Art Museum, The Pritzlaff
Building, Flying Car MKE, and numerous gala and charity events. Miranda Levy's garments, inspired by her
unique military experience, amplify the strength and confidence already present in the woman wearing them.
TIMOTHY WESTBROOK - DESIGNER PROJECT RUNWAY
Recently on Project Runway Season 12, Milwaukee’s very own Timothy Westbrook. Fiber artist Timothy
Westbrook uses the arts as a vehicle for social and economic change focusing in sustainability and art education.
His innate ability to bring groups together allows for the blending ideas and industries both within and outside
the art world. Between 2013 and 2014 he will embark on four major projects resulting in a live experience of
visual entertainment that is created and presented with low environmental impact.
Fashion Week MKE Initiative | 117 W. Walker Street, Studio 309, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | fashionweekmke.com
ESH THE SINGER - MUSICIAN
Esh has written and toured with several artists as a powerful background vocalist. In 2009, she struck out on her
own, forming her own an ace backup band consisting of Terence Lee on bass, Brandon Tigner on drums, and
Nick Jaffe on lead guitar, who had also backed other performers such as Common, Estelle, Dwele, Ice Cube,
Syleena Johnson, and many others. Esh’s relentless pursuit of her musical passions led to her being a Top 60
finalist on Fox’s “American Idol” in 2010. Eager to get back into the groove with her band, Esh’s debut EP,
“You Should Know Me”, was released in the summer of 2012. An all-out hard rock effort, it echos the likes of
late 70’s/early 80’s heavy metal/punk/new wave icons such as Patti Smith, the Pretenders, Suzie Quatro, and the
Runaways.And Esh’s rollicking freight train continues to roll through 2013 with a full-length LP currently in the
works with a well-known producer, as well as several new tour dates throughout the Midwest.
MELISSA MCCRADY - PREVIOUSLY CHANNEL 4 NEWS
Working for Milwaukee’s TMJ4 for many years Melissa is well known throughout the media community and
the City of Milwaukee.
HEATHER SHANNON - PREVIOUSLY CHANNEL 4 NEWS
Working for Milwaukee’s TMJ4, leaving some years back in 2009, we are excited to see Heather as part of our
event. She was very well known throughout the media community and the City of Milwaukee.
LEIGH MCNABB - WXSS-FM & KISS FM
For Leigh McNabb, her role has just been changed by being named the assistant program director, music
director along with still being the midday radio personality on WXSS-FM 103.7 KISS FM. McNabb has been
on the midday shift for just a little more than three years. The move means McNabb will be able to stay longer
in the community, which she says supports so many different kinds of music.
STEPHANIE BROWN - CBS58
Stephanie Brown reports for all of CBS58 Newscast. You can primarily catch her live reporting during the 5pm
news. The Chicago native joined CBS58 as a reporter and fill-in anchor in November of 2007. One of the
highlights of her career was her sit down one-on-one interview with now Archbishop Timothy Dolan. One of
her strengths is her ability to connect with a diverse array of people and that connection was evident in this
story. She's done several national live shots for CBS news New York. Among the most remembered by some of
her loyal viewers was the 20 foot sink hole on Milwaukee's East side.
DAVIT HOVHANNISYAN - MILWAUKEE BALLET
Born in Armenia, Davit Hovhannisyan began dancing at the age of six. At the age of 10 he was accepted into
the National Ballet School of Armenia on full scholarship. At the age of 16 he began his professional career
with the Armenian National Ballet Company. After arriving in the United States he received critical acclaim
dancing with numerous companies throughout the country. Mr. Hovhannisyan joined Milwaukee Ballet in 2004.
Fashion Week MKE Initiative | 117 W. Walker Street, Studio 309, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | fashionweekmke.com
FWMI CONTACTS
Please contact our board members of PR Team in order as listed
for any questions in regards to the event, schedule or details.
Wren Solares
414 712 3181
[email protected]
Chaya Jacobs
PRology
414 517 5429
[email protected]
Amy Watkins
414 921 8950
[email protected]
Michael Damond
414 551 2524
[email protected]
Essential Barbie
414 306 3644
[email protected]
Bjorn Nasett
414 550 1985
[email protected]
Fashion Week MKE Initiative | 117 W. Walker Street, Studio 309, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | fashionweekmke.com