Just before the show began, Stephanie came out and explained the show would center on the clothing in her store shown two ways; one, as everyday sportswear; and two, dressed up for eveningwear.

Stephanie Horne’s first annual fashion show on Nov. 29, benefiting the American Heart Association, turned out beautifully, especially for such a small production and as it was their first show. Cocktails started pouring at 7, and were noticeably strong (probably so tipsy shoppers would spend more!).

For those who have never visited Stephanie Horne, one of Milwaukee’s newest boutiques, you can expect many basic colors and clothing which reflect a California laid-back attitude.

There are exceptions of course, as Stephanie Horne has a nice selection of T-Bags clothing, a company known for their crazy vintage jersey-printed garments. There is also a large jean selection with labels including Tag, Raven and Rich and Skinny.

On the night of the show, 10 percent of all sales were donated to the American Heart Association, as well as the sales of entrance tickets. Since the venue of the show was the boutique itself, space was limited, and chairs were lined up down the middle of the store, creating the runway space. For the most part, guests of the show were either women in their 30’s, presumably having a girls’ night out, or middle-aged women with husbands in tow.

This representation further solidified the fact that the Third Ward is increasingly becoming a fashion district for the Milwaukee Metro area, as it was clear most of the attendants had driven in from the suburbs for the occasion.

Just before the show began, Stephanie came out and explained the show would center on the clothing in her store shown two ways; one, as everyday sportswear; and two, dressed up for eveningwear. The models were clearly not professionals, but rather a group of regular women. This, however, worked to Stephanie’s advantage, as it showed how the clothing is accessible to the everyday woman.

After the show ended, guests shopped and tried on looks from the show. The uninterested men were kept occupied by the flowing alcohol and cheese and cracker spread. Another perk of the evening was the unadvertised sale currently going on. Jeans are marked down as much as 50 percent, and fall collections are heavily marked down as well.

The first annual Stephanie Horne fashion show helped make permanent one of Milwaukee’s newest boutiques. With an economy that does not favor shopping, making it as a small business owner is a difficult task. As such, this final statement is a plug for shopping local: Skip the mall and shop the Ward!

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