Milwaukee Fashion Week: “The Intersection of Individuality, Sustainability, & Innovation”
BY ISABELLA SCHIEKSeptember 20, 2024The first day of Milwaukee Fashion Week, September 9th, 2024 opened with a panel discussion titled, “Today’s Fashion Ecosystem: The Intersection of Individuality, Sustainability, & Innovation”, moderated by Ashley Brooks, Chair and Instructor of Mount Mary University’s Fashion Department. The panel featured industry professionals such as Iris Acevedo of Sew House Apparel, fashion attorney Jessica Jardin Frederickson, Caroline Priebe of Driftless Goods, Kristin Schmidt—a 30+ year veteran of the fashion industry—and Marcellus of Planet Marcellus.
(Left to right: Ashley Brooks, Iris Acevedo, Jessica Jardin Frederickson, Kristin Schmidt)
United by a desire to bring new, exciting, but sustainable garments to the fashion industry, the panelists shared their journeys and insights on the state of the industry and how to navigate it.
Topics on the docket included technology, textile and labor ethics, entrepreneurship, and how to stand out in a crowded field. The conversation began with questions about how positioning a brand sustainably and successfully can be done, whether a designer is established or just starting out. Working with local manufacturers, for example, allows designers greater control over their environmental impact. Education also plays a key role in encouraging consumers to move away from fast fashion and be willing to pay more for ethically-made garments. However, accessibility remains a concern. Affordability limits who can access sustainable clothing, and offering a range of price points allows designers to promote both diversity and sustainability in fashion.
The panelists expressed excitement about innovations in textiles as another step forward in sustainability practices. Examples include 3D-printed fabric made from recycled plastic, Pinatex (leather made from pineapple rinds), and cottonized hemp—a project Iris Acevedo is currently working on—that uplifts minority farmers. However, there is some trepidation about over-reliance on technology.
Kristin Schmidt (Left), Caroline Priebe (Right)
“We too often deify tech as this like god essentially.”- Caroline Priebe
While natural materials and methods, which are inherently circular, are often overlooked; Priebe’s focus is on regenerative textiles, which combat climate change naturally through their compostability. While technological innovations are growing, there is also a resurgence of traditional practices.
Another pressure point for designers, particularly in the age of social media, is: how do I stand out? Marcellus noted that social media is a double-edged sword. While it brings the threat of imitation and stolen designs, it also pushes creators to stand out and push their creativity further. Ultimately, social media can drive greater innovation in design, allowing artists to rise above the algorithms.
Marcellus (right)
With many students and aspiring fashion designers in attendance, the panelists shared sage advice from their own experiences. One resounding answer to the question of where to begin was: it all starts with a business plan. In an oversaturated market, defining a clear target market and knowing what sets you apart are essential to building a business. Fortunately, Milwaukee offers numerous resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including free business resources through Marquette University.
The panel concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience asked,
“What is your best piece of advice?”
Answer: “Confidence.”
The panelists emphasized that individuality is power, and there will always be people who appreciate your work. Their message to the audience was clear: believe in yourself.
Key takeaways from the panel are: sustainability must be advocated for, your community is here to help you, and individuality is your power.
