Chic Competition

As I wrote about last week, Project Lela is Milwaukee’s answer to Bravo’s hit TV show, Project Runway. I spoke with Lela’s owners Carrie Arrouet and Stephanie Sherman about the first challenge, which was due earlier this week. Seven designers (three were eliminated after the first challenge) are poised to take on the second challenge this Saturday, July 14th at the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward.
The first part of the second challenge was to create any type of garment out of two yards of muslin and bring it to the Market. Then, a second, secret part of the challenge will be assigned on the spot. Contestants have two-and-a-half hours to have the secret challenge completed and their model styled for a runway show taking place at 12:30 p.m. Winners of the second challenge will be announced at 1 p.m. that day.
I also got more details about the big event, taking place on August 25th. In addition to the four looks each of the final three Project Lela contestants will show, Lela will showcase fall fashions from the store and Shanel Regier, a Milwaukee designer I’ve written about before, will put together a special Lela 4th anniversary collection for the show. I can hardly wait for this chic event to take place—you can bet I’ll be there, covering all the fashion from the front lines.
Project Lela Challenge Two, July 14th, 12:30 p.m. runway show. Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee. lelaboutique.com