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

It's a Walk-Off

If the name Project Runway means anything to you, keep reading. Lela, a boutique in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, is hosting its own version of Project Runway called, appropriately, Project Lela. Similar to Bravo’s hit TV show, ten contestants will try their hand at creative challenges, like the first one, “Trash to Treasure.”
Contestants were given a bag of materials along with one pant leg and one T-shirt, each of which must be used to make the final garment. They could also use up to one yard of a fabric to complete the outfit. In my opinion, yikes! I find it challenging enough to mix and match my own clothing …
The “Trash to Treasure” challenge is due July 9th, and it appears as if contestants’ work will be shown at a July 14th contest at the Milwaukee Public Market. Another challenge is slated for July 27th, and the final showdown will be on August 25th, where the final three contestants will use their $500 allowance from Lincoln State Bank to make a final four-look collection. I'll keep you posted on this event.
Lela, 321 N. Broadway, Milwaukee. 414-727-4855. lelaboutique.com