Passion for Fashion

I attended Shanel Regier's Fall 2007 fashion show in Milwaukee this past weekend. The crowd was young, well dressed and the drinks were flowing. And once again, the show didn’t disappoint. The large, open hall had a runway right down the middle of the room and models could be seen up close strutting their stuff. Regier’s chosen color scheme was more subdued and reflected chillier temps: black, brown, taupe, mint green and cream. Once again, Regier incorporated ruffles (one of her favorite design elements to use) and fitted silhouettes, but inserted a few flowy, oversized shapes too. Looks ranged from a swingy mint-green overcoat to a seductive (and see-through) black lace top with black silk pants. My show favorites included the swingy overcoat, a sweet tailored shirtdress with a flounce on the bottom and the beautiful one-of-a-kind dresses that opened the show constructed of brilliant green and brown silk. A few of Regier’s corset tops were even spotted on audience members who are no doubt loyal fans of the designer. shanelregier.com

A Shanel of a Different Name

I’m getting excited for Shanel Regier’s fashion show on April 21st in Milwaukee. I first became interested in the Milwaukee-based designer when I attended her March 2006 “Parisian Roots” show. The show featured, among other things, live music, fashion and fanciful Milwaukee Ballet dancers that danced interludes between collections. This year’s show will be held at Turner Hall, which holds twice the capacity and promises much of the same entertainment. There will be a DJ, cash bar, Design Within Reach lounge area, fashion installation, and of course, a runway show. Check out the after-party at zenden, the show’s sponsor, in the new InterContinental Milwaukee hotel.
Regier, 25, puts her stamp on her sexy, one-of-a-kind Victorian pieces with corsets, skirts and fitted jackets constructed out of heavy upholstery fabric. Her background in sculpture is obvious, and Regier likes to emphasize womanly curves.
The young designer has also garnered mentions in Women’s Wear Daily, the foremost authority on fashion trends, as well as the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Magazine.
For now, Regier is primed for her next challenge: her show.
“It’s satisfying for me as an artist. Every time I do a show, I push myself to do something new.”
Hope to see you at the show!

Click HERE to read the profile on Shanel in Madison Magazine’s April 2007 issue.

Find Shanel Regier’s pieces in Madison at Lady Moxie, 6706 Odana Rd. 826-4268

Shanel Regier Fall 2007 Collection, April 21st, doors open 7 p.m., show starts at 8:15 p.m. Historic Turner Ballroom, 1034 N. 4th St., Milwaukee. Tickets: shanelregier.com/reservations.html