Whether you turn your closet inside out an a daily basis determining what to wear or sleepily slide into whatever's clean each morning, like it or like, how you dress says a lot about you. And interestingly enough, according to local clothing designer Janelle Schweitzer, your clothes have been talking long before you ever put them on.
"My design philosophy is 'listen to your fabric,' she says. "Most designers choose their fabric according to their design. I am backwards. I pick up some very rare and charming materials and I have a good feel for their personality and what they can do."
Schweitzer is one of the five entrepreneurial artists who owns and operate Bay View's Fasten Clothing Co-op, which launched in late November '05 at 2365 S. Howell Ave., but has since grown too big for its britches and moved into to a much larger space at 2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Although a seamstress of many trades, Schweitzer's got specific flair for flirty, fun dresses and jumpers, all of which are one-of-a-kind and designed under her label, Little Ocean.
"My clothing is slightly whimsical, and demands personality from its wearer," she says.
She describes Little Ocean's aesthetic as classy, with designs utilizing smooth lines, emphasizing flattering shapes, uncommon color combinations and fun textures. When her dresses hit the runway, they do so with a stylish sense of confidence and chic, and although it's obvious that Schweitzer's got the eye for what's hot and what's not, her work doesn't necessarily stem from an insatiable passion for fashion.
Instead, it is a labor of love for the art and careful craftsmanship put into each pice.
"With the industry's glamorization of all things empty and pointless, they don't invite people to be anything but objects, blank walls on which expensive art is hung," she says. "I don't claim to be above fashion. However, I have a list of artistic values that are more important to me than clothing design itself."
And just as a painter wouldn't paint the same painting over and over again, Schweitzer challenges herself to keep her style fresh and rarely copies anything she's made, even for other sizes.
"I am motivated by the act of conserving and recycling," she says. "Almost all of my fabrics are sheets, linens, or curtains from estate sales and thrift stores. That is another reason why I don't copy -- I can only get small quantities."
Having two children of her own, Schweitzer has found the joy in designing little dresses and overalls and recently launched a baby and toddler line at Fasten.
What she's selling:
Within the Little Ocean section these days at Fasten you're likely to find her latest creations for women -- hoodies made from adorable vintage double knits -- as well as shirts and vests for men and clothing for the kiddies, ages 2 and older.
What she's teaching:
Sewing basics for people with little or no sewing experience: $25, three-hours, everyone brings home a finished project.
In January, students make a skirt out of a vintage pillowcase. In February, students make cozies for an iPod, phone or camera.
In spring, her classes get more advanced. Other artists at Fasten are offering classes on several other topics from T-shirt reclamation to knitting.
For dates, times, and details go to fastencollective.com or email fastencollective@yahoo.com.
Where to catch her:
"Our Children! Aids Crisis: Raising Awareness from the Runway"
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Hi-Hat Garage, $6. All proceeds go to the Global Fund.
"A Romance in Lower Mathematics"
Featuring fabric collages and puny T-shirts by Amanda Tollefson.
Gallery Night, Friday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Fasten
"Heart Attack! Fasten Runway Showdown"
Saturday, Feb. 3rd, 9 p.m., The Mad Planet
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
