Fashion Designer — Ada Hansen

Ada Hansen is a Milwaukee area designer and founder of JAZ-ZY International, a collection of travel and organic knitwear.

JAZ-ZY is for Real Women. JAZ-ZY's artful collection of Mix and Match, Multi-Functional & Convertible designs will celebrate and honor your own unique form. At JAZ-ZY we believe that as in nature, beauty comes in all sizes, shapes and colors. With the JAZ-ZY collection you will find fabulous, easy to wear and easy to care for designs that will become the foundation of your wardrobe. From the Boardroom to the Ballpark to a Black Tie event, JAZ-ZY is the answer. You see, we believe that fashion changes, but style is forever. Find yourself in JAZ-ZY.

Q & A

Favorite color?
I adore color! I believe that as in nature, beauty comes in all colors. The drab colors and boxy styles of yesterdays organics are being replaced with a vibrant palette of colors and textures. Of course, there is black. Beautiful, elegant, black…

What is your first memory involving fashion?
My great grandmother and her daughter, my grandmother. Ruth Madison spent many years creating and sewing beautiful designs of her own for some of society's finest. As a single mother, she raised her daughter Bobbie. Bobbie too became an accomplished artist, jewelry designer and lover of nature. When most her age were planning retirement, Ruth decided to give back some of which had been given to her. She moved into a tiny Hopi Indian village at the base of the Grand Canyon. There, she taught native Navajo women to sew their weavings into spectacular pieces of clothing and art. Ruth and Bobbie were enchanted with the jewelry and wearable art of the Hopi women and the organic components of both—from the fibers to the organic dyes used to color them. Ruth taught them (how to have) businesses of their own. What she gave these Hopi and Navajo women was independence. What they gave her has lasted for generations—the love of life and a deep and unwavering respect for nature, our earth and its inhabitants.

How would you describe the collection you are showing?
Real clothes for real women. I am all about celebrating the individual uniqueness found in all of us. I believe beauty comes in all sizes and shapes. My designs honor the diverse female form and are worn by women of all ages.

Why did you choose to tryout for Milwaukee Fashion Week?
I love Milwaukee! I am honored to be a part of Milwaukee's first Fashion Week

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
One more hour with my mom, Mikie.

How would you describe Milwaukee's fashion scene?
Growing! Milwaukee is rich with artistic talent.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Nature and art of any form.

What resources are invaluable to today's designer?
Talented artists like Patrick and Tracy O'Connell of Luxe Foto. Capturing the energy and message behind my designs is an art form all its own. They are the best there is.

What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
Anything that moves. I adore fabrics that conform and flow at the same time.