Fashion Designer — Katherine Stephens

Katherine Stephens graduated from UW-Madison with a Fine Arts Degree specializing in figurative drawing and watercolor painting. For several years she struggled to combine her inner artist while working in luxury retail management. Her creative itch finally caught back up with her and she returned to school to get a second degree in Fashion Design.

In 2006 she moved to London to work for Tomasz Starzewski, a couture & RTW designer known for making custom garments for London socialites as well as the late Princess Diana. From this experience, Katherine chose to return home to Milwaukee and "the wonderful people," and launch as a designer.

Katherine currently works as a textile designer, making custom evening and bridal wear. She believes her business values of a high level of integrity, customer service and overall quality and creativity, as well as word-of-mouth, have caused her business to grow significantly. Her goal is to continue this growth, fulfilling dreams through sharing her talents with each customer.

Q & A

Favorite color?
Purple

What is your first memory involving fashion?
As children, my mom would make clothes for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember she would make dresses for us girls for special occasions.

How would you describe the collection you are showing?
I would not describe it as a collection, but as individual pieces of art. Each has details that may never be duplicated in the same way.

Why did you choose to tryout for Milwaukee Fashion Week?
More exposure, more clients; to promote my creativity.

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
In life, to always be happy. In the fashion sense, to always be creative and to be able to work hard and be appreciated for my talents.

How would you describe Milwaukee’s fashion scene?
Growing…I think we have a lot of hidden talent here.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Designers and couture houses. But more so from the fabric. I start with a great fabric that excites me and I think about all its possibilities, its movement, and I engineer/pattern a challenge for myself.

What resources are invaluable to today's designer?
Internet. Networking. Good sourcing. A good salesperson.

What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
Silk, Silk, and…Silk.