Fashion Designer — Nick Waraksa

The origin of Wounded Line lies in the inspired artwork of graphic artist, videographer, musician and fashion designer Nick Waraksa. After graduation from both the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Nick began to combine his graphic techniques with more tangibility and emotion. The work started to lean towards the fine art vein and take on a the characteristic of a very "wounded" feel. This wounded feel reflects on the outlook that when something has stood the test of time, it gains a sense of story and character. Throughout one's journey there are many things along the way that both wound us and empower us in a delicate balance. However, one might be more apt to portray the empowerment whereas our character truly builds through our scar tissue, the moments that challenge us outside of our comfort level. To embellish this side of it, he names his work, the "Wounded Line."

Much of the fashion design derives from the artwork, and then is adapted to the ideas of movement on the body and how the human form can be neatly packaged within inspired ideas. Much of this fascination with "movement" derives from Nick's motion graphics work, which has gained him a well-respected status within the motion graphics community in Milwaukee but even more so in Chicago. Now, he has many national and international accounts—including The Milwaukee Bucks, Marriot Hotels and Kohler—and recently his status took him to Festival De Cannes 2008.

You can view the rest of Nick's motion graphics work and music composition at www.nickwaraksa.com.

"He does not 'save face.' The faces and spaces are broken and hurt yet have their pride and understanding of beauty, like a wounded lion. Being an artist fills his desire to touch others, to be known intimately." ~ Brianna MacWilliama, Art Psychologist, Boston, MA

Q & A

Favorite color?
Olive Green

What is your first memory involving fashion?
My mother constantly dressing my brother and I like twins. And we are 3 years apart!

How would you describe the collection you are showing?
To show the balance we need in life. Industrial and organic images in harmony.

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
To always have the energy to keep going

How would you describe Milwaukee's fashion scene?
Conservative but progressing faster

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Antiques and stories