Last Wednesday night I ran out of my doctor’s appointment, threw on a dress and hurried downtown to the Pfister Hotel. I couldn’t miss another one of Timothy Westbrook‘s creative fashion presentations. I still remember the first time I saw his work at the Pfister. It was a small outdoor show with a couple dozen curious onlookers during his time as the hotel’s artist in residence. Now, after appearing on Project Runway and gaining publicity, he easily fills a ballroom with Milwaukee’s most fashionable crowd.
Even if you aren’t into clothes, you would have enjoyed this terrific spectacle. Here’s how Timothy explained the event, called Legacy: “Experience a visual journey that questions how one simultaneously blazes a trail while following the footsteps who inspire us to move forward.”
I learned that before he started sewing, he was an ice skater. And he skated for the audience live, in a choreographed routine along with local students. You’re not going to see that every day! Of course, there is a history of connections between skating and fashion — Vera Wang immediately comes to mind. Timothy literally tied his two interests together in some of the more whimsical looks, with clothing accented by skate blades and boots. Some of my favorites pieces were the painted dresses that appeared to be inspired by abstract art.
Legacy makes you think about the kind of impact that you want to leave behind. Timothy’s career is just beginning, but he’s already making a strong impact on Milwaukee and beyond.
LVMKE 