Madison Fashion Week celebrates Wisconsin style through a myriad of consumer-based runway shows and events. In its first year of production, the week showcased Madison’s vibrant fashion scene, proving that style is found in places other than just Milan, New York and Los Angeles.

Leader: Kristi Moe

Position: Creator and executive producer of Madison Fashion Week

Website: www.madisonfashionweek.com

What role does Madison Fashion Week play in the community?

Madison Fashion Week plays a really important role that hasn’t been filled before.

There have not been opportunities in the past where you can really showcase the fashion industry here in Madison. We can really help the bottom line of our economy when it comes to the fashion industry in Wisconsin.

What is the purpose and mission of Madison Fashion Week?

Two in particular. To be very collaborative, but to be very accessible. I think it is really important that we don’t use the same stereotypes that New York uses or Milan uses. I think it is more important that we have strong participation and we don’t put limits on who can be involved in the fashion industry.

What would you say in response to people who claim there is no fashion scene in Wisconsin?

I would like to say that everyone is involved in fashion every day of every week. Everywhere, people are involved in making decisions about fashion. Every morning when you wake up and you pull something out of your closet, you are making the conscious decision of how to present yourself to the world. That’s your personal style.

So far, what has been your favorite Madison Fashion Week moment or memory?

The relief in knowing that it became so much more than me. I definitely had a vision for the event, but it came up to a whole different level when all those people were working so hard to pull it off. And to know what it took to get that off the ground. And to know that it pays off.

What are your plans for expansion and growth?

Definitely sponsorship. Big corporate sponsorships. That’s going to be the real key to growing the event.

Beyond just doing bigger events, I want to have more opportunities for the younger emerging designers. I want them to have an opportunity to be involved, and I would love to do a scholarship that would allow them the funds to really create a full line.

How can the community get involved?

The point is to be collaborative. So the more we go on, the more entrenched into the community we will get. There are a myriad of different areas that people can volunteer in. As it gets closer to the event, I post different announcements saying what areas I need help in.

What is the first word that comes to mind when I say Wisconsin?

Home.