See the Looks From Local Designers at ‘Metamorphosis’ Immersive Fashion Show

The next class of high fashion and streetwear designers are emerging right here in Milwaukee.

On Oct. 19, over 200 attendees came out to watch “Metamorphosis,” an immersive fashion showcase hosted by local designer Maria Olsson. The 25-year-old from Chicago and raised in Milwaukee featured her own brand MISHKA, alongside four other homegrown brands: STUTZ, Hades, The Realm and Matte Black. Each designer transformed the Milwaukee Historical Society into dynamic worlds through imaginative set design, props, choreography, music and one-of-a-kind handmade garments.

‘Metamorphosis’ Featured Five Local Designers

Drag artist Melee the Queen hosted the event, delivering comic relief and colorful introductions for each segment.

The show opened with streetwear brand Hades, presenting their collection titled “AMATERASU.” This playful lineup featured knitwear, patchwork pieces showcased in a bedroom-inspired set, where models changed into each look in real time. 

Next, Cassandra Stutzman of STUTZ unveiled an enchanting evening wear collection, drawing inspiration from florals and movement. Models floated across the stage in flower crowns and billowy gowns, capturing the ethereal essence of Stutzman’s designs.

Sustainable brand Matte Black followed with a creative reimagining of streetwear apparel using recycled denim. The runway was highly choreographed and included a ballet dancer, complete with denim patchwork pointe shoes. 

Vocalist B.B. performed during the intermission, setting a moody, soulful scene for the final runway shows. 

The Realm took the stage next, inviting the audience into a fantastical world inspired by renaissance fair costumes. Models transcended traditional roles, embodying characters that brought the unique visual and sonic landscape to life with wings, masks, and elven ears.

The show closed with MISHKA’s Metamorphosis collection created by event producer Olsson. In her own words, MISHKA is, “the artistic rebel brand. As much as she’s edgy, she’s still very classic and polished.”

The collection featured heat-molded vinyl garments, handmade leather textiles, sheer hoods and textured materials meant to resemble the molting which butterflies undergo during metamorphosis.  

MISHKA Reflects on ‘Metamorphosis’

Olsson views this latest collection, which shares the show’s name, as her emergence into the fashion world. MISHKA was founded three years ago while Olsson was a student at Mount Mary University, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design. The name Mishka comes from a childhood nickname given to her by her father, and her desire to pursue a fashion degree was inspired by the value of education and a love of learning instilled in her by her parents.

Olsson credits the fashion program with providing her the technical skills necessary to bring her artistic visions to life. 

“Clothes have to be art but they also have to be wearable,” she said, describing the delicate balance she cultivates between her technical dressmaking skills and artistic vision. The collection represents a solidifying of her artistic voice and her newfound ability to use design principles to channel her creativity. 

Olsson aimed to challenge expectations around what fashion shows in the city can look like, showcasing the diverse talent within the Milwaukee art scene. This format resonated with her, as she often seeks intersections between creative disciplines to inspire her work—a passion fueled by her love of music and art.

Over six months of ideation and organization was poured into the event, stemming from a simple desire to host a show. Olsson shared this early vision with close friends and creative collaborators, who eagerly supported the planning, from pitching sponsors to scouting venues and recruiting designers. Realizing the extensive network she had cultivated, it became clear that this show was not just about platforming her own designs but also about pouring into the creatives she has come to know in the city.

She hopes to continue contributing to what she sees as a thriving creative community in Milwaukee.

As Olsson takes her brand to new heights, she remains committed to honoring her beginnings, the people who raised her, the city that shaped her, and the community that supports her. 

“I’m gonna go as far as I possibly can, until I can’t stop,” she said.