Edessa School of Fashion has been chosen as the educational partner to New York Fashion Week BLK. We have been invited to show our student collections in New York City on September 9, 2022. The faculty have chosen three students to represent Edessa and Milwaukee at NYFW BLK. Sabrina Lombardo, Andre Purdy and Stephanie Schultz have graciously accepted and are ready to share their visions with the world. We are asking for financial support for airfare and hotel fees for a group of five from the institution. We leave on September 8th, show on September 9th and return on the 10th. The total cost for this fashion excursion is $5000.00. Please help us to put Milwaukee on the fashion map for these student designers and those to come. We will show every year if all goes well! Help us to make this dream come true! All donations are tax deductible.

Andre Purdy

Andre Purdy has developed and applied his abilities in cosmetology for 23 years which lead to a natural progression into fashion design. He is known for designing clothing for audiences who appreciate their own adventurous and natural identities.

His natural charm, passion and unique creativity earned him Designer of the Year at Milwaukee Fashion Week 2018, which led to Andre to being awarded a full scholarship to the first Black owned apparel design school in the United States, located in Milwaukee WI, Edessa School of Fashion. Andre was also the featured designer on the cover of the Milwaukee Downtown “MKE It Local” Winter Lookbook 2021.

Andre is an audacious risk taker. He is more than a creative force but a change maker in the lives of others. A source of inspiration to his community where he mentors troubled youth and adults. Andre fervently believes that all of us have been dealt a measure of magic on their journey through life. He says that ‘It is up to you to master your magic.’

He spent several years finding his wings and developing a strong eye which set him apart from everyone else. Andre loves pushing boundaries. He always colored outside of the lines. He laughs and asks, “what lines” when talking about boundaries.

He is a clairvoyant dreamer. He sees many things in his sleep time. He awakes, sketches and designs, it is as simple as that! It thrills him to see how much people love what he’s doing.

Andre’s simplistic approach to fashion is natural like his style. HIs superpower is the ability to stand out. He’s never been one to try to blend in. Andre is positioning himself to become a major global force in the fashion industry.

Stephanie Schultz

Stephanie Schultz is a Wisconsin born and raised artist specializing in high fashion clothing inspired by historical dress. Driven by her desire to incorporate old techniques with new technology, SIlversärk garments have a special familiarity about them with a uniquely modern flourish. Contemporary designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui, Gareth Pugh and Zuhair Murad all stimulate Stephanie’s interest in couture. Stephanie enjoys being the creative director on fashion shows, photoshoots, and special events with a touch of historical anachronism.

She was the 2018-2019 Artist in Residence at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. During her tenure she created a collection based on the hotel’s vast Victorian art collection. Her legacy piece is a part of their permanent art collection, which currently resides across from the Artist in Residence studio. She also used digitally printed textiles of photos she took around the hotel to make scarves, shawls, and ties, providing clients with exclusive garments.

Her work has been featured on PBS, Wisconsin Public Television, and local morning news outlets. Her work has been exhibited at the Oshkosh Public Museum, the Beulah Brinton House and the Racine Art Museum.

Sabrina Lombardo

Milwaukee based designer and artist Sabrina Lombardo, (Raramuri, Tigua, Chicana) dove deeper into fashion design in 2012. Through a variety of mediums including, textiles, clay, and acrylic.

She is able to capture her audience by showcasing her culture, struggles, and spirituality. Throughout her school years Sabrina has received multiple awards for her photography, and multimedia pieces. This inspired her to challenge her skills and extend her range of talent in numerous settings. Exploring her works of art in the form of jewelry, wearable art, and canvas.

Native Nation designs is the new voice of indigenous. We are bold, loving, and daring. We care about people and the way they perceive themselves. You are the best you when you are happy and that's our goal. Happy people equal a happy planet. Be you whoever that may be and do it while wearing something that makes you feel confident and ready to take on what ever comes your way.