They say big things can come in small sizes. At Madame, this is more than just the case. Located in the Park East living community, Madame is a women’s clothing boutique fit just right for Milwaukee. Owned and operated by LaRhonda Bennett-Lewis, the store utilizes the “live and work” concept presented by Park East’s ability to have a store front situated directly on 3rd Street, a block north of Knapp. Bennett-Lewis relocated from Chicago,IL as a buyer for a high fashion shoe salon to owning a sophisticated women’s fashion boutique with her husband. Having been in the fashion industry since 2004, Bennett-Lewis has had her eye on the latest fashion nuances in the Midwest.
Currently Madame houses 8 different designers. They key to Madame’s success has been keeping the collections from each designer intimate with only 2-3 pieces. Amongst the staple designers are 172 Grams, Holly Morgan, Jonesy, Garcia Fashion and Mystree. Madame carries some specialty designers like one of a kind pieces from Mary Duo and Stepn Ty from Philadelphia, Penn. Not only does Madame carry clothing, but also many appealing accessories to complete a wardrobe, including Melie Bianco and Funky Junk, which is based out of Chicago. Bennett-Lewis also brought in local designer Charlette Boyd’s line bags, Nailah, along with other leather accessories – bags, belts and cuffs.
Bennett-Lewis doesn’t want to fit in. Madame is doing something different, ” I want to be the Avante Gaurde of Milwaukee.” Madame provides the opportunity for women to confuse their personal collections with indie and commercial designers. At Madame, Bennett-Lewis wants her customers to create classic styles that are wearable for the next five to ten years. With Madame’s growing customer base, Bennett-Lewis is looking to expand in the future by incorporating her own designs into the flow of fashionable traffic and even possible a Madame 2 in Chicago down the road. For now, look to an amazing spring collection that’s ready to put these snow flurries behind us.
Hours: Mon – Sat, 11am – 8pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm
Location: 1407 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53212
Phone: 414.224.6445
Facebook: Madame-business page
www.madame-shop.net
