Atelier · Lookbook · No. 01
Karen
James
Couture for the women who walk into a room and own it. Hand-beaded gowns, folk-art appliqué, personalized dolls — made one at a time, by appointment, on Capitol Drive.
a note from the atelier
"I started at twelve, with a sewing machine my mother gave me.Some things you don't quit."
Karen James designs and makes garments in Milwaukee — about two dozen wedding gowns a year, plus eveningwear, men's tailoring, children's pieces, custom cloth shoes, alterations on leather and fur, hand-quilted appliqué pillows, and personalized dolls modeled to resemble the client. She has been at it since age twelve, modeling and designing since fifteen, and in her own studio since 2014. Honored at the 35th Annual Black Excellence Awards.
II.
The Collections
six rooms, one hand
№ 01
Bridal
Roughly two dozen wedding gowns each year. Hand-beaded bodices, structured silhouettes, sweeping trains.
№ 02
Custom Garments
Made-to-measure for every size and shape — eveningwear, men's tailoring, children's pieces.
№ 03
Appliqué Goods
Folk-art pillows and quilts with bold figurative work and West African wax-print panels.
№ 04
Personalized Dolls
Soft-sculpture dolls hand-crafted to resemble the client. Embroidered features, miniature couture.
№ 05
Alterations & Repair
Seamstress work on leather, fur, suede. Recovers shoes and boots. By appointment.
№ 06
Gift Baskets & Decor
Creative gift baskets, floral arrangements, and interior decorating in the same hand.
III.
The Lookbook
hover to read the atelier note
The Bridal Atelier
Spring
Folk-Art Appliqué
Ongoing
The Safari Kaftan
Summer
Personalized Doll
Bespoke
IV.
By Appointment
The atelier is at 9235 W Capitol Dr., Suite 301, Milwaukee. Karen takes work by phone — the way she always has.
(414) 366-5856— ring the bell —
As featured in
"A Milwaukee designer for women of all sizes and shapes."
Milwaukee Times — 35th Annual Black Excellence Awards Honoree