This Local Fashion Designer Is Making Sustainability Stylish

Laura Bavlnka launched her first official collection this summer.

Laura Bavlnka wants people to feel connected to their clothes. The 2014 Mount Mary fashion program graduate launched her eponymous brand and business when she showed her work at Milwaukee Fashion Week in 2017.

This summer, she released her first official Bavlnka collection, featuring handmade “investment” pieces, including sporty jumpsuits and dresses made with comfort in mind.

“I wanted to have a variety of pieces that could be worn either on their own or mix and match with each other or mix and match with pieces that people already own,” she says.

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Sustainability is part of Bavlnka’s mission: The inventory is small-batch, custom-made or made to order, and many designs use natural dyes and materials.

“We need to shift away from fast fashion and get back to a place where we have a connection to our clothing,” she says. “[Where] we take really good care of it, make sure it lasts a long time and want to wear it for years and years and years.”

As part of that goal, Bavlnka does alterations, specialty tailoring and custom heirloom bridal repurposing, giving new life to “old” clothes.

“Usually a clothing brand is like, ‘We’re just gonna make our stuff and that’s all we care about,’” she says. “Because I’m an independent designer, I can do whatever I want.”

Around a year ago, Bavlnka started offering natural dye pop-up workshops, where she teaches how to color garments like socks and scarves using natural techniques.

“[The workshops] are popping off, and they’re so much fun. It’s just kind of a cool way for me to connect with people,” she says.

Bavlnka has an atelier/studio in the Washington Heights neighborhood (5209 W. North Ave.), and you can shop online at bavlnkabrand.com.

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