By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — When Lisa Lüdtke was attending SPASH as a foreign exchange student years ago, little did she know that she would soon unveil her own exclusive clothing line for a local boutique.

As a part of Discover Downtown, Bria Bella & Co’s annual ‘Style on Main’ fashion show will feature the work of the German-born 19-year-old Lüdtke, who now lives in Liechtenstein. Traveling for over 4,000 miles for her internship at Bria Bella & Co., her first-ever summer lineup will be a colorful clothing line inspired by American fashion designer Marc Jacobs. She references his ability create fashionable clothes that aren’t exclusive to the runway, and can be worn anywhere.

Her work begins on paper as a concept, then proceeds to the pattern stage, and soon onto picking a fabric. After sewing is completed, the entire process can take anywhere from two hours to an entire day. While Lüdtke has a talent for creation, it still hasn’t completely sunk in that locals will be able to buy her clothing, as tags with her name on if have been made for the line.

(Contributed)

“I love it, but it’s just weird because usually I’m the one who goes into stores and looks at the tags, said Lüdtke. “Now it’s my name, and I need some time to realize that, but it feels good.”

Lüdtke initially had aspirations to become a fashion manager, but states that once she started to make her own clothing, her goals might have shifted to follow in the footsteps of Jacobs, who inspired this line.

“It’s hard to say I want to become a designer because it’s so hard to get into this business,” said Lüdtke. “…but I can imagine becoming a designer now.”

Lüdtke hard at work on one of her many pieces. (Contributed Photo)

Local models will take the runway with her clothes at Saturday’s fashion show, which the bright-eyed Lüdtke is still taken aback by. She simply hopes that those who adorn her outfits, and those in attendance, will like them.

According to Bria Bella & Co. owner Tara Manzke, the show will be a mix of her own line, and Lüdtke’s, though there will be a specific focus on the latter.

“I am super-excited about people getting exposure to her and allowing her this opportunity,” said Manzke. “This is a big deal for her, but it’s equally a big deal for me, because it’s an honor to have her here, and I get to learn from her. I think people will fall in love with her. Whether people are into fashion or not, I hope they take the opportunity to meet her.”

The ‘Style on Main’ fashion show takes place as a part of Discover Downtown, Saturday, July 21 at 1:30 p.m. A meet-and-greet with Lüdtke will follow from 2PM to 3PM. Bria Bella & Co. is located at 925 Main St.