Madam Chino Creates Recycled Fashion

When hunger strikes UW-Milwaukee students that are in the union on campus they frequent places such as Taco Bell or Burger King. When the thought of an impending test is looming, they frequent the computer lab to do some studying. If students are simply bored or need a break from classes, there is a rec center with activities such as bowling. But, what happens when students need a last minute gift, or are feeling a bit creative? There is actually a place for that too.

The Studio Arts and Craft Centre sits on the street level of the union and provides classes, workshops, and events for UW Milwaukee students. All for free. Not many people know about it. Vanessa Andrew, or Madam Chino as she is more commonly called, however does. She teaches sewing, and patternmaking classes here through her No-Sweat Sewing Classes.

Madam Chino is a designer who is trying to get the word out about how important textile recycling is, in new and creative ways on campus. The recent Earth Day Fashion show held in the Union concourse was a way to draw attention to how important this very craft is, and what her work is all about, she says. She has been writing and teaching DIY sewing and craft making through classes throughout Milwaukee over the past 10 years.

“Textile recycling is not usually done through a municipality, and textiles are approximately 5 percent of our total waste stream according to the EPA,” Madam Chino explains. “Therefore it is very important the public is educated about textile waste and how we can do our part to reduce it.”

One way she points out as a way of reduction, is teaching people to sew. When students of hers learn to sew they are able to reduce waste by reusing clothing through repairs and reconstruction. This is Madam Chino’s ultimate goal, in these workshops, and in her store she has in the city of Milwaukee. “Fast fashion is cheap, doesn’t last, and is a detriment to the workers who make it with unfair pay and unsafe working conditions,” Madam Chino explains.

When some see a ratty old t-shirt, that’s all they see. When Madam Chino sees this same shirt, she sees the possibility of a new dress. She’s all about reconfiguring older clothes into stylish new pieces all the while teaching how this helps with environmental conservation.

Many bystanders who attended the Earth Day show on campus this year and years past, often hold the notion that they are seeing a typical model showing off a fashion. Little do they know, the meaning behind it goes much deeper than that. Madam Chino is more than simply a designer, she’s an educator.

The models used in her fashion shows are friends, many of them that she made through her years of working at Rochambo. There’s never a shortage, because Madam Chino has a way of drawing others to her. Blaine Wesselowski met her at Rochamobo’s 10 years back. He was a model in this years UWM Earth Day fashion show.

“Madam Chino is a creative force whom many people admire for her commitment and drive,” Wesselowski said.

When Madam Chino isn’t teaching classes on the UW-Milwaukee campus, she can be found in her work space and little shop called the Look Nook. Here she holds craft nights. Madam Chino guides those who come to her throughout the entire creative process so that they too may turn an old pair of socks into an impressive new scarf.

Madam Chino wants others to know that it’s not easy being green, but it’s worth it. In the name of sustainable fashion, she asks for donations of old clothing from people. She repurposes and reincarnates it into something new.