729
(1 vote, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Louis Weisberg, Staff writer
Apr 22, 2010
“What should I wear?”
That’s a question that Clai Green, owner of Milwaukee’s Luci’s Boutique, hears a lot from his customers as they browse the racks of his trendy women’s store, 532 N. Water St.
But Green is aware that it takes money to have the luxury of indecision. In a society where people are judged on neatness and appearance, those who lack the financial means to look sharp are often at a disadvantage, both when it comes to self-esteem and, especially, finding a job.
So after becoming involved with Cinderella Project MKE, which collects used dresses from the overflowing closets of well-heeled women and donates them to economically disadvantaged girls to wear to their school proms, Green hatched an idea: Why not collect used “designer duds” for needy gay youth?
“There’s nothing like it,” Green says. “Stores all over the country collect clothing for women’s shelters, but they’re not doing anything for the gay community.”
And that, Green says, is how The White Star Project was born. It’s named after Green’s new men’s clothing store at 532 N. Water St., adjacent to Luci’s. The store’s grand opening, featuring a DJ, wine, sushi, is set for 5 to 10 p.m. on April 29.
The project’s goal is to have men’s stores in 10 cities put out bins to collect clothing every May and September. At the end of those months, the clothing will be picked up by local LGBT social organizations and distributed to their clients.
While charity is The White Star Project’s goal, affordability and selection are the aims of Green’s new store. From button-down dress shirts and neckties to clubby T-shirts and distressed jeans to trendy man bags and hip hats, Green intends to offer customers a lot of variety. But he says no matter what the look, price is a primary consideration in his merchandising.
In addition to shopping European lines and the major wholesale markets of the east and west coasts, Green plans to feature clothing by Milwaukee designers.
“We’re bringing in lines you won’t even be able to find in Chicago,” Green promises.
You can find out more at
www.shopewhitestar.com.
