LUXURY. INDUSTRY. EXPERTISE.
Liza
Liza Cruzat Brooks is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Local Edition. As a professional model, Liza has graced endless runways and appeared in print campaigns worldwide. Her vibrant career has spanned across theatre work to client styling and being a local reporter on an entertainment and lifestyle program— 190 North on ABC 7 Chicago.
Liza has a masterful sense of style that’s rooted in creativity. As a former partner of a styling production firm, Liza managed the intricacies of vendor relations and fashion show production.
Martha
Martha Billen is the co-founder and chief curation officer of Local Edition. For over thirty years, she has been devoted to luxury retail in Chicago which includes Neiman Marcus, Ultimo, Jil Sander and Louis Vuitton. Martha has an impeccable sense of style and is highly regarded for curating the wardrobe of notable women in Chicago and throughout the country.
Martha is the mother of three brilliant young adults and wife to Stefan Billen. She spends time volunteering as an ESL adult tutor, serving at local soup kitchens and being a tennis fanatic.
Lisa
Lisa Newell is the co-founder and chief strategy officer of Local Edition. She has dwelled in executive roles at global luxury brands and entrepreneurial start-ups. As a creative, Lisa has designed, manufactured two women’s apparel brands that were sold at retail. She also developed a natural bodycare collection, Dirt., that launched at a makers market.
Her steep understanding of creative process and brand development was the catalyst for two faculty post and a co-authored textbook, Guide to Fashion Entrepreneurship: The Plan, The Product, The Process.