"Notte" means night in Italian and when you walk into this new store in Shorewood with its black and white interior and pulsating club music, you are inspired to head out for a night on the town.

A new addition to the row of shops on Capitol between Oakland and Murray, this store offers one-of-a-kind accessories, clothing and art. Owners Franco Cascarano, Sergio Palacios and Felipe Pimentel are young entrepreneurs, ranging in age from 27 to 31, who found their way to Milwaukee from Venezuela and Colombia.

Although Cascarano grew up in South America, he is 100 percent Italian and followed his brother to the area in 1999. It was at a concert where he met Palacios -- a fitting beginning for partners who are focused on celebrating nightlife.

The trio offer original merchandise to their customers, including signature leather jackets and bags which can be customized to meet a shopper's style and color preferences. When visiting the store, customers are encouraged to try on products and discuss custom capabilities. The owners plan on exhibiting three to four new jacket designs a month, and in addition to designing and producing leather goods, the partners also produce a line of art graphic shirts.

"We are one of only a few stores that combine art and fashion in one place," says Cascarano. "When you come here, you can find something that no one else will have."

The partners launched their endeavor as an on-line store and due to feedback they were given the idea to open the retail location. "People loved the products, but wanted to see them in person," says Cascarano.

They provide merchandise for men and women of all ages and for people who like things classic, funky or conservative. They believe their custom leather jacket capabilities address anyone's needs. The general clothing merchandise caters about 65 percent to women and 35 percent men.

"They have very progressive high fashion and good customer service," says customer Joseph Stone. "They play really good music that puts you in the mood to buy clothes. The store has great ambience that pumps you up and gets you ready to go out."

The design of the store, with its black and white palette, keeps things simple and allows the clothing and the artwork to stand out. It provides a clean backdrop to view the merchandise.

With a passion for nightlife and a desire to share art and fashion with the community, the owners of Notte hope to have gallery nights where they can bring in DJs and local artists.

With three entrepreneurs who have grown up in vital, exotic places such as Venezuela and Colombia, what appeal does Milwaukee have?

"Milwaukee is growing," says Cascarano. "The city offers great opportunities and now is the time to make business ideas happen."

Palacios adds, "It is a nice city and sort of quiet. I have been back home and in Texas and Milwaukee is just better."

The partners believe they offer a unique, fashionable and affordable shopping experience. They want their customers to enjoy their store and then go out to enjoy a night on the town in Notte style.

Notte is located at 1918 E. Capitol Dr., and the phone number is (414) 967-0687.