Artist’s Wanted: Detroit Art & Business Institute Assists in a Product Art Call

Andrea Rosenfeld of Detroit Art & Business Institute is offering local artists an exciting opportunity! She’s been asked to find a local product to include in a swag bag for a Detroit corporation. The company is giving gifts to its employees and wants to include a local artist who has created an item inspired by the city in which they work.

"I'm really excited about this particular art brokerage opportunity I'm offering because this call will bring local artist's designs to HUNDREDS of corporate employees and will focus on creative businesses that have reached a limited edition or moderate production level,” says Andrea. “Plus, if I can offer more than 3-5 professional, creative entrepreneurs in this particular Detroit corporation's swag bag program, there's a good chance they will continue this local art, gift giving idea to help support our creative sector!"

DABI invites all local artists and makers, including ceramics, design, fashion/accessories, fibers, metals, painting, photography, print media and sculpture to apply. Artists must be able to produce a minimum of 100 units of one style, and the product should wholesale at $10 per unit, maximum. All entries are due by February 2 by 6 p.m. and the artists will be compensated for their work.

For more information call DABI at 732.705.1567 or email detroitartistbusinessinstitute@gmail.com. The application form can be found here.

Wear It’s At: Fur, Baby!

It’s that time of the year, again. The holiday parties are over and the temperatures have dropped well below zero, so it’s time to stay warm by all means necessary. Fortunately, the (faux) fur trend is back and we are so grateful because it’s a luxuriously stylish way to bundle up. Below, we have compiled a list of the most fabulous fur options to put into your wardrobe and as an added bonus, some items are on sale so don’t go into sticker shock until you see it for yourself.

1. FauxFurEver Snowball Trapper Hat, $212, FauxFurEver, 249.561.4155.

Shop local, stay warm and cover up a bad hair day with this fun trapper hat.

2. Faux Fur Trimmed Toggle Duffle Coat $280, BCBG, 248.643.3300.

A full fur coat is a commitment so if you are looking to dip your toes into this trend, then this duffle coat is the way to go.

3. Talula Beckledge Coat, $198, Aritzia, 248.248.458.0955.

Since leopard is the neutral of prints, wearing this coat is almost like wearing all black. It’s a no-brainer.

4. Akris Kalgan Lamb Fur Vest, $5,990, Saks Fifth Ave, 248.643.9000.

Channel your inner Olivia Palermo and put on a mid-length vest over any outfit.

5. Steve Madden Marbles Boots, $90, Steve Madden, 248.637.7510.

These utilitarian-style boots will keep your feet toasty and add a bit of interest for your boots-in-snow Instagram pictures.

6. Julie Lindsay Handbags Wiley Handbag, $825, Julie Lindsey Handbags, 586.850.1240.

Beautiful and expertly constructed, this bag will get you a ton of compliments and keep your lap warm when you take a seat.

7. Anthropologie Faux-Fur Earmuffs, $50, Anthropologie, metro Detroit locations.

If you don’t want to mess up your hair, a pair of faux-fur earmuffs will do the trick.

On The Town: An Avant-Garde Boutique Opens in Detroit

Using the cross roads at the store's inception as the name for Orleans + Winder is the only simple thing about this newly opened boutique. Unique and avant-garde merchandise litters the space, and the shop holds shows that intersect fashion and art. Based on what we can see via social media, it’s an intriguingly mysterious place so, naturally, we had to find out more.

Erin, one of the partners of Orleans + Winder, was born and raised in Michigan, traveled Europe after high school and while she was there, developed a deep respect for Paris, theatre, and fashion and objects that are made with thought and care. When she came back to the states, she received a degree in theatre performance and married her love of theatre with her first love of fashion to start Orleans + Winder.

DG3: Tell us about Orleans + Winder.

Orleans + Winder: My partner and I have wanted to open a concept store for a while now that serves as a platform for fashion, art and objects. We did our research, met with a wonderful boutique owner in Chicago who gave us some great advice, and began contacting designers whose work we have admired for years. We also liked the idea of creating a showroom similar to the ones you find in Europe, that allows the customer a personalized and immersive shopping experience. I am not someone who enjoys shopping at malls and I knew there were other like-minded people out there. Our goal is to redefine what it means to shop for and buy clothing. I am much more likely to purchase a timeless, well made and interesting piece of clothing from someone who has a relationship with the designers they are selling.

DG3: Do you sell any local designers?

O+W: We are in collaboration with several Detroit designers who will be coming on board for SS15. I travel to Paris to meet with most of our designers who specialize in avant-garde fashion, but I also have designers such as Amy Glenn and Shaina Mote who are LA based and are creating beautiful, timeless pieces. I would love to meet more Michigan-based designers! We look for an aesthetic that works well with our concept and are always on the lookout for not only fashion, but obscure publications, accessories and art.

DG3: What is your favorite local boutique?

O+W: I have to say Linda Dresner. She carries designers who initially inspired my love of artistic fashion such as Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons. 

DG3: Describe your style.

O+W: My friends laugh about my love of black clothing, but that is the majority of what I wear. My main rule is there has to be an interesting element about it, whether it’s a raw edge or overlong sleeves. I suppose I’m sort of Jane Birkin meets Rick Owens, if that makes any sense!

DG3: If you could have any TV or movie character’s wardrobe, whose would it be and why?

O+W: If I could have any movie character’s wardrobe it would be Winona Ryder’s in the movie Heathers. The high waist skirts, black mixed with blue, the off the shoulder sweater, even the blazers! Although my newer movie choice would be Scarlett Johansson in the movie Lucy because I long to wear Iris van Herpen!

DG3: How do you take your coffee?

O+W: Iced Americano with soymilk.

DG3: Club Monaco or Aritzia?

O+W: I had to look up Aritzia- shows how behind I am on bigger stores.

DG3: Alexander Wang or Olivier Rousteing?

O+W: I love what Alexander Wang is doing.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

Image from Opportunity Detroit

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

NAIAS 2015 Charity Preview | Friday, January 16

Warm yourself up on the hottest night this winter at the NAIAS Charity Preview from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cobo Center. Dress in your black-tie best and enjoy a first look at everything the NAIAS 2015 has to offer all while mixing, mingling and listening to the Steve Miller Band. Proceeds directly benefit many different children’s charities and tickets are $400 per person For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit http://www.naias.com/tickets/charity-preview-tickets.aspx.

Cobo Center is located at 1 Washington Blvd., in Detroit.

The Children’s Center’s AutoGlow 2015 | Friday, January 16

Enjoy a delicious food and dancing at the 2015 AutoGlow presented by Ford Motor Co. from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Ford Field. The event, hosted by by Lisa and Bill Ford and Jane and Mark Fields will take you on a journey into the future getting a glimpse of what’s to come. Shuttles to and from Cobo Center and the Book Cadillac are available and valet is complimentary. More information can be found at www.thechildrenscenter.com/autoglow.

Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush St., in Detroit.

Orleans + Winder Pop Up Shop, On the Road | Saturday, January 17

Orleans + Winder is going on the road to Headliners Design Studios from 11 to 3 for a pop up shop of fashion, art and objects. Receive 20% off the purchase of FW14.

Headliners Design Studios is located at 516 Park Rd., in Jackson.

NAIAS 2015 Public Show | Saturday, January 17 through Saturday, January 24

If you’re busy Friday night, don’t forget that the Auto Show opens to the public this Saturday. Tickets are $13 per person, $7 for 65+ and children 7-12 and kids 6 and under are free. Purchase tickets at http://www.naias.com/2015-show/public-show.aspx or at the ticketing office at 1900 West Big Beaver Rd. Suite 100, in Troy.

Cobo Center is located at 1 Washington Blvd., in Detroit.

Runway Bridal Detroit | Sunday, January 18

Connect with hundreds of brides and grooms and see a show that caters to all cultures of metro Detroit at Detroit’s largest international bridal show. This inviting atmosphere and multicultural experience is from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Atheneum Suite Hotel and tickets are $5. More information can be found at www.runwaybridalshow.com.

Atheneum Suite Hotel is located at 1000 Brush St., in Detroit.

Open City Detroit – Be the Change: Social Entrepreneurs Making a Difference | Monday, January 19

This is a not during the weekend, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t celebrate your entrepreneurial spirit with networking and drinks at Cliff Bell’s. The panelists include speakers from Ponyride, Detroit Dirt, Lips and Hips- A ROUNDtable Discussion and Kiva Detroit who will discuss entrepreneurship, and the panel discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. with casual networking to follow. The kitchen will be closed, so stop for a bite to eat before you arrive, but remember the first drink is on the house.

Cliff Bell’s is located at 2030 Park Ave., in Detroit.

On The Town: Automotive Design and Fashion Merge at the 2015 MAIN Event

The North American International Auto Show is back, which means it’s an exciting time for automobiles (of course), Detroit and fashion. One of the kick-off events to the Auto Show (or #AutoSnow as we are now seeing all over Twitter) was the 2015 MAIN Event that featured an Executive/Designer Awards and Presentation, buffet, fashion showcase, desserts, drinks and networking.

Located in the beautiful Max M. Fisher Music Center – Orchestra Hall, this event had two bars, plenty of seating, a photo booth and a delicious dinner. The programs started a bit late, but with the schmoozing and people watching happening, we hardly noticed (until our stomachs began to rumble, that is).

The dress code was business professional – and some women definitely came dressed in their office pantsuits – but other ladies really stepped it up in colorful dresses, fun accessories and stilettos. Some of the men were a bit more casual – the eternity scarf was a popular accessory – but they looked great, too.

Once the award show was over, the fashion presentation began. Local brands Julie Lindsay Handbags, Cynthia LaMaide, CUREiosities and The Paper Dress Code were a few of the designers who showed on the runway. In addition to the fashion show, the designers were challenged to make outfits using some of the automotive sponsors’ materials and The Paper Dress Code from Matthew Richmond won the challenge with a volumous and structured strapless dress.

All in all it was a great way to get into gear for auto show season, and we can’t wait to see the fashion hits at all the other auto show events.

Local Designer Series: Shelley Van Riper Reinvents Classic Apparel with Alchemy Detroit

Shelley Van Riper went to school for fashion, but ended up in the corporate world working in an office setting that had her searching high and low for classic, professional apparel. While she made do with what she could find, her constant search had fueled the fire to get back to her first love and actually create what she was looking for. Shelley left the corporate world, but always kept it as inspiration, and Alchemy Detroit was born.

DG3: Congratulations on your very recent launch of Alchemy Detroit. Tell us about your collection, yourself and why you wanted to start Alchemy Detroit.

Alchemy Detroit: Thank you! As a DG3 member, I’m excited to share my story and hope that it inspires others to follow their passion. The inaugural collection is about getting back to basics, complementary pieces that fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe – blazers that are on trend, but are timeless, the most amazing jersey tees that work for every body type, and the softest of scarves that have you covered in every season.

I didn’t follow the traditional path to starting a label. In 1990 I enrolled at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) as a fashion design major, but left after one year to finish at Wayne State University (WSU). At EMU, I was advised that if I wanted to make it in fashion, I really needed to move to NYC, LA or at least Chicago. Having never left Michigan before, I really didn’t have the wherewithal to make the move and switched my major to Psychology. After graduating from WSU in 1994, I earned a Master of Public Administration from Oakland University in 1997. I’d spend the next 20 years in corporate America in various roles in government affairs, philanthropy, business planning and strategy.

Throughout the years, I was constantly on the hunt for wardrobe staples: black blazers, white work shirts, you know, the basics that a young professional woman would wear to work but could also be paired with jeans or even shorts. While Alchemy Detroit or the spirit of it has been in my heart for decades, it wasn’t until I turned 40 that I finally felt I could transition on every level. I spent roughly a year planning things out and doing research and then I basically took my savings, a small SBA loan, and a loan from my husband, Craig, to start the company in January of 2014.

Alchemy Detroit was started to provide quality American made luxury basics. I am committed to manufacturing here in Michigan and source raw materials from some of the best suppliers in the world, whether cashmere from Italy or custom brass buttons from the renowned Waterbury Button Company in Connecticut.

DG3: You sell blazers, tees and scarves; why only those products? Do you plan on expanding?

AD: It was my very role in corporate that fueled my passion for design. I’d been wearing suits since my early 20s. What I always found lacking were classic and timeless wardrobe staples that would carry me from season to season. My biggest pain points were blazers, layering tees and basic white work shirts.

For Spring/Summer, we have short sleeve versions of all of our tees, again, in black, white and gray. Warm-weather blazers will remain focused on basic colors like black, white and navy in stretch cotton blends. And while blazers, tees and scarves will remain core to the line, there is a clear path for expansion that is thoughtful and relevant. For example, we all need the perfect sweater, the elusive white shirt, a lounge pant and a killer skirt. 

DG3: What has been your toughest hurdle to cross when it comes to launching a new line, and if you have overcome it, how did you do that?

AD: There are two hurdles that immediately come to mind. First and foremost, lack of financing in the form of grants or loans. While I have invested personal assets, it was not nearly enough to launch the label. I had a very difficult time getting a SBA loan as well and ultimately, had to seek private investment. There are millions of dollars coming into Michigan for tech but I found investment dollars nonexistent for someone starting a label. I thought I had a sound fiscal plan to launch but I do think I underestimated the sheer amount of capital required to do this and do it right. Finding fashion label mentors is also another big challenge.

The second hurdle has been manufacturing. I am committed to manufacturing in Michigan, but as of today, the resources do not exist, especially for my blazers. There are so many changes that occur in the process; from pattern making, sample making, fittings and production, you really need to be boots on the ground during that entire process. I have had to use resources in New York and Chicago and it has cost me valuable time and money. I’m still looking to find pattern makers, sample makers, fit models, digitizers and graders, here, in Michigan, to not only support my business, but to provide work for those like me who want maintain Michigan as their personal and professional home.

DG3: What's the worst advice you received while trying to start your line?

AD: By far, the worst advice I received was to drop Detroit from my name. This mostly came from people in NY stating that no one in NY, LA or anywhere else would be interested in anything from Detroit. This was well before places like Shinola and John Varvatos started shining a light on all of the positive things happening in Detroit. I don’t hear it as much anymore, but it did give me pause. However, in the end, Detroit is the core of what Alchemy is about – being born and raised in Detroit impacted me in immeasurable ways and to drop that from the name would be like dropping my identity. I’m so happy that I didn’t listen to the Detroit naysayers.

DG3: If you could give any advice to someone starting his/her own line, what would you say?

AD: Have a really sound financial plan, research everything, ask for help and make sure you have a business plan that can really tell your story. What makes your label unique? Why would someone want to buy your product? Be able to passionately and confidently tell that story. Lastly, surround yourself with people who actually want you to succeed because there are many moments when you are frustrated or feeling defeated and you really need objective voices to keep you on point and moving forward.

DG3: What fashion trend do you despise and why?

AD: I think the most natural and interesting thing a woman can do is to be herself and let her wardrobe be a reflection of her own sense of style. When you are comfortable in what you are wearing, it trumps any trend. Alternatively, when I see women trying too hard to wear what everyone else is wearing. It shows and not in a good way. For me, the balance has always been about making good choices and seeking quality pieces that can blend the old and the new; items that are made really well but don’t broadcast labels. 

DG3: Right now, and no cheating, what are the contents of your purse?

AD: Makeup bag, wallet, checkbook, keys, coupons and probably receipts. I hate receipts and I typically throw them into my handbag and just end up cluttering my purse!

DG3: Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin?

AD: Louboutins…all day long.

DG3: A-line or pencil skirts?

AD: I’m so not a skirt person…at all! But, if you made me choose, historically, it would be a pencil skirt, but I think if you can find the right cut and drape of an a-line skirt, it can be extremely flattering for all body types. 

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

Image from Metro Times

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

Drinks x Design: Creative Entrepreneurs | Thursday, January 8

Drinks x Design is back and starting the year off from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Grand Circus. This month will feature presentations from the graduates of DC3’s Creative Ventures Residency Program in addition to the drinks, networking and relaxed atmosphere. The four presentations start at 6 p.m., with about 15 minutes in between each presentation for a drink refresher. To register (link: dxdjan2015.eventbrite.com) for the event, choose one session to attend, but know you will have the freedom to attend all of the sessions or to skip the presentations and just mix and mingle at the events. Space is limited to about 200 people so arrive early to guarantee entry.

Grand Circus is located at 1570 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Greater Detroit Flavors of India Festival | Thursday, January 8

Hundreds of metro Detroiters will gather at the Royal Oak Farmers Market from 6 to 10 p.m. to celebrate the exotic and alluring cuisine of India. Punjab Sweets, Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine and Moti Mahal are just three of the six restaurants that will be featured at the event. While you are tasting the delicious cuisine, enjoy Indian and American music, a shopping bazaar, children’s activities and more. Tickets for the event are $12 per person. More information can be found at www.celebratemetrodetroit.com.

Royal Oak Farmers Market is at 316 E. 11 Mile Road, in Royal Oak.

Royal Oak Winter Beer Fest 2015 | Saturday, January 10

Stay warm and celebrate the season with a craft beer tasting at the Royal Oak Winter Beer Fest at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Dozens of craft brews from around the state will be featured during the tasting along with beers from other national breweries. Doors are at 7 p.m. but for the beer connoisseur who is looking for a VIP experience, the doors will open at 6 p.m. for early access to the entire selection of craft beer and two private hours in the balcony with the rarest and most hotly pursued specialty brews. General admission tickets are $45, VIP tickets are $65 and a reduced designated driver ticket will be available at the door.

The Royal Oak Music Theatre is at 318 Fourth St., in Royal Oak.

Orleans + Winder Pop Up Shop, Part II| Saturday, January 10

Enjoy an evening of hot cocoa or coffee and shop beautiful fashions and objects are the Orleans + Winder Pop Up Shop, Part II. While shopping receive 20% off your purchase of FW14 products.

Red Hook Detroit is at 8025 Agnes, in Detroit.

January Detroit SOUP | Sunday, January 11

Learn about the creative projects happening in Detroit and enjoy the theatrical environment at Detroit SOUP. Doors open at 6 p.m. with proposals at 7 and dinner at 8. It costs $5 to attend and attendees will vote on which project to fund with the money raised from the dinner. For more information, visit www.detroitsoup.com.

Detroit SOUP is at 2900 E. Grand Blvd., in Detroit.

On The Town: Michigan Fashion Industry’s Hidden Gem

Fabric Warehouse looks exactly how it sounds; it’s a 7,800-square-foot warehouse chock-full of rows upon rows of different types of textiles for many uses. The business has been around and in the same family for more than 50 years, starting with a location in Detroit, then moving around to a couple of different locations and most recently, settling at 10 Mile and Hoover in Warren.

The warehouse is separated with fashion textiles and decorative trims on one side and upholstery and drapery on the other. Everything is reasonably priced with very low minimums (one yard) and is of only the best quality. Bradley Foltyn, the owner and operator of the warehouse, stated that he doesn’t buy fabric by seasons; it’s based on what’s available to him – and when he puts it out on the floor it usually goes pretty quickly.

And the prices are low.

Product turnover may happen more often at Fabric Warehouse than someplace like Jo-Ann Fabric, but they do display about 5% of stocked fabric on the website. Both fabric samples and yards of fabric can be purchased online. More information can be found at www.fabricwarehouseonline.com or by calling 586.756.2117.

Fabric Warehouse is located at 24401 Hoover Rd., in Warren. 

Oh, (Don’t) Shop It: C. Wonder to Close Its Doors

C. Wonder is a shop full of kitschy knick-knacks, glittery pieces of flare and a limited but fun line of clothing. It was reported about a couple of months ago that Chris Burch’s retail chain (or “revenge retail” chain as some people have called it – sorry Tory!) was slated to close some of its locations across the U.S., but now it looks like the company is closing for good. In a meeting with the 100 or so remaining employees, they were told that the 11 retail locations that are still open are shutting their doors for good and that includes the C. Wonder at the Somerset Collection in Troy.

"Due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment, C. Wonder will be closing its remaining stores,” a company spokesperson says. “The Company continues to evaluate its best alternative to maintain the C. Wonder experience for its customers."

C. Wonder has deleted a few social media accounts and the website will close down in a few weeks. So, farewell C. Wonder; you were a great go-to for girlfriends’ birthday and holiday gifts.

It's Flu Season, So Why Not Cough It Up for The Collection™?

If you have ever attended a fundraising event, you know there comes a time during the evening when the nonprofit tugs at your heartstrings with a meaningful video or speeches from individuals or families who have benefited from the organization in order to encourage you to make a donation. This is not a practice that I am condemning in any way, as an emotional connection is often what is needed to get a person or company to open their wallets and generously give. However, if you are without these necessary tools, raising money can be quite the challenge.

DG3 is without these tools. Imagery, our annual report, and our enthusiastic explanation of what 2015 holds for the fashion and cut and sew industries in Michigan is all we have to work with. The stories we share aren’t sad. They aren't wildly emotional. They are stories filled with excitement, encouragement and hope. They are stories about something that has not yet been done in the state: creating a true garment industry and creating a pool of skilled industrial sewers to fill the needs of businesses while encouraging others to locate here. They are stories about job creation, making a living wage, creating a new industry for economic growth in the state and new opportunities for the people who live here. Unfortunately, these are not the stories that get people to open their wallets so easily.

And yet, an open wallet and a giving spirit is exactly what we need to survive and to thrive.

Our plans for 2015 are HUGE. Here is a succinct rundown:

Adding both pattern making and sewing machine repair pathways to our cut and sew educational opportunities at Henry Ford College M-TEC. We’re also adding an evening class option for the Industrial Sewing Certificate Program, and working with many organizations, from Detroit to Flint, to either help them implement their own programs or work on initiatives to get the people they service into our program.

Creating an official garment district in Southwest Detroit in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Mayor’s Office and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Partnering with the Detroit Historical Society/Museum to coordinate a Detroit fashion exhibition this fall.

Hosting another exciting FashionSpeak 1-day conference in October once again focusing on the business of fashion.

Launching The Collection™, our multipurpose facility in Southwest Detroit, which will include a full-service cut and sew manufacturing facility, a 12-designer incubator, education space for monthly workshops, a retail store to sell the wares of the incubator designers, as well as other Detroit brands, and DG3’s offices. We will be hiring up to 30 graduates of the Industrial Sewing Certificate Program to work in the manufacturing facility, and giving vetted designers the workspace, machinery, mentorship and other necessary resources to take their collections from concept to making sales.

Plus, a couple other partnerships that we can’t yet discuss.

Clearly, we are making a difference: for people, for industry, for Detroit and for Michigan.

I hope you can recognize what our efforts are accomplishing, and that you will see not only why funding is needed, but why it’s worth it for you to contribute.

Asking for money is not our favorite thing to do, but ask we must. As a 501(C)(3), your donation is tax deductible. You will receive a contribution letter within 24 hours of making a donation. You can click here to make a donation via Paypal now.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And we can’t wait to show you all we’ve accomplished come the end of 2015.

Let’s put the Detroit fashion scene on the map!

Industry Spotlight: Wardrobe Stylist Hoda Salameh Talks About the Realities of Being on Set

Hoda Salameh knows the ins and outs of styling. From dressing herself every morning in her usual fashion-forward style to the countless fashion shoots she styled for StyleLine (RIP), and now with her personal styling role at Nordstrom, this woman knows and understands fashion. The way styling is glamourized on TV, we aren’t surprised when we hear young fashion students exclaim that they want to have exciting careers as stylists, but some things aren’t always as they seem. Here, Hoda brings the idea of a styling career back to reality.

DG3: Tell us how you got your start in fashion and styling.

Hoda Salameh: From drooling over glossy fashion editorials to growing up watching countless segments of the Home Shopping Network, the art of style always intrigued me. I will never forget the day I came across a style seminar invitation for college students in Detroit. The event included informative workshops featuring local fashion experts. I had my outfit picked out and I was eager to attend. There was just one problem ... I was only 15 years old at the time. However, I didn't let that stop me. I had my mother drop me off and I somehow made my way into the event. I was honored to meet prominent fashion figures in the industry, including the former fashion editor of Hour Detroit magazine. I expressed my interest in shadowing the editor, and she was kind enough to let me follow her footsteps. A one-day job shadow eventually led into an internship with the esteemed publication. It was then that I discovered my dream job of becoming a fashion editor. I was determined to make my dream a reality, so I earned a bachelor's degree in journalism with a specialization in fashion design from Wayne State University. I landed positions with various local media outlets, most recently as the Associate Editor of StyleLine, where I wrote and edited monthly feature pieces, as well as styled innovative fashion and product shoots. I’m currently a Personal Stylist at Nordstrom at Twelve Oaks Mall, where I work closely with customers to help maximize their wardrobe and enhance their shopping experience. I have also launched my own website, www.thedamselindetroit.com, where I offer my fashion styling and writing services.

DG3: What are the differences between styling a photo shoot and being a personal stylist?

HS: When styling for a photo shoot, it’s important to amplify the fashions to create a believable fantasy. I always try to tell a story when I’m styling an editorial photo shoot; I look at the garments as my words and the accessories as my punctuation. As a personal stylist, I outfit my clients according to their lifestyle, as opposed to a conceptual theme. I like to create ensembles that are fashionable yet functional and truly express my client’s personality. 

DG3: With a show like Rachel Zoe’s, styling is very glamorized. What are the realities of working on a set for a photo shoot?

HS: The glitz and glamour shines in the finished product; however, the execution entails endless schlepping of heavy and super-expensive merchandise, which serves as a huge liability for the stylist. Some of the many stylist duties on set include taping the bottoms of shoes so they can be returned to retailers in sellable condition, carefully steaming delicate garments, clipping and pinning garments to fit the model’s figure, recording shoot details to assure proper credit, organizing all of the merchandise, overseeing all assistants, styling various looks so they all adhere to one cohesive concept, and clearly communicating the shoot aesthetic with all team members. Stylists typically prepare for a photo shoot far in advance by searching for inspiration, creating mood boards, and securing a shoot location, photographer, model, hairstylist, makeup artist and manicurist, contacting retailers and setting pull dates. A stylist’s job is not done after a photo shoot. He/she has to return all of the merchandise in mint condition. 

DG3: Describe your role as a personal stylist at Nordstrom?

HS: It’s crucial that a stylist does his/her research before an appointment with a client. I reach out to my clients in advance and have them fill out a style questionnaire, which asks about their sizes, measurements, immediate wardrobe needs, lifestyle needs, preferences, style icons, etc. I then walk the store to pull pieces that I think would best fit my client’s request, but I also try to find items that I think will allow my client to step out of his/her comfort zone. I then lay out the styled looks in a fitting room and discuss why I chose these specific items for my client. After trying on numerous outfits, I help finalize the selections. I continue to follow up with my clients to let them know when a new item comes in that reminds me of them that I think would be a great addition to their wardrobes. Most people don’t know that the personal styling services at Nordstrom are complimentary to the customer.  Why not take your shopping experience to the next level of professional and personable treatment?

DG3: Do you have to have good sales skills if you want to be a personal stylist?

HS: Yes, it’s important to have good sales skills to be a personal stylist, but it takes more then just that. You need to be honest with your clients. It’s imperative that you do your homework and understand the product knowledge of the items you are selling, but you don’t want to sell your customer something that’s ill fitting for the sake of making a good sale because after all, it’s your reputation on the line. Once you build a sense of trust with your clients, they will spread the word about your stellar services, and the sales will naturally follow.

DG3: Have you styled a commercial shoot? If so, what was that like and how did it differ from a fashion shoot and personal styling?

HS: Yes, I have styled a commercial shoot. With a commercial shoot, it’s all about selling a product, which means the styling, backdrop and lighting are very simple to assure that the product is the focal point. In a fashion shoot, you have more creative freedom to experiment with the styling and produce more dramatic imagery. When personal styling, you are selling a product but it’s personalized to your customer’s lifestyle.

DG3: What's the best advice you have ever received?

HS: I love the quote “The road to success is always under construction” by Lily Tomlin, a Michigan-native actress, comedian writer and producer. Success is an enduring process and you must be able to adapt to change to upgrade your life. You will encounter detours, bumps, dead ends and accidents but it’s important to not take your eyes off the road and to create a new path for yourself. I have to constantly remind myself to slow down and enjoy the ride because the journey is just as significant as the destination.  

DG3: What advice would you give a student wanting to pursue a career as a stylist?

HS: First and foremost, be sure you are truly passionate about fashion and you’re not just pursing a stylist position because you think it’s a glamorous career. As I previously mentioned, the job requires a lot of hard work. If you’re truly serious about becoming a stylist, I recommend securing internships or shadowing a stylist so you can get a feel for the position and see if it’s a right fit for you. I also recommend taking some fashion courses and educating yourself about the specific type of styling you wish to pursue. Be sure to network by attending fashion events and properly promoting your services through the power of social media.

DG3: If you could work for any Hollywood stylist, who would it be and why?

HS: This is a tough one because there are so many talented Hollywood stylists, but I’m going to go with Patricia Field. I had the honor of interviewing Patricia during New York Fashion Week, and she kept it real. She’s the mastermind stylist behind the unique fashions in “Sex and the City” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic”. She has a great eye for fashion and is not afraid to experiment with contrasting styles. I think I could learn a lot from her daring yet identifiable styling skills.

DG3: Describe your style.

HS: My style is pretty eclectic. I love chic and contemporary ensembles with clean lines but then I also adore vintage statement pieces. I’m all about infusing ethnic elements into my wardrobe, such as caftans, kimonos, turbans, etc. I try to find original ways to wear timeless staples with a trendy twist.

DG3: Do you every wake up in the morning and think "I have nothing to wear!"? And if you do, what's your go-to outfit?

HS: Yes, this just happened to me the other day! I was running late to work and pressed for time to pull together an ensemble. I kept trying different things on and nothing was working. So, I reminded myself of my cardinal rule: “When in doubt, wear all black.” I slipped on my black leather pants paired with my black chiffon blouse adorned with subtle leather accents. My black leather booties were the perfect finishing footwear to the sleek outfit. I then applied some deep, fuchsia berry lipstick and I was good to go. I ended up receiving the most compliments on my getup that day.

DG3: How do you take your coffee?

HS: Call me crazy but I don’t drink coffee. I have always been a tea lover. As long as I can remember, morning and evening tea were necessities in my mother’s daily routine, and she got me hooked. With all of the amazing options including white teas, green teas, oolong teas, black teas, herbal teas, I can’t resist the calming beverage. 

DG3: Johnny Wujek or Micaela Erlanger?

HS: I commend Johnny Wujek for the show-stopping ensembles he has created for Katy Perry and I think he has a knack for costuming but I have to go with Micaela Erlanger for her effortless elegance. From the gold-and-white Alexandre Vauthier gown Michelle Dockery wore to the Golden Globes in 2013 to the pale blue custom-made Prada gown Lupita Nyong'o wore to the 2014 Oscars, stylist Micaela understands natural femininity and how to express the individuality of the celebrity she is dressing.

DG3: Dresses or skirts?

HS: While I do love my go-to frocks, I’m going to say skirts because they allow more styling possibilities. I love that I can create numerous looks with just one skirt.