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

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!

The Toyota Lecture Series on Design | Thursday, April 30

Toyota Motor Company and the College for Creative Studies have partnered to create a series of lectures to bring prominent designers and scholars to speak at CCS, and this Thursday’s lecture is focused on fashion and accessories design. World renowned fashion and accessories designer Aki Choklat will share inspiring design stories from his travels across the world and discuss his perspective on craft, luxury and design. The lecture is from 6 to 7 p.m., free to attend, and will be given in the Wendell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium. For more information, and to RSVP, visit CCS. 

The auditorium is located in the Walter B. Ford II Building at the Walter and Josephine Ford Campus at 201 E. Kirby, in Detroit.

Dining Out For Life - Detroit 2015 | Thursday, April 30

Another easy fundraiser is happening Thursday. All you have to do is go out to dinner at one of Dining Out For Life – Detroit 2015’s participating restaurants, and have a couple of drinks, eat a great meal, and enjoy a night out with loved ones. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Michigan AIDS Coalition. Participating restaurants include Priya Restaurant, The Bird & The Bread, Local Kitchen and Bar, Seva – Detroit and Mudgie’s Deli. Visit the website for a list of the other restaurants participating in your area. 

Scott Shuptrine Interiors Presents: Models of Influence | Thursday, April 30

Nigel Barker, former judge of American’s Next Top model, is in town to promote is brand new, New York Times best selling book Models of Influence from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Scott Shuptrine Interiors. This will be a night of design, art, fashion and luxury while Nigel signs his books and Scott Shuptrine Interiors will unveil the latest furniture models of the season. Scott Shuptrine Interiors will donate 15% of sales from the evening, and 100% of the donations collected at the door to the Suite Dreams Project. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 

Scott Shuptrine Interiors is located at 32301 Woodward Ave., in Royal Oak.

Ort in The City | Thursday, April 30

ORT America invites you to its spring fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. at Eastern Market, Shed 3, for an evening of cocktails, strolling dinner and a Detroit-themed auction. Students from CCS’s Bag Design class are having bags specifically structured for the ORT fundraiser auctioned, along with a variety of other art Detroit inspired pieces. Nicole Eisenberg, Susan Gordon and Lisa Nederlander chair ORT in the City. To purchase tickets for the evening, call the ORT Offices at 248.723.8860.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.

Haven’s Annual Gala | Friday, May 1

Haven will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary of serving victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as the construction of their new facility at 6:30 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Troy. Come out for an evening filled with a live/silent auction, a seated dinner, entertainment and an exciting afterglow party. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Carrie Copeland at ccopeland@haven-oakland.org.

The Detroit Troy Marriott is located at 200 W. Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

Hues and Style of India at the Michigan International Women’s Show | Saturday, May 2

Come out to the Suburban Collection Showplace as Taj Cottage presents its new collection, Hues and Style of India at 7 p.m. The Michigan International Women’s Show opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and closes Sunday at 6 p.m. More information about the Hues and Style of India and the Michigan International Women’s Show can be found on the website.

The Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Ave, in Novi.

Mother’s Day Trunk Show at Karen Egren Jewelry | Saturday, May 2

If you haven't found the perfect Mother's Day gift yet, stop by the Mother's Day Trunk Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Karen Egren Jewelry. View a presentation of Mother’s Day gifts and spring arrivals, and receive a complimentary gift with all purchases over $75.

The Studio of Karen Egren at 550 W Merril, Suite 230, in Birmingham.

Ladies Spring Tea | Sunday, May 3

Morning Glory Coffee & Pastries is having its first annual Ladies Spring Tea from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy all the tea flavors imaginable, and a 3-tier pastry tower along with tea sandwiches. Tickets are $35 a person, and to reserve your table for one of the seating times, call 313.647.0298.

Morning Glory Coffee & Pastries is located at 85 Kercheval Ave., in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Build Next: How to Tell Your Story to the Media | Monday, May 4 & Sunday, May 16

Get a better idea of how the media works and how to pitch stories to the media with Build Institute and Crain’s Detroit Business. Amy Haimerl will host not one, but two workshops from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday and then an advanced class from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. You will learn about the media, how to frame your story, what not to do and so much more. The two classes are located  at Build Institute, and tickets can be found on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/build-next-how-to-tell-your-story-to-the-media-beginner-advanced-workshops-tickets-16386733160

Build Institute is located at 2701 Bagley Ave., in Detroit.

On The Town: Renowned Fashion and Accessories Designer Gives Free Lecture in Detroit

We all know College for Creative Studies has recently introduced its Fashion Accessories Design program in partnership with Shinola. In anticipation of the program kicking off in the fall, CCS is hosting an exciting and free lecture with renowned fashion accessories and footwear designer Aki Choklat at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

Aki holds an impressive resume, starting with receiving his Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London and now shares his life between London and Florence. Working at all levels of the fashion industry from design to production and his schooling has prepared him for designing his eponymous label, and also as a Design Consultant for various international brands. Currently, Aki is the Creative Director for London-based trend agency trendstop.com, and is the author of many design books. A multidisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates creativity, academics and inspiration from daily life is something in which Aki believes and practices.

During the lecture, Aki will share inspiring design stories from his travels across the world and discuss his perspective on craft, luxury and design. His academic works have spanned from design lecturer roles at the D Montfort University, Cordwainers and London College of Fashion, to his most recent academic roles as a course leader in Florence. Fortunately for Detroit, he has flown across the pond to come to CCS and share his knowledge and experiences with us.

The lecture is held at CCS’s Wenell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium in the Walter B. Ford II Building at 201 E. Kirby, in Detroit. Again, the lecture is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged. 

GoFundMe Campaign Gains an Added Incentive Thanks to a Local Designer

We’ve got some exciting news! If you've been thinking about donating to DGG's Fashion Incubator fundraising campaign, but haven't gotten around to it yet, now is the time to do it.

Our friends at Bedrock Beauty are giving a stunning Kidskin Messenger bag in cognac with taupe suede interior to one lucky donator who makes a minimum of a $100 donation on our GoFundMe page between April 23 and midnight April 30, 2015. This bag is valued at $300.

We will announce the winner, who will be selected at random on May 1, 2015. Be sure to take advantage of this exciting opportunity and remember that your donation is going to an excellent cause and it is 100% tax deductible.

It's really a win-win. If you donate and win the bag, you get a $300 bag for $100; and if you donate and don't win, you're supporting a cause that will help local fashion designers get off the ground and grow in the state of Michigan, which is great for the economy. For more information about the bag or the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/detroitgarmentgrou.

Local Designer Series: Two Lawyers Realize Their Lifelong Dream in the Fashion Industry

Brothers, Jonathan and James Martone are lawyers, who have an affinity for well-fitted apparel and have always wanted to start and grow a company together. After numerous conversations, they decide to pursue both passions to start Versatile Warrior, a classic menswear line tailored to the modern day warrior. They started slow but have grown to have a great collection in two different locations in Michigan. Read more about the brothers, and their journey to conquer the men's fashion world.

DGG: Tell us about yourselves.

Jonathan & James: James and I are brothers who grew up in Troy, Michigan, but now each live in Rochester Hills. Despite going to rival colleges (James is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and former captain of Men’s Swim Team; and I am a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State), we’ve always been the best of friends and have long dreamed of getting a chance to work together within a business of our own. Although we’re both attorneys by day, our true passion has been in the men’s fashion industry. Our father was always a very sharp dresser, and instilled in us both at an early age an appreciation for dressing well and the message or impression confidently wearing an outfit sends.  Some say that “the clothes make the man” – we certainly agree that clothes speak volumes about the individual who wears them.

DGG: What’s the Versatile Warrior story?

J&J: The idea behind the Versatile Warrior started back in the late summer of 2009 in a small coffee shop near our cottage on Elk Lake. We had long commented to each other that we could never find what we felt was the perfect polo shirt – a shirt that was well-tailored, supremely comfortable, and versatile – something that could be worn casually, or dressed up with a sweater or sport coat.

Those conversations soon turned into conversations regarding the possibility of making our own shirts and starting our own clothing company.  Although we were complete novices in the clothing industry by anyone’s standard, we were inspired by other clothing companies, most of all Vineyard Vines – a company started by two brothers who quit their day jobs in New York City in pursuit of their passion of creating whimsical clothing. Our goal was to create the best polo shirt available combined with lifestyle branding unique to our own company.

To this end, while there already existed companies whose motto and clothes focused on the good life, we wanted to create a brand for those modern day warriors – individuals who go out each and every day and work tirelessly and unwavering in the pursuit of their goals. We soon settled on a Latin phrase of Semper Vincit, which translates to always conquer, as our company’s slogan. The phrase is incorporated into all of our clothing’s tags or branding and, to us, stands for the ironclad belief that whatever challenges life presents, face them head on with confidence determination and courage.

After approximately 18 months of trial and error, we ultimately developed our signature polo, a shirt that we’re incredibly proud of. Since then we’ve added additional products including hats and T-shirts. Although we sell predominately through our click-and-mortar online store, our products are currently sold in several stores throughout Michigan. Most recently, our product lines are now carried in the Claymore Shop in Birmingham and the Runway Showroom in Lansing.

DGG: How has your background helped with starting the company?

J&J: James and I both being attorneys have certainly helped us navigate through the process of starting a business, encompassing everything from entity formation, trademark matters and contract issues. That being said, we’ve noticed at times the conflict of approaches necessary when running our business, particularly the divergence between the risk-embracing entrepreneurial side and the risk-adverse attorney side. Needless to say, our brainstorming sessions are quite involved… usually, one of us ends up in a headlock!

DGG: Do you plan on expanding your product line eventually?

J&J: Absolutely! The business plan for our company is centered upon organic expansion, made possible by the reinvestment of earnings from our current product line sales. Our short-term plans include expanding our current men’s clothing line to include several new products as well as different variations and colors of existing products. Our long-term goal includes creating a women’s clothing line.  

DGG: What are the three things you would tell someone who asked for advice about starting a business?

J&J: First, don’t give up. Starting a business is undeniably frustrating and daunting at times, but try not to get discouraged. We’ve been told “no thanks” by many stores when we were first starting out only to be given an opportunity to be carried in the store later on down the line after much persistence.

Second, don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry who have more experience than you. They’re often willing to give helpful advice. Some of our best connections were provided to us from direct competitors merely because we asked.

Finally, believe in yourself and your ideas or products. Advice from others, especially those with greater experience is invaluable, however, don’t let others sway you from what you truly believe in. One of the biggest compliments we receive when talking to people about our company and clothes is how strongly we believe in our goals and company – let’s face it, if you don’t believe in it, who will?

DGG: What advice do you have for male designers in Detroit.

J&J: Men’s fashion evolves at a different pace than women’s fashion. Certain classic items of men’s clothing – a blue blazer, a white button down shirt, a basic polo – will always be in style for men, perhaps with varying updates depending on the time. For us, we wanted to take advantage of that fact by creating a clothing line that improves upon the classic offerings, but with an inspired lifestyle twist. Our target audience is men who appreciate clothes embodying a timeless tradition mixed with modern comfort. We think it’s very important to know your target audience when designing a single item or an entire clothing line. 

DGG: Describe your style.

J&J: When we’re not having to wear suits to work, both James and I tend to have a preppy, yet modern style. We’re both big fans of Hudson jeans, well-tailored sport coats and sweaters, and sleek, slim-fitting button downs, such as ones from Ledbury or Charles Tyrwhitt. Of course, we also big fans of our Versatile Warrior polos!

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

J&J: James – a dash of cream and lump or two of sugar in the raw. Jonathan – cream and sugar.

DGG: Bow ties or regular ties?

J&J: We’re both fans of bow ties and do sport them from time to time, however, regular ties are our go-to look.

DGG: Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger?

J&J: We’re both long-time admirers of Ralph Lauren, from his timeless design to the manner in which he obtains the inspiration for his collections. However, there’s a certain anecdotal story about a Time Square billboard ad taken out by Tommy Hilfiger very early in his career that has captured our appreciation.