The Industrial Sewing Certificate Program is Back for the Fall

Have you ever wanted to start your own fashion line and didn't how to sew? Or do you just want to learn how to sew to get a career as a production sewer? Well, then you're in luck.

The Industrial Sewing Certificate Program is back and teaches students with entry-level skills to operate sewing machines and tools that are associated with the sewing industry. Some of the topics taught include safety, ergonomics, various sewing machines, stitches and finishes, set-up and quality. Students will even get the opportunity to practice on all different kinds of materials, such as woven, knits, expanded vinyl, fine fabrics and leather. Basic maintenance and troubleshooting skills will also be covered.

Upon completing the program, students will be able to find employment in various industries, including: automotive sewing and interiors, clothing manufacturing, boat canvas and interiors, awning manufacturing, upholstering and much, much more.

The day program runs from September 12, 2016 to October 21, 2016 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the night program runs from August 22, 2016 to December 21, 2016 Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9:30 p.m. All classes are held at M-TEC at Henry Ford College at 3601 Schaefer Rd. in Dearborn. Tuition is $2,000, and for more information call Jan Artushin at 313.3176604.

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

Image from COCAD

Dodge for Detroit | Thursday, July 28
Want to relive your childhood? Grab some friends or coworkers for a round-robin dodgeball tournament to support much needed funding for the Boy Scouts of America. Teams will consist of 6-10 players and are guaranteed to play at least three games. If you don't want to play you can still show your support by relaxing and enjoying some of the best food Metro Detroit has to offer. The event starts at 5 p.m. and will be at Cadillac Square Park

Cadillac Square Park is located in Detroit.


Riverfront Relaxin' featuring The Breakfast Club | Thursday, July 28
Riverfront Relaxin' presented by Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is bringing free entertainment to Detroit the rest of this summer. You can enjoy live music and classic movies for free. There will be food trucks, games and vendors as well. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:20 p.m. This week's movie is cult classic The Breakfast Club, and the band is Rockstar, an '80s cover band. Make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets for ultimate relaxation. Everything is held at West Riverfront Park.

West Riverfront Park is located at 1801 W. Jefferson, in Detroit.


Annual Village Sidewalk Sale | Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30
Join the Grosse Pointe Mompreneurs with special guests as they present Build and Craft: Make it Messy at the annual sidewalk sale in Downtown Grosse Pointe. There will be Lego free play, painting with Legos and the chance to contribute to a community art project. The finished product will go to the Kids Kicking Cancer charity. On Friday, the event goes from noon to 4 p.m., and on Saturday it goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be set up on Kercheval at the corner St. Clare. For more information, click here.


Grand Opening Celebration | Saturday, July 30
Join Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room as they celebrate the grand opening of their new location in Downtown Auburn Hills. There will be free selected samples (one per guest), specials, contests, live music and many more fun things. Just drop by anytime from noon to 10 p.m. to take part in the festivities.

Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room is located at 3384 Auburn Rd., in Auburn Hills.


Downtown Patio Bar Tour (Part 2) | Saturday, July 30
With summer in full swing it's always nice to check out some of Detroit's best patio bars. The tour starts at Beach Bar in Campus Martius and will head to Exodus Lounge and 350 Terrace. There will be a guided tour between stops and and maybe even free drinks and food. All attendees must be 21 years or older. The event is hosted by Detroit Experience Factory and goes from 7 to 10 p.m.


E. Rollins Group Presents Creatives at COCAD Mixer | Saturday, July 30
E. Rollins has teamed up with COCAD, Detroit's #1 creative community, to bring you their first mixer. As Detroit is making its come back, the creative industry is still heavily segregated. People need resources to grow their brand. That's where COCAD comes into play; they're a brand new community for creatives and doers. This mixer will be perfect all fashion entrepreneurs. Come out and network, see the COCAD space, promote your brand and make connections. The event goes from 8 to 11 p.m.

COCAD is located at 9342 Jos Campau, in Hamtramck.


Like a Boss Anti-Bullying Fashion Show | Saturday, July 30
This event is to empower young people everywhere who have been affected by bullying. The event will be held at Northbank Center and goes from 7 to 9 p.m.

Northbank Center is located at 432 N. Saginaw St., in Flint.


The Positive Event | Sunday, July 31
Bring a little positivity into your life and check out this event filled with vendors and speakers who try to keep a positive outlook on life and their businesses. There will be products from t-shirts with positive messages on them to healthy makeup options to stationary and so much more. There will also be speakers delivering presentations on all different topics from meditation to building a village. This will all be held at Nafas Fitness Studio from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Many of the proceeds will go to Project for Awesome, and you'll have the chance to make grab bags for the homeless.

Nafas Fitness Studio is located at 811 N. Main St., in Royal Oak.

Oh, Shop It: DITNB Boutique is Open for Business

Image from Détroit is the New Black

Détroit is the New Black has officially opened its doors at 1426 Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit. The clothing brand is known for its graphic t-shirts, but they will also be featuring other brands on rotation, such as Douglas & Co. and Lip Bar, in the store.

A favorite of many Detroit locals and natives, the brand combines minimalism and street styles to create the perfect balance of urban fashion. This store opening comes just in time for Detroit's birthday, which was July 24.

The store is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in!

Oh, Shop It: Canadian Retailer Brings Store to Detroit

image from www.chron.com

Kit and Ace, an upscale Canada-based retailer known for its technical apparel, has opened a flagship in Detroit. Located at 1449 Woodward Avenue in a historic Albert Kahn building, it is in the heart of Downtown.

This is the second Kit and Ace store to open in Detroit, which originally opened a small t-shirt store last year to build brand awareness before opening the flagship just last month. The store was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2014 by Shannon and J.J. Wilson, the wife and son of Lululemon founder Chip Wilson.

The brand is trying to market its signature fabric, which is washable cashmere. There is everything from dresses and t-shirts, to jewelry and swimwear. The clothing is mainly aimed toward 20 to 30-year-old men and women and athletes. These clothes are for everyday life outside of the gym.

Kit and Ace is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

WAKE UP Detroit | Wednesday, July 20
The goal of WAKE UP Detroit is to educate and inspire change within the community. They believe that with education comes action. From 8 to 11 p.m., this event will educate you on what your rights are, what you can and can't do when stopped by the police and what can be done to protect yourself, and will be held at The Baltimore Gallery.

The Baltimore Gallery is located at 314 E Baltimore St., in Detroit.


Detroit 67 Project Community Open House | Thursday, July 21
Come down to the Detroit Historical Museum from 5 to 8 p.m. to learn all about the Detroit 67 Project and how you can get involved. There will be presentations on upcoming projects, exhibitions and events, as well as free dinner provided by Louisiana Creole Gumbo while it lasts. There will also be ice cream treats for purchase, a DJ and opportunities to explore the museum. The event is free, but make sure to RSVP here.

The Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5401 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.


Garage Talk: Social Enterprise #FactorFiction | Thursday, July 21
TechTown proudly presents Garage Talk, a monthly series featuring discussions on topics that matter to entrepreneurs, startups and the business community, with pizza and beer. This month they will be discussing social enterprises, featuring Nicole Mangis of Launch Exchange and an amazing panel. This is a free event that goes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP here.

TechTown is located at 440 Burroughs St., in Detroit.


Burger Bash Detroit 2016 - Burgers and Brews Bash | Friday, July 22
Come on down to the Royal Oak Farmer's Market to sample Michigan's best burgers and beers. For $30 (or $40 for VIP, you get in an hour early at 6:30 p.m.), you get unlimited samples of burgers, brews, fries and sweets. Both ticket options come with three beverage tickets. You will get to try every burger imaginable. To purchase tickets click here.

The Royal Oak Farmer's Market is located at 316 E 11 Mile Rd., in Royal Oak.


First Annual Farm Festival | Sunday, July 24
Join Zingerman's Cornman Farms for their first annual farm festival from 1:30 to 4 p.m. There will be fun farm games, yummy refreshments, a taste of Zingerman's, a photo booth, alcoholic beverages and a floral station for stems and flower crowns. This is all available for an admission of only $8. For more information click here.

Zingerman's Cornman Farms is located at 8540 Island Lake Rd., in Dexter.


Healthy Moves - Yoga | Sunday, July 24
Join Citizen Yoga's Hailey Zureich for a free one hour yoga session in Grand Circus Park. All levels of experience and stages of practice, including beginners, are welcome. This goes from 4 to 5 p.m.

Grand Circus Park is located in Downtown Detroit.

Industry Spotlight: International Design Consultant Locates in Michigan

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Anjali.

Anjali Purohit: Born and raised in India, I have pursued my higher studies in Accessory Design from National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, India and Masters in Showroom Design from Nuova Academia Di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy. Michigan is home to me now.

With over 10 years in the fashion design industry, I have worked with international design teams, factories, suppliers, and varied artisan clusters. Multicultural exposure and design education has played a huge role in shaping myself as a creative professional. 

DGG: Tell us about being a design consultant. How can local designers benefit from your services?

AP: As an entrepreneur and designer myself, I understand that budget, cost, production constraints go hand in hand with creative possibilities. I contribute to various facets of design, product and business development for other designers/labels/businesses. As each brand or business has specific needs, I choose to work in a customized format.

Sourcing fabrics, developing customized textiles (artisanal), prints & embellishments, production co-ordination, product development, sourcing/buying/planning merchandise, art direction, branding & market research, planning of seasonal collections, trend research, developing educational design modules are some of the services. I provide to start up / established designers & businesses in product categories like clothing, fashion & home accessories (leather, jewelry, textiles).

The format of payment can be on project basis for example. It does vary as per the requirement of the client & scope of work involved. One can reach me at onewindow@gmail.com for any inquiries. 

DGG: Do you prefer designing/buying for home or clothing?

AP: Currently, I have a stronger affinity for designing accessories (home + fashion).

DGG: For those getting into design or the fashion industry, what would be your biggest piece of advice?

AP: Design / Fashion education that combines industry exposure is a great value add to start of. 

DGG: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

AP: Continue learning & contribute by working with design teams, artists & artisans globally.

DGG: What are you most inspired by? 

AP: Visual Culture. 

DGG: Describe your style. 

AP: Comfort & color lead the way for me personally. 

DGG: West Elm or Crate & Barrel? 

AP: West Elm. 

DGG: Blazers or sweaters? 

AP: Blazers. 

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

Image from the Shops at Park Shelton

Detroit Vintage Inspired Bridal Fair |  Wednesday, July 13
Come on down to The Shops at the Park Shelton to shop for vintage and vintage inspired wedding goodies. From 5 to 8 p.m., there will be dresses, accessories, decor, flowers, hair and makeup, and so much more. This event is free to attend, and there is street parking and free validated parking in the structure attached.

The Shops at the Park Shelton is located at 15 E Kirby St., in Detroit.


July Drinks x Design: Architecture | Thursday, July 14
Throughout July, Drinks x Design will be using the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to celebrate diversity in design. There will be displays from architects that are working to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity in Detroit. They will also be honoring the legacy of Howard F. Sims, the founder of Sims Design Group, which is Michigan's oldest minority-owned architecture firm. The event goes from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and you can purchase tickets here.

The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E Warren Ave., in Detroit.


Sip, See and Shop: Girls' Night Out in Wayne | Thursday, July 14
Need a girls' night? Join Perfectly Paired Women's Boutique and Helium Studio for the inaugural shopping event. You can start at either shop, and there is no charge. Sip on refreshing summer beverages, see what there is to offer and shop beautiful collections of handmade goods, art, clothing, shoes and accessories. There will also be awesome flash sales and jewelry making. The event goes from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Perfectly Paired is located at 3019 S Wayne Rd. and Helium Studio is located at 3127 S Wayne Rd., both in Detroit


14th Annual Michigan Lavender Festival | Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17
Come out to Blake Farms all weekend to experience amazing food, classes, shopping and to just celebrate the "Grandmother of Herbs." Admission is $6 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. This will get you unlimited seating to all classes and demonstrations. There is also free parking. You'll be able to shop from over 100 Michigan artists, craftspeople and local area farms. Learn more about a healthy lifestyle with some of Metro Detroit's best wellness educators and holistic health practitioners. This is the perfect mid-summer getaway.

Blake Farms is located at 17985 Armada Center Rd., in Armada.


Annual Warehouse Sale | Saturday, July 16
Come out for Better Life Bags' annual warehouse sale! There will be everything from leather scraps to beautiful bags. You don't want to miss this event. It goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Better Life Bags is located at 9405 Joseph Campau in Hamtramck.


Edition Launch Party | Saturday, July 16
From noon to 6 p.m. celebrate the opening of EDITION with a full day of fun. There will be music, a food truck from noon to 3 p.m., a reception with the artists and designers from 5 to 6 p.m. and much, much more. EDITION is the latest project from the Simone DeSousa Gallery. Located adjacent to the art gallery, Simone DeSousa EDITION will not be a conventional gift store. Visitors will be able to experience a wide variety of contemporary art and design products. Everything from furniture to jewelry.

Simone DeSousa Gallery is located at 444 W Willis, Units 111 and 112, in Detroit.

So You Want To Start A Business: The DGG Fashion Incubator

As you all know, we have a Fashion Incubator at TechTown for serious Michigan-based fashion entrepreneurs at high-skill levels to create collections, with access to industrial machinery and design software, plus monthly educational workshops and mentors for guidance in areas crucial to the success of a fashion brand. This is not for everyone. This is for the doers. This is for the designer who has replaced that title with entrepreneur.  This is for some one who can take resources and utilize them to the fullest extent. This is for those who work hard and dream big. This is for the person who doesn't believe in luck and doesn't make excuses. This is for those who need their brand to succeed as much as they need to breathe.

Because Michigan fashion students don't graduate, stay in the state and get a job at a design house to learn how a business is run, they typically start a business being an expert in their craft but not an expert in business. The greatest need for Detroit's fashion community is business-related education. These designers graduate only knowing how to work for others, but not themselves, and they can design well, but don't know what it takes to become an entrepreneur. The DGG Fashion Incubator, which can host up to ten designers at a time, will give the Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) the resources overcome all of those barriers, so they can succeed at creating their own brand and in the fashion industry.

Resources for the EIRs include mentorship and business workshops. Our mentors include: Michelle Roberts for fashion business, Rita Hillmen for small business, Deanna Swisher for legal, Pamela Hartman for finance, Marcy Cyburt for sales, Carlotta Tutt Holloway for marketing, Karen MacDonald-Basile for public relations, Rebecca Moore for software and Christian Birky for sustainability. Our workshops are aimed around the theme, "So You Want To Start a Business." Our remaining workshops are: July 19, Creating a Lookbook/Line Sheet, August 16, Going to Tradeshows and Working with Buyers, September 20, Understanding Your Manufacturing Cycle and October 18, Raising Awareness for Your Brand. Past workshops have been Financing Your Business: What to Expect When You're Investing, Supply Chain Sourcing and Creating Your Tech Pack.

We are opening up the EIR program year-round, if there are any vacancies. To apply, you don't need to have a clothing company, your company just needs to be fashion related. This is a great opportunity because there aren't many places in Detroit where you can pay $250/month to rent a space that gives you mentorship, free workshops, sewing machines and design software to help grow your business.

For more information, head here.

Do It: This Weekend's Style, Beauty and Fashion Events That are Not to Be Missed

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

DSO at Ford House | Friday, July 8 to Saturday, July 9

The perfect summer event is here, join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for an evening of music followed by fireworks on the lake. This two-day event starts on Friday with conductor Teddy Adams and vocalists' Will and Anthony Nunziata; then on Saturday the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will have music inspired by beauty and wonder of America. The grounds will open at 6 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. General tickets are $20 for adult, $12 youth, $50 preferred seating. They also offer VIP tickets that are $200 that include valet parking, special reserved seating, gourmet picnic dinner, private beer and wine service, and access to the house.  

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd., in Grosse Pointe Shores.

Shed 5 Flea: July Flea | Sunday, July 10

Shed 5 Flea this month will take place Sunday July 10 and you don’t want to miss it. You will find all types of hidden treasures, and definitely something you will love. Shed 5 Flea is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all you have to do is get there because admission is FREE.  

Shed 5, Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.

BEACH BEAT Brunch | Sunday, July 10

We all love brunch on Sunday’s right…. Yes! Then head over to UFO Factory and brunch with disc jockettes Kartrina and Vanessa. UFO Factory wants you to come ship, eat, drink and enjoy summer sounds from beaches around the world, tiki vibes and lazy hammock tunes. Let’s not forget about all the mimosas, and blood marys because they are bottomless. The Beach Beat Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free.

UFO Factory located at 2110 Trumbull St., in Detroit.

It Trends: July's Style Board