Internationally Recognized Designer Will Head CCS Fashion Accessories Design Program

Image from CCS

College for Creative Studies has announced the appointment of renowned footwear and accessories designer Aki Choklat as Chair of its Fashion Accessories Design Department, and we wouldn't be more excited! He is head of an all-star advisory committee, but we'll get to that in a minute. The BFA in Fashion Accessories Design will launch, officially on September 8, 2015, and is among only a few such programs in the country. The education of design and manufacturing of products including footwear, handbags, and accessories hardware will give students the knowledge they need to work for and to create succesful accessories brands.

Image from CCS

“Fashion accessories represents billions in revenue annually and is a segment that continues to grow, yet there are few institutions in the U.S. preparing the next generations of accessories designers,” said Aki Choklat. “CCS is one of few schools taking notice, and with their rich history and excellence in product design and crafts disciplines, as well as strong industry partnerships, it’s a wonderful place to give young fashion accessories designers the platform they need for future success. Detroit is bursting with promise, and I’m excited to re-establish myself and lend my experience to a city with such a prosperous future.”

We've definitely given you a run down of who Aki is when he was here for one of CCS's free workshops, so feel free to skip this part if you already know all about him. Aki has held numerous positions with international fashion labels such as Diverso and Lahtiset. He directs his own London-based label of shoes, handbags and accessories, and has help establish and lead the footwear and accessories master program at Polimoda, Italy's leading fashion school. In addition to establishing a program at a school in Italy, he has taught at the London College of Fashion and De Montfort University, and has written many design books. Clearly, he was the right choice as Chair of the Fashion Accessories Design program at CCS.

Image from CCS

The new Fashion Accessories Design program was developed in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. and Shinola, and has a very impressive advisory council. This council represents a broad cross-section of industry professionals, and they include: Francesca Amfitheatr of Tiffany & Co.,  Lauren Bush Lauren of Feed Projects and Lauren Pierce Atelier, Linda Dresner of LINDA DRESNER, Catherine Forbes of The Forbes Company / Somerset Collection, Jen Guarino of Shinola, Jen Guarino of Shinola, Tom Kartsotis of Shinola, Steven Kolb of Council of Fashion Designers of America, Ashley Olsen of Dualstar Entertainment Group (OMG!), Lisa Smilor of Council of Fashion Designers of America, and John Varvatos of John Varvatos, who only had good things to say about all of this.

“Detroit has always been brimming with talent for the creative work we see in a number of industries, from the cars we drive to images we see on-screen at the movies," said Varvatos. "Expanding that great eye for what’s next into fashion was a logical step as Detroit becomes a beacon of fashion goods design and production. The College for Creative Studies has the history, resources and industry partnerships to raise up the next great generation of designers in the ever-growing fashion accessories design landscape.”

If you would like more information about the program, head over to CCS.

On The Town: World-Renowned Accessories and Shoe Designer Speaks at CCS

If you missed last night’s Toyota Lecture Series on Design at CCS, we have a recap for you today, but make sure to get on the mailing list so you can plan ahead for the next FREE lecture. Yes, that’s right, the lectures are free courtesy of Toyota, so we’ve successfully gotten rid of your expense excuse. You’re welcome.

Anyway, shoe designer, consultant and teacher Aki Choklat flew into Detroit from Florence to speak about his life. He started the presentation talking about his early childhood. Interestingly enough, he was born in Finland but left the country to come to the United States and study politics. He had a good job, nice place and didn’t have to worry about bills, but he wasn’t happy.

“There is no such thing as a wrong career choice because you can always apply those skills to something later in life,” said Aki. A series of events led him into the design world, and he has embraced it and used his other skills to help him with his eponymous label, his work as a consultant and lecturer at a number of international design schools.

His presentation was extremely thoughtful, with great imagery and a few short and sweet videos sprinkled in between. It really kept the audience engaged – I know we were hanging on every word he said. He spoke about different areas of design, including voids, shadows, conceptual thinking, fantasy, craft, spectacles and research. “I always encourage thinking conceptually because if we didn’t think conceptually, we wouldn’t be using computers, driving cars, etc.,” said Aki.

Once his presentation was over, he took a few questions from the crowd. Some people asked about his line with Finnish footwear brand Lahtiset, which is a line of shoes made of felt. We learned that felt shoes are great for winter, and take 8 days to make one pair of shoes. And then someone asked why he decided to come to Detroit to speak. He said that he had been reading a lot about Detroit lately. A couple of articles were written about Detroit in The Guardian Magazine and Modern Utopia, an Italian magazine, and he said he was interested to see the city, and remembered living in Williamsburg, New York when he was a young artist, and thinks Detroit is now the place to go for young creatives. “Detroit is the new New York,” said Aki.

To learn more about Aki Choklat, you can find him on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, his website. And don’t forget to check out the next design lecture at CCS!

Yes, he's a big fan of Detroit's own Veronika Scott!

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.