Local Designer Series: Project Runway Alum Char Glover Talks TV and New Collection

Charketa “Char” Glover has always had a keen eye for thinking outside of the box – she was even voted weirdest dresser in high school. She went to school for cosmetology, but traded in her makeup brushes for sewing needles and has been at it ever since. She’s made custom pieces for women all over the world, along with celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Keyshia Cole and Angela Simmons – just to name a few. She’s a Detroit-native but she’s known globally as one of the top four finalists on Project Runway Season 13, showing her spring/summer collection at New York Fashion Week. Read more about Char, her line Chargrels Couture and her time on the show in our interview below.

DG3: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the fashion world?

Char Glover: I was born and raised in Detroit, Started out as a cosmetologist, then became a fashion designer. My grandmother was a fashion designer, so I guess it’s just in my blood.

DG3: Congratulations on Project Runway! What was the experience like?

CG: Thank you! It was a great experience; it was more than I could have hoped for, and a little bumpy at times, but overall super cool. It was challenging yet rewarding, and I learned a lot about myself as a person as well as a designer. It was one of the best experiences in my life so far.

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DG3: How long had you been designing before the show?

CG: I would say a little over 10 years.

DG3: Why did you want to be on Project Runway?

CG: As a viewer of the show I was excited! I thought it would be a chance for me to be challenged, as well as experience something new, and also it would be a good opportunity to expand my brand.

DG3: Can you think of any funny stories that didn't happen on camera that you can share?

CG: I had on a skirt that needed to be taken in at the waist a little bit, so I asked Kini to alter it for me, but it was during filming so we tried to hide from the cameras, and I covered myself up with fabric. It was so funny – we were trying to rush and hide from the cameras. They eventually caught us. Thank God they didn't air it!

DG3: You showed your collection at Walk Fashion Show recently and it was great! What was the inspiration behind the collection? 

CG: Thank you! I'm known for my bold patterns and prints so for this collection I wanted to go with solid colors, and decided to make it cohesive with monochromatic looks from head to toe. I used oversize hoods to tie the looks together.

DG3: If you could be lead designer for any of the well-known fashion houses, which would it be and what direction would you take with the collection?

CG: Maybe Chanel. I would like to put a NEW spin on their classic jacket... Mix it up a little.

DG3: What does your workspace look like?

CG: It’s small and quaint; I try and keep it neat and free from clutter. I have a vision board I keep over my desk and it’s one of my favorite things in my studio.

DG3: How do you take your coffee?

CG: With cream and loads of sugarrrrrrrr.

DG3: Zac Posen or Michael Kors?

CG: Zac Posen. 


DG3: Christian Sirirano or Rami Kashou?

CG: Christian Siranio; he is my favorite Project Runway alumni.

Two Shows in One Full Day of Fashion at the 10th Edition Walk Fashion Show

Midtown on Saturday, November 22. More than 2,000 fashionistas will be mixing and mingling at the event, which showcases models, designers and entertainers from around the country.

The doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the Emerging Designer Showcase, and shortly after, the Walk University Kid’s Showcase will start. Doors open for the second show at 7 p.m., with the Independent Designer Showcase starting at 8 p.m. The Independent Designer Showcase will feature Lyudviga Couture, Ashley Stewart, Blake Martin Productions and Chargrels Couture by Char from Project Runway.

Tickets are available at www.walkfashionshow.com or by calling 313.799.2556. The Garden Theater is located at 3929 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

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!

Business to Success Conference | Thursday, October 30

The Business to Success Conference is perfect for business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who want to motivate, educate and grow their bottom line. This conference will give insight in the areas of marketing, development and social media and will help you figure out your community demographics, your target markets and how to market with a focus on generational differences. The day starts at 8 a.m. and admission is $55.

For more information, call 248.853.7862 or visit www.auburnhillschamber.com. The conference is located at Oakland Schools at 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford.

Beer, Fire & Brimstone Halloween Party | Thursday, October 30

The Bird & The Bread host its first Halloween event, Beer, Fire & Brimstone Halloween Party. Enjoy the flavors of fall with a beer tasting event of 30 to 40 fall beers, including pumpkin beers, Oktoberfest varieties and autumn and winter ales paired with fiery dishes. Have a good time partaking in Halloween-inspired games that will include Cornhole, Beer Trivia, a Test-Your-Nose Blind Beer aroma station, Bobbing for Beers challenge, a Tarot Card Reader and more. DJ Just B will provide music for the night and costumes are encouraged. Admission is $35 per person, $5 for those in costume and the party takes place at The Bird & The Bread’s ELM Room. 

The Bird & The Bread is located at 210 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham. To RSVP call 248.203.6600 or email events@thebirdandthebread.com.

Monster’s Ball | Thursday, October 30

Gather for the condemned man’s last celebration with over 1,000 lost souls at the inaugural Monster’s Ball at The Fillmore Detroit. Featuring metro Detroit’s hottest DJs and entertainment, guests will be treated to a night of chills and thrills and a midnight pizza buffet. VIP ticket holders will be treated to five cocktails/beverages, early entry and a cash bar while general admission will gain entry to Detroit’s most exclusive party and a cash bar. The event starts at 9 p.m. and is sponsored by The Social Connection. Free shuttles for WSU students are available with student ID card. General admission is $30 and VIP is $65; ages 18 and up are welcome.

For more information visit www.monstersballdetroit.com or call 248.543.1000. The Fillmore Detroit is located at 2115 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Pop Up Shops at West Elm | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2

West Elm is hosting pop up shops for Ink Detroit and The Great Lakes State. Each company will be selling Detroit and Michigan inspired apparel and accessories, so if you haven’t taken a trip to see West Elm yet, this weekend is the time to do it!

For more information call 249.593.8200; West Elm is located at 215 W Maple Rd., in Birmingham.

The Michigan Depression Glass Society Show and Sale | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2

Bring back memories and let others experience a Detroit tradition they have only hear about with a nostalgic 1940s walk down Woodward Avenue. The MDGS will host their 41st show and sale where they recreate window displays of popular Detroit shops including JL Hudson’s department store, Sander’s confections, Vernor’s soda fountain and Woolworth’s five-and-dime and more. Each vignette will feature glassware of this earlier time. Admission is a $5 donation good for both days and parking is free. 

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave., in Dearborn.

Meet Char! | Monday, November 3

Haberman Fabrics is hosting a meet and greet with Char Glover, Detroit-native and Project Runway designer. Char will be discussing her designs and goals, and answering questions from 7 to 9 p.m. while guests enjoy light refreshments and network with other like-minded fashionistas. Admission is $10 and 100% of the proceeds paid at the door will go to support Detroit nonprofit, Alternatives for Girls.

RSVP is required, so call 248.541.0010 to reserve your spot. Haberman Fabrics is located at 905 S. Main St., in Royal Oak.