Dancing with the Survivors: Mariella Amado

Just like in any ballroom dance, the design, colors, texture, rhythm and music all coexist with each other to help the dancer. Expressing emotion in the room, creating an atmosphere where everyone focuses on her: What she's saying with her figure, how the colorful fibers move with her body voluntarily, as the audience is enjoying all the turns and variations of the melody.

I wanted to represent the breaking struggle, endurance, and the courage that a breast cancer survivor has gone through – achieving this by designing and constructing something meaningful. I wanted to create a balanced composition with this dress. The leather representing the hurt, harshness and the pain of being ill. Along with the soft fuchsia organza skirt and delicate flowers, creating the hope and beauty that it is to be alive.

I was very happy  to meet Diane, and to hear about her family and experiences. I feel fortunate to have met such a wonderful lady, and I'm honored to be able to create something with such an important message. 

Dancing with the Survivors: Bridget Sullivan

It's been such a wonderful experience designing a dance costume for breast cancer survivor, Cheryl Perkins. My challenge was to create a dress that adequately reflected her resilience, strength and exuberance for her swing dance routine!

My dress for Cheryl is inspired by impressionist ballerina paintings by Edgar Degas.

I love using recycled materials for my designs. I started with a light blue dress I bought at a thrift store in New York City, and dyed it. Then, I painted the skirt. Next step, hemming and gem-ing! Because it's not a dance dress until it's covered in rhinestones, of course!

I'm so excited to finish this dress, and see Cheryl perform in it at the Dancing with the Survivors event on October 2nd. It's going to be a fantastic event for an important cause. It's an honor to be a part of it!

Dancing with the Survivors: Shawn and Claire Buitendorp of Shock and Awww

Hi everybody! We are Shawn and Claire Buitendorp, the co-creators and co-designers behind the brand Shock and Awww. As Shock and Awww, we normally create what we like to call stagewear, which in essence include garments that are intended to be worn on stage. They are outlandish, sparkly and over-the-top. Thus, you can image that we were thrilled to be asked to work on this project. 

We were paired with the lovely Cindy, who definitely shared our aesthetic and love of color. To our delight, Cindy told us that she would be performing a rumba with her dance partner Sergio, and was open to suggestions with regard to silhouette, style and color, as long as there was a prominent slit on the right side for plenty of leg extension (a trait of the rumba). 

After deciding on a rich purple color, and acknowledging that sequins were a must, we got to work. The design process was actually a little difficult as Cindy was very kind and gave us so much freedom with the design. We ended up selecting a nude, form-fitting bodice, that would be both alluring and modest as it would be made out of a nude, illusion fabric and covered in beautiful purple appliques. The skirt was originally a sarong style, with a drape to one side. At our second fitting, Cindy mentioned that she would prefer more coverage, which we were happy to provide. Thus, the lower portion of the garment is still under construction, but we are eager to see what it looks like when it is finished. We are truly honored to be collaborating with Cindy and know that she will be absolutely dazzling on October 2, mostly because of her fierce courage and vivacious personality….and with a little help from a sparkly purple dress.

Dancing with the Survivors: Emma Witte

I want to do two things in my life: Be inspired by inspiring people and inspire people to be inspired. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet an inspiring and strong women named Brenda Hawkes. She will be performing in this year's Dancing With the Survivors event and I am lucky enough to be part of her process by designing the dance costume!

After she shared her journey, I could not have been more excited when Brenda told me she would be preforming the Hustle to “Stayin’ Alive,” because what better way to disco with her partner than in a '70s-inspired jumpsuit!

The most important aspect I have learned when creating dancewear is texture, texture, texture! In my design I combined sequins, fringe, chiffon and silk charmeuse in the colors black and blue (Brenda’s favorite color), which transcends the costume beyond its intrinsic value. I was lucky enough to pick out my unique materials at Mood Designer Fabrics while in New York City earlier this month and even have Swatch, the beloved store mascot pose for a picture with me!

Just as Brenda has inspired me during this process, I hope I can inspire you to join us on October 2 to celebrate and support the breast cancer survivors as they dance the evening away!

Dancing with the Survivors: Akosua-Panin

Akosua-Panin is from Detroit, Michigan. Though artistically gifted before birth; she has been creating clothing designs since around the age of 15. From a young age, Akosua-Panin has created eye-catching drawings; from remarkable portraits to still life. Subsequently, she has continued to use her gift in drawing as an apparatus toward her skill in fashion design. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design & Merchandising at Wayne State University, all while establishing self-titled work named Akosua-Panin. She has found herself focusing on a chic/intricate aspect of dress, while concentrating on maintaining an idiosyncratic appeal by utilizing textiles, patterns and playful uses of color. Chic meets eccentric meets WOW. Her garment creations are hanging works of art!

On The Town: Dancing with the Survivors

The Pink Fund’s Dancing with the Survivors took place last night and it was a night DG3 won’t soon forget. Guests were encouraged to wear pink, and as we walked into Art Van, the crowd of people was peppered with the hue, tables were covered in fuchsia tablecloths and even the furniture displays had rosé accents.

The dancers were dressed in their beautiful dance costumes and walking about for everyone to see all of the hard work our local designers had put into them. Guests were imbibing and patiently waiting for the showcase to begin. People were already in their seats well before the show started, and as soon as it did, it seemed like no one could take their eyes off the dance floor.

Each performance was preceded by a touching but fun video of the breast cancer survivor’s journey through breast cancer along with preparing for their dance, and once they got on the floor, they really gave it their all. The professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio were flipping their partners around the floor and it was so fun to watch! Sabrina Mayhew was the last survivor to get on the dance floor, and once her performance was over, it turned into a flash mob of dancing. About 30 people participated, getting down with their bad selves – it was really a perfect ending to a perfect evening of fun, dancing and awareness.

And, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget to schedule your mammogram appointments, ladies! 

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!

Dancing With The Survivors | Thursday, October 2

Join a fabulous evening of dancing, cocktails, a strolling dinner and raffle prizes to benefit The Pink Fund. DG3 has paired up local breast cancer survivors with local designers to create beautiful dance costumes that will fit their dance and health needs. Also, the survivors have been working with professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio to create a dance ensemble to wow the crowd. DJ Mike Anthony will be playing music all night. The event is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Art Van Furniture in Novi, and tickets are $100 and can be purchased at the door.

Art Van is located at 27775 Novi Rd., in Novi, and pink inspired attire is encouraged.

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Event and Beauty Trend Show | Friday, October 3 through Saturday, October 4

This weekend Nordstrom Partridge Creek is hosting its seasonal Beauty Trend Event and Beauty Trend Show. Join Nordstrom Beauty for one-on-one time with savvy beauty experts who will share the latest beauty tips and tricks while you are pampered with a free makeup or skincare consultation. Once you are beautified and relaxed, you will have access to free deluxe samples and exclusive gifts with purchase. Don’t miss out – admission is free for the Beauty Trend Event! Top industry insiders will be on location revealing fall’s best beauty trends during a runway show, and don’t forget to grab a free Nordstrom tote on your way out. The show will start promptly at 8 a.m., so you’re going to have to get going early but it will be worth it! Tickets for the Beauty Trend Show are $20 and for more information about these events or to purchase tickets to the show, call 586.203.4360.

Nordstrom Partridge Creek is located at 17310 Hall Road, in Clinton Township.

West Riverwalk Grand Opening | Saturday, October 4

The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is going West and they are throwing a party for it! From 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, enjoy food trucks, live music, a beer garden and family activities. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be putting on various nature programming, including a rock climbing wall and a free fishing clinic for children under 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Music will be played throughout the event – the lineup includes Mariachi Juvenil Detroit, Obed Succari and Corktown Popes among a few others. Street parking is available on Jefferson and adjacent cross streets, and admission is free.

The location of the grand opening will take place at 1801 W. Jefferson at Rosa Parks in Detroit. For more information, visit www.detroitriverfront.org.

Michigan Antique & Collectibles Festival | Saturday, October 4 through Sunday, October 5

Do you love rummaging through tons of vintage pieces to find the one thing you realized you couldn’t live without (until you saw it, of course)? Or does the thrill of the hunt and negotiation get you going at antique and vintage shows? Well, if that’s you, or you just like a good festival, the Michigan Antique & Collectibles Festival is the place to spend your weekend. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, shop shabby chic, industrial, primitive and unique treasures from the hundreds of antique and vintage dealers who will be onsite.

Admission is $6 and the festival is at the Springfield Oaks County Park at 12451 Andersonville Road, in Davisburg.

Ladies Night Out in Downtown Milford | Thursday, October 2

Hey ladies (around the Milford area)! Clear your calendar and grab your girlfriends and head to downtown Milford for giveaways, discounts, storewide sales, complimentary snacks and beverages at participating stores and eateries downtown. Plus, get your exclusive look at the area’s newest skincare boutique, Green Envy. Don’t forget to collect your stamps at the various businesses because 10 stamps on a postcard will be entered to win one of 40 gift cards. Attendees are encouraged to bring new women’s hygiene and beauty products to be donated to Community Sharing and donation boxes will be located along Main Street in downtown Milford.