Do It: Sustainable Fashion Exhibition and Panel

William + Bonnie, a cut and sew workroom located in Hamtramck, is hosting a one night event on July 27 all about sustainable fashion. This includes a fashion show with four local designers who utilize ethical and sustainable design practices in their collections. Following the fashion show, there will be a panel discussion.

Photo c/o Facebook event

The designers that will be featured in the fashion show are Anjali Purohit of Studio Variously, Leslie Ann Pilling of Blank-itti-Blank, Abigail Rist of Haute Cloth, and Nabeela Najjar of Seamstressbee.

The speakers that will be on the panel are Shermane Fouche of Apparel Pattern Services, Anjali Purohit, and Erin Wetzel of Orleans + Winder.

This event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the LTU Detroit Center for Design and Technology, which is located at 4219 Woodward Ave., in Detroit. This is a free event but donations are encouraged.

By Alex Donlin

Recap: The Social Runway

The Social Runway was not your ordinary fashion show. From the live music to the rooftop views of Detroit, the city’s finest came together for a night to remember.

The night started off in the Loft of the Madison Building. There was an open bar, hors d’ oeuvres, a live band, raffle prizes, local vendors and networking… lots and lots of networking. This event drew in bloggers big and small, members of Detroit’s fashion community and many more.

When the clock struck 8:45pm we made our way up to the rooftop where we had an amazing view of the city skyline, including Comerica Park, Ford Field and The Fox Theatre. After everyone took their selfies with the city as their backdrop, the fashion show began.

Moosejaw was up first. This brand focuses on outdoor and athletic wear; some with a Detroit spin. Moosejaw is located at 1275 Woodward Ave.

Next up was Eugenia Paul. This husband and wife duo of Eugenia and Paul places a large emphasis on quality while designing and producing their contemporary womenswear right here in Detroit.

Eugenia Paul was followed by athleticwear company, Under Armour. Under Armour is now open at 1201 Woodward Ave.

1701 Bespoke was up next. In the fashion industry, the term bespoke is to men as couture is to women. With a location in Detroit and Birmingham, 1701 Bespoke is the place to go for all of your suiting needs.

Next to walk the runway was Cynthia LaMaide. Working as both a designer and fiber artist, LaMaide’s fabrics and garments are sure to be one of a kind. Although she works in New York, Miami and Detroit, her design studio is located in here Metro Detroit.

Up Next was Urban Exchange which featured street style fashion for men with a Detroit twist.

The show’s finale was the convergence of Metro Detroit and Canadian fashion with Designed by Beely. Located in Toronto, Beely Huang’s designs place an emphasis on minimalism and sustainability.

By Sammy Pesick

Photographs by Courtney Rogers

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Do It: The Social Runway

An upscale fashion affair, the Social Runway will feature the top fashion designers and entrepreneurs from Metro Detroit and Canada in a collaborative, international fashion event -- the first of its kind. In partnership with bloggers, influencers and gurus, the event will be live-streamed on social media for worldwide engagement!

Photo c/o The Social Runway

This event will be taking place on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Madison Building Rooftop Terrace & Loft. Aside from the actual show, this will be an incredible social event. You'll become familiar with trends, engage in photo ops and connect and network with vendors and business owners.

Cynthia LaMaide, a local designer known for her one-of-a-kind knitted garments and dressing celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, will be there with collections seen worldwide. There will also be a collection presented by Beely Huang, owner of Designed by Beely, an independent women's apparel and accessories label located in Toronto.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here. Your ticket also includes a VIP Social Hour where you can enjoy light bites, live music, vendors and a cash bar. DJ Equad will provide the music, and there will be a live performance by The Brandon Williams Experiment. A portion of all ticket proceeds will go to The Butler Foundation and The Urban Arts Collective.

The Madison Building is located at 1555 Broadway St., in Detroit.

By Alex Donlin

Wear It's At: Take the Sunshine Wherever You Go

Bring some sunshine into your wardrobe by adding a pop of yellow. Yellow signifies all things summer, sun and celebration. From lunch with the girls, to a day at the lake or a backyard barbeque with family and friends; yellow will never disappoint. Kick off the summer right by bringing the sunshine wherever you go.

Brunch

1. Leith Tie Front Dress- $72, Nordstrom

2. Eric Michael Sam Wedge- $130, Sundance Shoes

3. Devoe Street Tinley Bag- $278, Kate Spade

4. The Birdy Watch- $475, Shinola

The Lake

1. Boxy T- $55, TBD

2. Destroyed Side Slit Denim Shorts- $34, Pitaya

3. Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal- $95, Sundance Shoes

4. Mar Y Sol Montauk Woven Tote with Pom Charms, $139, Nordstrom

5. Claudia One Piece Swimsuit- $168, Free People

6. Mara Hoffman One Piece Wide Strap Tank- $245, Everything But Water

Backyard BBQ

1. Free People Georgina Top- $98, Caruso Caruso

2. The Phoebe AG Jeans- $235, Rear Ends

3. Steve Madden Irenee Ankle Strap Sandal- $79.95, Nordstrom

4. Lunch bag white- $79.00, Detroit is the New Black

Oh, Shop It: Guide to the Most Fashionable Day in Detroit

Have you ever wanted to spend a stylish and fashionable day in Detroit but didn't know where to start? Look no further, we have you covered! This guide is going to give you the rundown of fun and fashionable things to do in the city. It also includes places to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get ready to have a blast.

Image From: MLive

Breakfast

Avalon Bakery, 422 W. Willis St., Detroit 48201
This cute cafe in Midtown has been baking breads and other sweet treats with 100% organic flour since 1997. They are committed to helping the earth and local communities by serving up the most natural foods. You can enjoy coffee and various breakfast specials before getting your day started.

Image From: Shinola

Detroit Denim Company, 2987 Franklin St., Detroit 48207
If you're a jeans fan, this is the place for you. In operation since 2010, all of their jeans are handmade in Detroit with everything sourced from American companies. Take a tour of the factory and see where all of their jeans are made. They also repair any pair of jeans you already have.

Image From: Daily Detroit

Shop Woodward Ave.
With shops like Detroit is the New Black, Kit + Ace, Nike, Warby Parker and more, get some shopping done before you grab lunch. There is a great variety of stores for everyone and anyone to get something they'll love. This is also a great place to just take the city in. Walk around and enjoy the hustle and bustle of everything.

Image From: Detroit News

The TEN Nail Bar
If you're some one who likes to keep their fingers and toes looking freshly manicured, you're going to want to stop by the TEN Nail Bar in Detroit. This routine beauty treatment is taken to the next level while you relax with tea, coffee or champagne in a modern and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

Image From: Daily Detroit

Lunch
Broderick Grille, 1570 Woodward Ave., Detroit 48226
This two-level eatery offers up traditional and classic homemade fare with modern twists. Nothing even comes from a box. There is even a coffee bar -- which you can recaffeinate at before heading out on the rest of your fashionable journey.

Image From: Metropolis Magazine

Ponyride, 1401 Vermont Ave., Detroit 48216
Home to places like Lazlo, Detroit is the New Black, The Lip Bar and more, take a tour of the 50+ residents/companies that work out of Ponyride. They offer space to artists, entrepreneurs, organizations, makers and nonprofits so they can work and create the best they can. They have free weekly tours every Wednesday at 2 p.m. This is a great place to start if you've never been to Ponyride before.

Image From: Archinect

Dinner
Townhouse, 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit 48226
For American comfort food and a Best Of Hour Detroit 2016 recipient, check out Townhouse. There is something for everyone: sushi, burgers, daily specials, and a variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options. This is definitely the place to round out your eating experience in Detroit.

Image From: Model D

The Avenue of Fashion, 7 Mile Road & Livernois Avenue, Detroit
If you live outside of the city, make sure to hit up the Avenue of Fashion. You can get some more shopping done, while also visiting historic neighborhoods like the University District, Green Acres, Sherwood Forest and Palmer Woods. There are also art galleries on the Avenue! There are a multitude of things to do out here.

Image From: A Night Owl Blog

Shop Hamtramck
If you have enough time, or live close enough to the area, make sure to stop in Hamtramck. You can visit workshops and stores like William + Bonnie and Better Life Bags. These are great places to learn more about the cut and sew industry in Detroit, while picking up some handmade goods for yourself or as gifts.

We hope you have fun on your fashionable and stylish journey. Make sure to share with us on social media if you follow this guide! We would love to see what you did.

Wear It's At: Sneaking Up on Comfort

Heels are out and sneakers are in! Comfort is key with the trend of fashion sneakers as its popularity and practicality increases. Whether you are going to work, a night out with the girls or just running errands you can wear sneakers for every occasion.

Keep it casual.

1. The Morgan Long Sleeve Relaxed Crew, $150, Alchemy Detroit

2. The Legging Ankle (18 years destroyed), $235, Rear Ends (AG Jeans

3. Adidas Superstar Sneaker (Silver), $79.99, Journey's

4. Black Nero Tote, $267, Douglas & Co. Detroit

Dress It Up.

1. Soprano Cutout Midi Dress, $49, Nordstrom

2. Midnight Bomber Jacket, $78, Caruso Caruso (Free People)

3. Bertie Metallic Platform Sneaker, $69.95, Steve Madden

4. Half-Moon Black Concrete Loop Earrings, $40, Koonyai Studios

5. Accordian Clutch, $395, Shinola

Wear it to work.

1. Astria Off-The-Shoulder Sweater, $178, BCBGMAXAZRIA

2. Baboon Cohen Pant, $165, Aritzia

3. Becky Embellished Sneaker, $149.95, Rebecca Minkoff

4. Coin Edge Cuff Bracelet, $350, Shinola

5. Studio 8 Crossbody Bag, $375, Julie Lindsay

Local Designer Series: Designer Merges Architecture and Accessories for a Cool Jewelry Line

Starting as a way to support herself during grad school, Beau Sinchai took her architecture background and created Koonyai Studio. Specializing in jewelry and sustainability, Beau is inspired by building materials including  metals and concrete. Her geometric, simplistic designs are the perfect addition to any outfit.

Photo Credit: Koonyai Studio

DGG: Tell me about yourself, Beau.

Beau: I was born in Thailand and grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I love food more than diamonds and I am super thankful for Detroit’s amazing food scene. 

DGG: Tell me about Koonyai Studio.

Beau: Koonyai means beloved grandmother in Thai. I grew up under the care of my grandmother and it is where I got my entrepreneurial spirit. Koonyai Studio started while I was studying at Cranbrook Academy of Art as a means for myself to turn my wild ideas into a career.

DGG: What lead you to beginning to work with jewelry?

Beau: It is actually accidental. During my years at Cranbrook, I had been exploring the idea of body architecture quite a bit. The topics of what it meant to be architectural, materials, and it’s social and cultural association came up a lot. Then, I started to merge architecture with body adornment and starting to make jewelry. 

Photo Credit: Koonyai Studio

DGG: What is your vision for the brand?

Beau: I hope that the brand will become a design house and do more design work under all the scopes from jewelry to buildings while making impact to the world, environmentally and socially. 

DGG: Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

Beau: This is what I have been super excited to talk about. I am working toward becoming a zero-waste business. Sustainability, social and environmental aspects have always been the top priority when I started Koonyai studio and I hope to be able to make positive impact to our community through design work and jewelry.

DGG: If you could have anyone in the world wear your jewelry, who would it be and why?

Beau: Michelle and Barack Obama. Michelle wearing my work would make me die happy. I would love to have POTUS wear my jewelry to shatter some stereotypes surrounding gender and jewelry.

DGG: Describe your style.

Beau: Minimalist and comfort, but my friends are calling it “art-mom” style.

Photo Credit: Koonyai Studio

DGG: What's the most meaningful piece of jewelry you own?

Beau: A battery-less watch that uses solar power. I purchased it with my first paycheck in high school. It was the first “big” purchase I ever made in life.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

Beau: With a lot of sugar and cream. I mean I take a lot of sugar and cream with a drop of coffee. I love tea though!

DGG: Etsy or Bluefly?

Beau: Etsy

DGG: Cartier or Tiffany?

Beau: Neither. I love independent makers and imperfections from being handmade.

Photo Credit: Koonyai Studio

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