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.

DGG Membership Meeting | Thursday, April 20
Held in partnership with The Loft Warehouse, our next membership meeting is this week! The meeting is free so if you're a member, or thinking about becoming one, we encourage you to come out. There will be networking, a member spotlight and even a look at the kind of living spaces The Loft Warehouse has to offer. The meeting will go from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Loft Warehouse is located at 3434 Russell St. Ste. 101, in Detroit.

Garage Talk: Growing Your Small Business Through Leadership | Thursday, April 20
TechTown is teaming up with Build Institute's Open City for a conversation about leadership in small businesses. You'll learn what it means to be a good leader, how leadership development benefits everyone, and so many more topics from a group of panelists. Panelists include Jess Sanchez McClary, President of McClary Bros, Emily Miller, Strategy Leader of Detroit Revitalization Fellows, and Daune Smith, Founder and Principle Designer of Visual Noise - Detroit. The event goes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and there will be free pizza and beer! You can RSVP here.

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

4161 Mix | Friday, April 21
From 6 to 9 p.m., come out to the Cass Collective to experience their shops and small art gallery. You'll enjoy complimentary cocktails while viewing the designers' spring collections. The shops are Mie Radici, B'Juelz, Dolly Rockers, Kill the Hate, Not Sorry Apparel and Bleu Bowtique. This event is free but RSVP here.

Cass Collective is located at 4161 Cass Ave., in Detroit.

David Lynch: The Art Life | Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23
The vivid documentary "David Lynch: The Art Life" will be shown April 21 - 23 in the DIA's Detroit Film Theatre. The film gives a look at artist and filmmaker David Lynch's experiences, insights, memories and obsessions that inspired his imagination and creativity. The film shows personal interviews recorded over three years, where he discusses how he's never stopped creating, his first masterpiece "Eraserhead" and the upcoming return of "Twin Peaks." The documentary will be shown April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. Following the film, each day a feature-length film Lynch directed will be shown. To purchase tickets, click here.

The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Detroit Gatsby Spring Soiree | Friday, April 21
After the success of Detroit Gatsby's sold out, winter galas, they are happy to bring you their spring soiree at Belle Isle's Detroit Boat Club. Inspired by the popular novel, The Great Gatsby, the night will be a blast to the past. Guests will be immersed in 1920s culture, fashion, music and entertainment. Tickets are $115 and include free valet parking, coat check, access to Belle Isle's Detroit Boat Club, a live orchestra and a strolling supper. The event goes from 8 p.m. to midnight. The dress code is dress to impress. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Detroit Boat Club is located at E. Picnic Way, in Detroit.

Derby Shopping Party at Margaux & Max | Saturday, April 22
Margaux & Max is hosting a Derby shopping party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.! You'll be sure to find the perfect dress, hat/fascinator and shoes, all while enjoying a fun afternoon. This is definitely a shopping event you don't want to miss.

Margaux & Max is located at 561 Livernois St., in Ferndale.

Blog Like a Boss: Brunch Workshop | Sunday, April 23
This interactive brunch workshop will expose aspiring bloggers to influencers who have successfully utilized platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to launch profitable brands and businesses. You'll enjoy a yummy brunch with mimosas, while getting to network with fellow Detroit bloggers, and learning more about social media marketing, strengthening your brand, increasing your followers, creating interactive content and converting your blog into a profitable business. This brunch will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Bamboo Detroit. Seats are limited so make sure to purchase your tickets here.

Bamboo Detroit is located at 1420 Washington Blvd. #301, 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.

It Trends: July's Style Board

Wear It's At: Not Your Typical Red, White & Blue

Fourth of July comes around once a year. With that being sad, it's the best time to break out a fashionable red, white and blue outfit. You don't have to drape an American flag around you to get the point across. The key is to mix and match the different colors in a cute but chic way.

1. Topshop Striped Denim Crop Top, $45, Nordstrom.

2. Frayed Denim Pencil Skirt, $11, Romwe.

3. Stan Smith Leather Sneakers, $117, Adidas.

4. Ruby Woo Lipstick, $17, MAC.

5. Chloe 'Drew' Leather Crossbody Bag, $1,850, Nordstrom.

1. SEA Crochet Mini Dress, $658, Net-a-Porter.
2. Steve Madden 'Werkit' Gladiator Sandal, $60, Nordstrom.
3. Michael Kors Jet Set Large Crossbody, $92, Macy's.
4. Classic Aviators with Colored Lenses, $120, Ray Ban.
5. Scalloped Lace Choker, $28, Humble Chic.

1. Off-the-Shoulder Cotton Blend Top, $185, Madewell.
2. Bi-Stretch Shorts, $52, Lands' End.
3. Jimmy Choo Kaytrin Platform Suede Heel, $895, Neiman Marcus.
4. Rebecca Minkoff 'Love' Patchwork Leather Crossbody Bag, $325, Nordstrom.

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 Boswell

Hour Detroit's Best of Detroit Party | Friday, June 24
Hour Detroit will be bringing the best of Detroit together at its 11th annual Best of Detroit party. From 7 p.m. to midnight, enjoy an evening of amazing hors d'oeuvres and cocktails from over 30 restaurants and phenomenal entertainment. This is all happening at MotorCity Casino Hotel. The event showcases the best restaurants, style, bars and entertainment as voted by Hour Detroit's readers in its 17th annual poll. You can purchase tickets here.

MotorCity Casino Hotel is located at 2901 Grand River Ave., in Detroit.


DGG Fashion Incubator Pop-Up Shop | Friday, June 24
If you haven't seen our fashion incubator, now's your chance. Not only will you be able to get an inside look at where our fabulous entrepreneurs-in-residence work, but you'll also be able to shop great, locally designed items from them. Designers include Gabriella Gonzales, Jesse Jane and more! We're located at TechTown, so parking is free and can be found directly on the street, next to the building or in the larger lot at the corner of Amsterdam and Cass. Please sign in when you arrive, and then head up to floor 3, suite 390. Signs will be there to guide you. This goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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


If I Must - Photography by Boswell | Saturday, June 25
Boswell is an internationally recognized photographer specializing in fashion, beauty and portraiture. This local photographer has worked all over the world, but will be highlighting his life in Paris at the Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham. Starting at 6 p.m., the opening reception, for his newest gallery, If I Must, depicts very modern and gritty Parisian architecture, fashion and portraits. No You Can't, an erotic capsule collection, will also be featured. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Robert Kidd Gallery.

Robert Kidd Gallery is located at 107 Townsend St., in Birmingham.


Official Grand Opening | Saturday, June 25
African Fabrics and Fashions will be having their grand opening from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Make sure to stop by for a storewide discount.

African Fabrics and Fashions is located at 8126 W 9 Mile Rd., in Oak Park.


Dolce Moda Grand Opening | Saturday, June 25
Celebrate Dolce Moda's grand opening with complimentary cocktails and appetizers provided by Zim's Vodka and Social Kitchen. There will be a live DJ and exotic cars brought by M1 Concourse. Partial proceeds from sales in store will be donated to Danialle Karmanos' Work It Out. You can RSVP at info@dolcemoda.com or 248-399-6200.

Dolce Moda is located at 323 E Maple, in Birmingham. 


The Powerful Women's Weekend 2016 | Saturday, June 25 through Sunday, June 26
Whether you're a woman trailblazing corporate America or a trend-setting entrepreneur, this is the conference for you. The Powerful Women's weekend is known worldwide for its ability to to instill confidence plus inspire personal and professional development. This event will be held at The Henry, Autograph Collection. Curriculum will include branding empowerment, financial literacy, negotiating your worth, living authentically and many more brilliant topics. There will also be a keynote speaker leaving everyone with a memorable experience. All women will be gifted with tote bags with amazing products, receive professional headshots and enjoy tasty refreshments. You'll be able to connect with over 100 like-minded individuals, as well as move into the direction of your dreams. For more information, click here.

The Henry, Autograph Collection is located at 300 Town Center Dr., in Dearborn.

A Letter from DGG’s President: What Will Detroit’s Garment District Really Be Like?

By Karen Buscemi

If you haven’t heard the news, DGG’s plan for a garment district is underway. With great partners including the city of Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Governor’s Office, and roughly 30 companies to date that would like to reside there, there’s no way this project won’t succeed.

But you may be wondering, what will it really be like?

Here’s what we are planning:

• It will finally provide a space for our fashion community to reside so we can have power in numbers and be more easily recognizable on a national level.
• It will have levels of rent that will increase as your company grows – without pricing you out of the district – including shared space opportunities, so it’s affordable for all businesses.
• It will eventually have all the types of businesses you would find in New York’s Garment District, such as fabric and accessory stores, cut and sew manufacturers and pattern makers, but at an appropriate scale for our community.
• It will allow for convenient collaboration amongst our fashion community.
• It will be the location of DGG’s Fashion Incubator, which will also have an education room that will be open to the public to learn the business of fashion. We will also have a program in place that will allow fashion designers to come in and utilize our industrial sewing machines and high-end pattern-making/grading/design software.
• It will be marketed as a tourist destination, so people outside the state will have an opportunity to shop our local designers and retailers.
• It will host regular sample sales to bring metro Detroiters into the district for shopping and familiarizing themselves with our local designers.
• It will include outreach to editors of national publications, bloggers and buyers.

If you want to be part of all this, whether that’s six months from now or two months from now, we ask that you fill out a questionnaire so we can understand the needs of the fashion community and plan accordingly. The questionnaire in no way commits you to space, rather it lets us know who you are, what you are doing, and the amount of space, parking and any special requirements you may need.

We would like to have all questionnaires submitted by May 8, 2015 so we can stay on track, find the location in Detroit that best suits the garment district and make a deal on the real estate, so we can start developing the space.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always happy to talk about the district, along with any other programming we provide.

Keep Michigan Talent in Michigan!