FashionSpeak 2016: Second Speaker Announced!

It's time to announce another topic and speaker for FashionSpeak this year, which will be presented by Taubman on Thursday, October 13 at One Woodward in Detroit: Amy Dietrich on "Determining and Developing Your Best Product."

Amy is a fashion and interior designer with more than 20 years of experience in New York City's garment industry under her belt. Amy nurtures fashion lines every step of the way from concept to the consumer. She's the go-to person when a brand needs a new and fresh direction.

Amy's work has been sold to many major U.S. retailers, including: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's and more than 5,000 specialty retailers across the country and Puerto Rico. Her designs have also been featured in many publications, including: Women's Wear Daily, InStyle, Marie Claire, Oprah, Real Simple, Glamour and Redbook.

Amy is excited to be back in her hometown to help and give expertise to Detroit's creative resurgence. Make sure to get your tickets for FashionSpeak here.

On The Town: The Utmost Group to Speak at The Runway's Fashion 411 Speaker Series

Image from The Runway

The Fashion 411 Speaker Series at The Runway continues this month with insider advice to entrepreneurs and startups from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Chris Grindem, Executive Director of The Utmost Group, will share insider advice along with market-tested best practices to the fash-preneurs and anyone looking to learn a little something.

The Utmost Group is a Detroit-based boutique branding, marketing and communications firm focused on serving the greater good with social enterprises. Grindem has over 30-plus years in the advertising and marketing industry, working at many different advertising agencies, including Doner, JWT Detroit and Leo Burnett, but the experience doesn't stop there. He can also add entrepreneur to his resume, as he helped found the Optimization Group as well as The Utmost Group.

Attendees will learn all about branding, marketing, digital media and communications. The Fashion 411 Speaker Series is designed to teach success, so Grindem's successes AND failures will be talked about because, sometimes, the best way to learn is through another person's failure. As the great Henry Ford once said, "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

Tickets for the event are $15, and can be purchased on Eventbrite. The Runway is located at 300 S Washington Sq., Suite 100, in Lansing. 

On The Town: Learn How to Make Your Mark at Fashion 411

Image from Deanna Swishser

The Runway started its Fashion 411 Legal Series to prepare and educate startups, not only in the fashion industry, but also in any industry; and it's back this Tuesday with attorney Deanna Swisher. Come out to The Runway from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 to learn how to make your mark and to protect your brand legally.

Deanna Swisher, attorney at Foster, Swift, will talk about protecting your brand with a trademark, when DIY is a good idea and knowing when you’ll need an attorney. This speaker series has a roundtable format that is on the casual side of things to encourage discussion and questions, so if you have any questions rolling around in your head, you’ll want to write them down before you get there.

Limited seating is available, so register at www.runwayfashion411legal.eventbrite.com.

The Runway is located at 300 S Washington Sq., Suite 100, in Lansing.

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!

Hillel Day School - Spring Shopping Event | Wednesday, May 6

Becca and Rachel Schostak will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Guys N Gals for a day of shopping for a cause. New 2015 spring and summer merchandise will be out for shoppers, who will receive 10% off all purchases. Hillel Day School of Metro Detroit will receive 10% of sales from the shopping event.

Fashion 411 Speaker Series | Thursday, May 6

Are you interested in getting a leg up on the competition? Then check out to the Fashion 411 speaker series happening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Runway Lansing. Learning from others is critical to success, and this speaker series is designed to motivate, inspire and teach. This event will highlight Shinola’s Vice President of Leather, who will share her stories of failures and successes.

Runway Lansing is located at 300 South Washington Square, Suite 100, in Lansing.

Jump-Start Your Art! Networking Happy Hour | Thursday, May 7

If you’re an artist looking to get a jump-start on your creative goals, then come to MotorCity Wine from 6 to 8 p.m. to mix and mingle with other Detroit artists and experts. Enjoy wine, food, good conversation and, of course, artist resources. Allied Media Projects, Forward Arts, Fractured Atlas, Network of Ensemble Theaters, and Sidewalk Festival of Performing Arts have come together to put on this fantastic networking event for the arts.

MotorCity Wine is located at 1949 Michigan Ave., in Detroit.

Lake Orion Flower and Art Fair | Friday, May 8 through Saturday, May 9

Kick off the summer season with The 15^th Annual Lake Orion Flower and Art Fair. Returning Friday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this fair is the perfect place to enjoy the weather, browse beautiful flowers and garden products and seeing an outdoor art gallery all in the streets on downtown Lake Orion. It’s a great place to do a little Mother’s Day shopping in the sun, or if you already have a gift, spend time with your mom and enjoy the scenery.

Spring Market 2015 | Saturday, May 9

Come out and support local makers at the Spring Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Always Brewing Detroit. Trish’s Garage, Garden Harvest Soaps, 313 Detroit Cakes, and Motor City Popcorn are just a few of the 15 local companies who will be selling their wares at the market. This is a perfect place to find gifts for loved ones, or treat yourself.

Always Brewing Detroit is located at 19180 Grand River Ave., in Detroit.

Spring into Belle Isle Gala | Saturday, May 9

Celebrate spring with Belle Isle’s annual gala from 5 to 11 p.m. at  Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Enjoy refreshing cocktails, a strolling dinner and outstanding entertainment while taking a stroll down memory lane and celebrate Belle Isle’s rich history and exciting future. For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, visit the DetroitHistorical Society.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located at 100 The Strand, in Detroit.

Expressions Spring Fashion Show | Saturday, May 9

The WSU Fashion Design & Merchandising Organization presents Expressions Spring 2015 Fashion Show at the Charles H. Wright Museum. Enjoy a beautiful fashion show full of fresh talent. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m., and the tickets are $15 for general admission. 

The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Ave., in Detroit.

The Whiskey Rebellion III | Monday, May 11

Join hosts Bailout Productions for the 3^rd Annual Whiskey Rebellion from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the new Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails. Live music by Shine on Kentucky Moon, will be the marvelous background to a showcase of whiskey cocktails and craft beer.

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is located on E. Kirby, Suite D, in Detroit.