On The Town: Detroit's Most Fashionable Night of the Year

Oh, what a night! Michigan's most fashionable made it our for an evening of fashion, drinks and plenty of dancing to benefit the Detroit Institute of Arts. Cocktails were served behind the DIA to get the night started, and shortly into the evening everyone was ushered into the DIA where the Neiman Marcus fashion show began. It was a runway chock-full of fresh trends: flared bottoms, cape layering and folklore-chic. The show ended, and the night really began with the after party under the stars; fashionistas and fashion-fella's mixed, mingled and danced until their feet couldn't handle anymore.

I could talk about Fash Bash all day - I'm not kidding - but you don't want to read me ramble on (especially if you didn't go), so scroll through the pictures, imagine you were front row, and start making your fall fashion shopping list.

Local Designer Series: Local Designer Creates Medically-Inspired Menswear Accessories

After reading a medical article about how doctors can pass along infections from one patient to the next through their long ties, Iian Robert Mull and his husband Dr. Jim Sylvain decided to use Iian's fashion background to their advantage and do something about it. Not only did Dr. Sylvain start topping off his suits with bow ties, but a business was born. Read all about Beauhawk, and the man behind the brand, below.

Image from Beauhawk

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Iian.

Iian Robert Mull: My name is Iian Robert Mull and I currently live in Lansing, Michigan with my husband and business partner, Dr. Jim Sylvain. Besides being a small business owner, I am on the faculty at Central Michigan University in the Fashion Merchandising and Design program. Outside of fashion, my interests include exploring the mind and body connection by studying yoga and swimming. I love traveling, reading, great fitting soft T-shirts, and walking my dogs.

DGG: Tell us the Beauhawk story.

IRM: Beauhawk came into existence because of an American Medical Association (AMA) article that suggested that MRSA Staph Infection (and other bacterial infections) can be spread from one patient to another by contact with a physician’s long tie. My husband and business partner, Dr. Jim Sylvain, decided to start wearing bow ties instead. This became his signature look and with my background in the fashion industry, we decided to design and manufacture modern and fun bow ties.  We have branched out and started making long ties, too, for those guys that may feel a bow tie isn’t for them. 

Image from Beauhawk

DGG: What was your inspiration for the Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, SOHO and WEHO collections? 

IRM: The inspiration really came from the different types of individuals that might wear each type of tie. We took inspiration from New York City and other big cities, like Los Angeles. The Downtown version of our tie is the pre-tied bow tie and is an easy and quick way to make an outfit pop.  This style is targeted to a young and hip customer. The Uptown version of our tie is the traditional long tie, that being said, the Uptown customer is a little more traditional in their style choices, but still want to look sharp. The Midtown version is the traditional self-tie bow tie, and this tie is designed for a dapper gentleman that really likes to make a fashion statement with his tie. Branching in another direction, we decided to design and manufacture lapel pins to compliment our tie collection. The SOHO collection is a lapel pin with a miniature bow tie, and the WEHO collection is a lapel pin with a flower. 

DGG: Do you plan on expanding your product line in the future, or just sticking to ties?

IRM: Absolutely. Our ultimate goal is to be a lifestyle brand. At the moment we are in product development for great fitting, super-soft T-shirts.

Image from Beauhawk

DGG: What has been the most rewarding thing about starting your own company?

IRM: The most rewarding thing about starting my own company is to watch it grow. Being able to design a product, see it come to life, and then see customers wearing it - and looking great in it - is an amazing feeling. 

DGG: What is the best and worst advice you have ever received during this business venture?

IRM: The best advice I have received is to not work with friends. 

DGG: If you could style anyone in the world with your products, who would it be and why?

IRM: Robert Downy Jr.: Still super sexy, sophisticated and a little irreverent. 

Johnny Depp: Dandy, and loves to play with clothing.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt: He’s handsome, charming and dressed up well, plus he could use some fun with his clothing choices.  

Adam Levine: His body

Image from Beauhawk

DGG: How do you want to be remembered? 

IRM: I want to be remembered as a person who is passionate about what he did, believed, and loved. 

DGG: Describe your style.

IRM: I call my style traditional with a twist. I love traditional pieces like bow ties and I like to put a little modern twist on the garment. My style is a little bit of dandy mixed with street style -- I love color and print.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

IRM: I take it with cream!

DGG: Tom Ford menswear or Brunello Cucinelli menswear?

IRM: Tom Ford all the way. 

DGG: Belts or suspenders?

IRM: Both. I like options!

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!

Image from FJC DIA

Fash Bash 2015 | Thursday, August 13
DIA's most fashionable fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. and ends late in the evening with an after party under the stars. Unfortunately, it's completely sold out, however, DGG will be in attendance to snap pictures of what everyone will be wearing and to provide a recap the following day.

August Drinks x Design: Makers | Thursday, August 13
Makers of all kinds will be highlighted and celebrated at this month's Drinks x Design from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at OmniCorpDetroit. If you don't already know, OmniCorpDetroit is a collective of makers, entrepreneurs, doers, artists, designers, engineers and more who work on commissioned and personal projects. Several cool demonstrations by the OmniCorpDetrot makers will be happening during the event, while the guests mix, mingle and enjoy a few drinks. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.

OmniCorpDetroit is located at 1501 Division St., in Detroit

Artloft Midtown Grand Opening | Thursday, August 13
Celebrate the grand opening of Artloft Midtown from 2 to 8 p.m. with shopping, entertainment, light bites and libations. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rachael's favorite charity, the Ronald McDonald House of Charities.

Artloft Midtown is located at 4160 Cass Ave., Suite C, in Detroit.

Healthy Detroit: Fowling for Fun(ds) | Thursday, August 13
Support a great cause and have some fun while doing it from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Fowling Warehouse, for a night of fowling, music, food, drinks and more. Fowling is a brand new, hybrid game that combines football, bowling and horseshoe. Proceeds from the night will directly support the health and wellness programming in Helathy Detroit's HealthParks. Tickets for the event are $45 at the door and include four hours of fowling, snacks and two drink tickets. A silent auction will happen throughout the night with many great prizes.

The Fowling Warehouse is located at 3901 Christopher St., in Hamtramck

Drives & Dreams | Saturday, August 14
Celebrate the classic car weekend at the 2nd Annual Automotive Gala Drives & Dreams from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Historic Detroit Golf Club. Feast your eyes on a one-of-a-kind car collection feature classic, muscle, vintage and exotic cars, while networking with other guests. Collectors from across the region will showcase their words of art while guests enjoy refreshments from the Club's master chefs and Motown-themed live entertainment. Tickets for the event are $50, and can be purchased with PayPal; more information about the event can be found at BUF.

The Historic Detroit Golf Club is located at 17911 Hamilton Rd., in Detroit.

Wear It's At: Dressing for Fash Bash, Part 3

The last and final Fash Bash outfit inspiration is here (and so is Fash Bash!). I'm sure all of the lovely ladies and gents attending have their look picked out, steamed and ready, but just in case you don't, we've got a few ideas for some last minute shopping. Can't wait to see what you all are wearing at Fash Bash!

1.Bec & Bridge Time Rider Printed Halter Dress $290, Saks Fifth Avenue, 248.643.9000.

2.Lisa Layering Ring $8, Urban Outfitters, metro Detroit locations.

3.Barbara Bui Cross Strap Chunky Heel Sandal $650, Intermix, 248.643.1997.

4.Clare V Oui Pouch $199, Anthropologie, metro Detroit locations.

5.Fallone Earring Pack $10, Aldo, metro Detroit locations.

6.Topshop Mustard Halter Culotte Jumpsuit $110, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

7.Single Strap Wooden Platform Wedges $36, Charlotte Russe, metro Detroit locations.

8.Half United Striped Zipper Pouch $34, Forever 21, metro Detroit locations.

9.Classic Silver Hoop Earring $48, Free People, metro Detroit locations.

10.Peter Pilotto 'Circle' dress $2,145, Tender, 248.258.0212.

11.Jolyn Mule $138, Banana Republic, metro Detroit locations.

12.Envelope Clutch $138, Banana Republic, metro Detroit locations.

13.Vintage White Rectangle Earring $12, Lolly Ella, 248.851.3325.

Oh, Shop It: H&M to Open at Troy Mall

Image from H&M

Sweater weather is almost upon us, which means shopping for booties, long-sleeved layering shirts and blanket sweaters should commence, and metro Detroiters have another place to do all of that. H&M is coming to Oakland Mall in Troy (finally!), and it’s BIG.

Image from H&M

The always fashionable fast-fashion favorite is set to open its 20,000-square-foot retail store this fall, and it will offer its full range of clothing and accessories. Men, women, kids and plus-size women will all be able to shop the retailer’s wares, and this particular store will also feature exercise and maternity clothing.

Image from H&M

For more information about H&M, visit www.hm.com; and keep your eye out for the grand opening this fall! Oakland Mall is located at 412 W 14 Mile Rd., in Troy.

Industry Spotlight: Local Designer Uses Her Passion to Help Others in the Industrial Sewing Program

Image from Rachna Chandra

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Rachna.

Rachna Chandra: I migrated to Michigan in 1997 from India, and I hold a bachelors degree in science and an associate degree in Computer Information System from Henry Ford College. As my name means creation, I always want to do something innovative. Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer, and I am proud to successfully celebrate 10 years of my fashion design business, Taj Cottage. Taj Cottage is a collection of ethnic Indian and fusion wear. I have been sewing since elementary school, and I have also learned a lot about sewing from my mom. I am happy to say that my daughter has inherited the same talent, and my son wants to learn, too.

DGG: Tell us about the Industrial Sewing Program at Henry Ford College M-TEC.

RC: Being a member of different fashion groups and Detroit Garment Group, I found out about the Industrial Sewing Program and instructor position at Henry Ford College M-Tec. It was a great opportunity for me to teach the art of sewing and keep it alive. The Industrial Sewing Certificate program is a one-of-a-kind, six-week program. Students learn different seams and stitches, precision, speed, quality control, work ethics, basic sewing machine repairs and more; they also work with a variety of industrial sewing machines, and gain knowledge about different kind of fabrics, needles and threads. We even take the students for field trips to companies like Irwin, Shinola, Magna and TDIC, where they get to see, first hand, the manufacturing departments of cut and sew companies.

Image from Rachna Chandra

DGG: Describe your job in 10 words.

RC: Creative. Fashion. Pride. Exquisite. Vogue. Addiction. Couture. Trend. Innovative. Designer.

DGG: What has been the most rewarding thing about working as an instructor in the sewing program?

RC: It is very satisfactory and rewarding for me when the students are employed, and they thank me for teaching them a skill to be able to earn a decent living.

Image from Rachna Chandra

DGG: If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be and why?

RC: I would like to be remembered as a sewing mentor, a kind-hearted person and someone who made a positive impact on peoples lives.

DGG: If you could sew for any of the famous fashion houses, who would it be and why?

RC: I would be honored to sew for Dior, if given a chance. I find some kind of similarity between Dior designs and my personality, which is Uniqueness.

DGG: Describe your style.

RC: My style is to feel beautiful and confident in what I wear.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

RC: Coffee with cream and sugar.

DGG: Nordstrom or Macy's?

RC: Nordstrom.

DGG: Cotton or linen?

RC: Cotton.

Oh, Shop It: Talking Fall Trends in the Dog Days of Summer

The great Yves Saint Laurent once said "Fashions fade, style is eternal," and I think that's what makes fashion so great. Trends come and go, different garments become a little more fresh as the seasons change and it's what keeps the world turning (well, the fashion world, at least). Neiman Marcus hosted a Trend Event to tell us all about Fall 2015's trends, and the best part about all of the trends is that not only can you wear the trends on its own, you can mix and match them with the other major fall trends. Enough of the talking, let's get to the clothes!

Red
The Red trend is not just oxblood -- wearing one red is so two seasons ago -- it's everything from bright, siren red to full-bodied Bordeaux's. Enhance your look by layering the red's together, to take your outfit to the next level. Don't forget to add a little texture to your reds and incorporate other fall trends like Fun Fur.

Fun Fur 
Fur has become the new leopard print, so that means it's almost a neutral, which means you're going to want to wear more of it a lot more often. Whether it's real or faux, you'll see a ton of it this fall, and it can be worn as a statement piece like the fur vest above, or to accessorize an outfit, like the fun blue dress with matching coat.

The Saddle Bag 
If you're looking for a fresh bag option in the next couple of months, try out the Saddle Bag. It's great for a night out worn over the shoulder, or during the day worn as a crossbody. And since many designers are doing great saddle bags, you'll have no trouble finding something that fits in perfectly with your wardrobe.

Winter White 
It's a classic winter trend, and we're so happy it's back! Like red, a full-on monochromatic white can do wonders for an outfit. It's a chic look and super versatile - I mean, what doesn't go with white? You will look dreamy, and your outfit will match the season well.

Folklorica
We saved the best for last with the Folklorica trend that is a new way to do bohemian in the winter. It's full of layers (great for keeping warm), capes (perfect for throwing over layers), fringe (great accents for all of your layers), and flared pants (well, a flared leg is just fun). Artisanal details, embroidery, romantic ruffles, velvet and more are ALL featured in this extremely stylish trend.