Inside Look: Chuck Bennett-Detroit's Sartorial Maestro
Posted: 3/16/2010

My first encounter with Chuck Bennett took place at the 24 Grille inside the Book Cadillac Hotel in Downtown Detroit. On this chilly Michigan evening, Mr. Bennett had politely invited me to a private celebration saluting Hour Detroit Magazine's Best Dressed Honorees from years 2008 &2009. Initially created as the Dapper Dozen from his early days at Wayne State University, Mr. Bennett now annually selects Detroit's most stylish & elegant elite for Hour Magazine. This exclusive gathering was also for the benefit of Detroit inner city youth. Partnered with The Horatio Williams Foundation, all charitable donations would help purchase school uniforms for financially needy youth. And that is what I came to fully understand that night. Intimately woven into the fabric of Detroit, Mr. Bennett is a representation of style & substance. Over a steaming bowl of black-eyed peas with greens, I would learn more about this gentleman of character and charity.

Majoring in Fashion Merchandising & Design at Wayne State University, Chuck Bennett has done everything there has to be done with fashion. Mr. Bennett states, "I actually used to design women's clothing. I have modeled clothes. I have sold clothes. I have written about clothes. So, I understand the business and it has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember." And his wealth of knowledge is truly appreciated. I can recognize that by the way guests gravitate towards him. Everyone wants a piece of Chuck. Society columnist for the Detroit News and voice of Style Minute on FM 107.5 WGPR, people value Mr. Bennett's opinion. "Whenever I have a party, people just call me up and ask for fashion advice," says Bennett. This is a matter he does not take for granted. Bennett states, "I am honored to be in this position. It is something I don't take lightly. I don't sell out. I stick with what I know." With this type of influence, Bennett strives to fuse all things stylish with community service.

What would Mr. Bennett like to see more of? "I would love to see more fashion activity. There is a lot of talent in fashion industry here. There always have been," Mr. Bennett says emphatically. Heavily involved in charitable fundraisers, Bennett is constantly on the move; using his stature in the community to bring awareness to worthy projects. One project Bennett would love to see is a Detroit Fashion Museum that would spark more interest in fashion journalism in the area. "I would like to see a fashion museum because there have been tremendous contributions locally, nationally, and internationally from Detroit. That should be celebrated," says Bennett. Deeply entrenched in the Detroit scene, you can surely spot Chuck Bennett bringing a little style and sophistication to many benefits.

So, what is next on the agenda for Mr. Bennett? Well, Mr. Bennett is once again partnering with The Horatio Williams Foundation for the 4th annual 2nd Chance Basketball Game for high school seniors. The event takes place April 10, 2010 for boys and April 17, 2010 for girls. The game gives students a chance to showcase their talents to coaches & scouts across the country with the potential of earning a scholarship to college. Mr. Bennett has also partnered with a few friends for Save The Gold Cup Boat Races. Tentatively scheduled for June 25-27, the Detroit tradition needs financial support due to low sponsorship. Mr. Bennett is hoping 100 people will be able to donate $1000 by mid April to ensure the Gold Cup Boat Race stays afloat. Lastly, Mr. Bennett has teamed up with New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards for the Women Moving Forward & Reaching Back Award's Brunch on June 26. This event salutes women for their community service and philanthropy. Honored this year will be Venus & Serena Williams. Busy schedule. However, after 30 years of being a sartorial maestro in the Detroit area; Chuck Bennett is showing no signs of slowing down.

-Glen Palmer
The Style Team

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COMMENTS

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