Detroit Fashion Week
Posted: 3/30/2008

You don’t have to go to New York, Paris, or Milan for the next big thing. Big things are happening right here in Detroit. Detroit Fashion Week featured designs from some of the city’s hottest up and coming designers 2008 fall and winter collections. Everything old is new again, and each designer managed to create unique ways of combining several different fashion eras together.

“This isn’t your grandmothers furs,” is how Atlanta based Tanya Seals describes her collection of minks, leathers and furs. The show kicked off with 80’s inspired leather jackets with detachable hoods and bottoms. Colors ranged from mahogany brown to rust.

Snow bunny, Apple Martini, and Mango are a few of the ways to describe the bright oranges, and lime greens seen on the fur designs. The coats are given names to illustrate its uniqueness. Many of the styles added a twist to an otherwise basic fur by adding rhinestone buttons, along with decorative sketching to short and medium length jackets. These coats are a must have for fashionistas who like to take risks with color and cuts. Leathers range from $1000-1200, fur jackets $1800-1900 and minks start off at $2995. For more information check out www.Glamfurs.com

Victorian meets couture is one way of describing Kristine Fergusson’s line of costume inspired designs. After seeing her work in the independent film “Bite Me,” Detroit Fashion week contributors asked her to create some of her designs for the runway. The result was several wearable couture dresses. “No two pieces are alike,” explains Robertson. The designer brought life back into velvet by using it to outline some of her designs. Many of the black, white and beige pieces had a gathering effect on both the front and back. Raid your grandmothers jewelry box to find vintage bracelets and necklaces with bright gemstones to emulate the jewelry worn on the runway. By far the most unique creation was the designer’s ability to transform plaid into a stunning floor length gown.

Femilia of Ferndale wanted to bring old fashion to the new century and did so with 1930’s and 1970’s inspired pieces. The whole show had a Charlie’s Angels feel to it. Belts and bows were used to add personality to many of the pleated pieces. The right hair styles seemed just as important to compliment the sophisticated styles. Everything from short layers to big curly ponytails could work. Form-fitting styles in orange, burgundy, black, and purple were also popular. To get these looks check out www.femiliastreetcouture.com

Jovani and Sherry Couture of Saginaw presented their designs together. The elegant gowns presented commanded attention. Many of the two -toned colorful floor length gowns were adorned with beads, sequins and jewels. Animal prints were also used as a statement to otherwise basic colored gowns.

Jill Robertson of Ferndale line had an exotic contemporary feel. Lots of print patterns were used with both men and women designs. Coats that could have doubled as dresses were introduced. Hooded dresses were also a trend. Many of the form-fitting dresses had deep plunging backs.

“The snow got me down and I pulled it out with fashion,” is how Detroiter Buelah Cooley explains her motivation for her newest threads. Many of her designs were flowy two-piece linen pant and skirt sets. The pieces seem perfect for the professional woman who wants to add a little ump with color and or design. Most of looks featured could go from the runaway to everyday wear.

Don’t sleep on Detroit designers. You might miss the next big thing in fashion.

- Charlena Hall
Charlena@detroitfashionpages.com

Photography by Andrew Kochanowski
Andrew@detroitfashionpages.com

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