Congratulations to the Detroit Fashion Choice Awards Honorees
Congratulations to the honorees of the Detroit Fashion Choice Awards! It is our pleasure to help share the good news and recognize these exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to Michigan’s fashion community.
Chuck Bennett – Chuck Bennett, known as “The Style Guru,” is a true icon in Michigan’s fashion comunity. With his impeccable taste and unwavering dedication to the industry, Bennett has left an indelible mark on our fashion scene. His exceptional contributions and influence have earned him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Detroit Fashion Choice Awards, where he is also recognized as a Vanguard Honoree.
Chuck’s unparalleled expertise and unparalleled fashion sense have earned him the well-deserved title of Michigan Style Guru. His keen eye for trends and innate ability to spot emerging talents have made him a trusted authority in the fashion world. With his extensive knowledge and passion for fashion, Chuck has become the go-to source for fashion advice and inspiration for both industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards – President of PLC in Detroit, Michigan, is being honored as the Humanitarian of the Year for his philanthropic efforts. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Edwards’ outstanding contributions to the fashion industry and his tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity. With no formal education, Dr. Edwards began his career as an entry-level footwear designer for LA Gear at the age of 19. Over the past three decades, he has garnered numerous accolades, including the Red Dot award, three-time Mercedes Benz Fashion award winner, and being recognized as one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business. President Barack Obama also awarded him the President’s Volunteer of Service Award.
Dr. Edwards has designed over 500 footwear styles for top entertainers, including Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, and Michael Jordan. His designs have been worn in six different Olympics and by athletes in MLB, NFL, and NBA stadiums. In 2010, he established PENSOLE, the first academy in the U.S. dedicated to footwear design, which has become the leading footwear design school globally.
Maurice Malone – The renowned fashion designer behind Maurice Malone USA, Maurice Malone will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Maurice Malone is a renowned fashion innovator who has made an indelible mark on the industry. With four decades of experience under his belt, he has become a true icon in the world of fashion. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. As the founder and designer of Maurice Malone USA, he has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged norms, creating groundbreaking designs that have set new standards in the industry. Maurice’s unique vision and commitment to excellence continue to inspire aspiring designers and leave a lasting impact on the world of fashion.
Scarlet Monroe-Caine – CEO of Redfunk Collections, is being celebrated as the Fashion Vanguard of Tomorrow. Scarlet Monroe-Caine is an esteemed figure in Michigan’s fashion industry, recognized as a Vanguard Honoree for her contributions to the field. With her visionary leadership as the CEO of Redfunk Collections, she has redefined the boundaries of fashion and emerged as a true leader for others to be inspired by. Scarlet’s keen eye for style, coupled with her unwavering commitment to innovation, has earned her the prestigious title of Fashion Vanguard of Tomorrow. Through Redfunk Collections, she continues to push the envelope of creativity, setting new trends and inspiring fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Daishawn Franklin – CEO of Indie Fashions, is being recognized as the Fashion Innovator of the Year! Daishawn Franklin is a visionary CEO and fashion innovator who is reshaping the fashion industry. As the founder and CEO of Indie Fashions, he has created a revolutionary platform that empowers independent fashion designers with unique talents and designs and offers them to a global audience. Daishawn’s passion for supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity in fashion has earned him the esteemed title of Fashion Innovator of the Year.
Daishawn’s commitment to fostering a community of talented designers and challenging the traditional fashion norms is making a lasting impact on the fashion industry as a whole.
Loren D. Hicks – President & CEO of Michigan Fashion Week, Loren D.Hicks is being honored with the Vanguard Trailblazer Award. Loren Hicks is widely recognized for her power networking and memorable fashion events. Hicks is an entrepreneur with a big heart for women in business and the fashion industry combined. She is an expert event producer with each of her events averaging over 1,000 attendees. She knows the ins and out of putting on a successful production and has won numerous awards. Her most popular collaborations are with companies such as Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
Hicks also has a giving heart and has formed a non-profit company to bring sewing and design programs back into the public school system.
The Detroit Fashion Choice Awards will be held January 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Garden Theater located at 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. To purchase tickets to the event please click HERE.