Michigan Fashion Organizations Making a Positive Impact
Top Michigan Fashion Organizations Dedicated to Making a Positive Impact in Michigan’s Fashion Community
There’s no question: Michigan has dozens of creative and ambitious fashion professionals with profound dedication who want to improve Michigan’s fashion community climate.
Throughout the years, we’ve seen fashion leaders, including designers, fashion bloggers, stylists, and entrepreneurs alike, start organizations and small businesses with ambitious missions, detailed agendas, and creative logos that look great on social media. But are these organizations really making an impact? Who’s leading the way in terms of change and positivity? I’ve created a healthy list of Michigan organizations below to help answer these essential questions.
Michigan Fashion Organizations Currently Making a Positive Impact
Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit @mm_o_dd
Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit, or MM-O-DD, offers a convivial atmosphere and encourages curiosity, collaboration, and inclusivity in every move the organization makes. It was founded by Leslie Pilling, adjunct professor at CCS, College for Creative Studies, and owner of Leslie Pilling Designs. LLC., MM-O-DD provides access to experiential educational enrichment opportunities through collaborative exhibitions and programming. Known for her impeccable designs and educational events, Pilling focuses heavily on celebrating local creatives and their talents, giving them a platform to shine and be seen while educating her audience at the same time. MM-O-DD was established in 2013 and is still going strong offering consistent programming in science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, edutainment, and design. Visit mm-o-dd to learn more.
Detroit Sewn @detroitsewn
Detroit Sewn, established in 2015, was founded by local abstract artist and published author Karen Buscemi. The organization’s mission is simple: to provide jobs for local sewers, offering high-quality services and timely delivery of quality products to their valued customers. Located in Pontiac, Michigan, Detroit Sewn is a WOSB-certified manufacturing house that manufactures government and military contracts, clothing brands, home goods companies, and many more, offering production pieces into the thousands. A second part of the organization is Karen’s Academy, which brings educational courses to the community such as The Fundamentals of Apparel Manufacturing and Setting Prices for Your Apparel Brand. Visit detroitsewn.com to learn more.
ISAIC @isaicdetroit
ISAIC is an industrial sewing and innovation center located in Detroit above Carhartt’s flagship store and offers a unique approach to talent force development and economic stimulus. A Detroit-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, ISAIC is a national resource for those committed to positively impacting the community through responsible production of high-quality garments. It provides solutions centered around people, education, advanced manufacturing, and upward mobility for workers. ISAIC offers a proprietary training curriculum currently being used in several states nationwide. Once a VP of Manufacturing at Shinola, founder Jennifer Guarino established ISAIC in March of 2017 and continues to stand as the President & CEO of the nonprofit organization. Visit isaic.org to learn more.
Zaman International @zamaninternational
Zaman International, a nonprofit organization in Inkster, Michigan, was established in 2004. When Zaman International – Hope for Humanity officially became an NGO, the organization committed itself to addressing basic needs and empowering marginalized women and children through relief and development programs. Since 2016, Zaman has operated out of the Hope For Humanity Center, a 40,500-square-foot facility in Inkster that houses its crisis assistance, vocational training, and life skills programs, which include sewing programs taught and led by local fashion designer and Taj Cottage boutique owner Rachna Chandra. The industrial sewing program educates women in proper sewing skills, allowing them to earn certifications and skills needed to work in the fashion industry. Visit zamaninternational.org.
Detroit Fashion Community @detroitfashioncommunity
Detroit Fashion Community, a membership-based organization, is fairly new in the Michigan fashion scene. Established in 2019, DFC was founded by fashion stylist Latrice Delgado-Macon and offers community enrichment programs, membership opportunities, and special events geared to support local fashion businesses and their leaders. Networking opportunities, scholarships, and event support are all benefits available to members and program sponsors. Visit detroifashioncommunity.org to learn more.
Fashion Group International, Detroit @fgi.detroit
Fashion Group International, Detroit is a global nonprofit organization headquartered in New York. It all started in 1928 when seventeen women gathered with the direction of Edna Woolman Chase, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, met for a memorable lunch in New York. After much planning, the organization then became official in 1930. The group’s mission is to provide members of each region a forum for professional development and career advancement in the fashion and beauty sectors. Award ceremonies, networking events, and educational programs are offered at least four times a year at each chapter to encourage community engagement and advancement. To learn more about the Detroit chapter, visit fgi.org/detroit.
Michigan Fashion Week @mifashionweek
Michigan Fashion Week may put on great fashion events and runway shows bringing thousands together each year, but education and opportunity are key elements within the organization as well. MFW and it’s founder Loren Hicks offers a program called Beyond the Runway; Program Series. The educational series entails captivating workshops and modules surrounding the subjects of fashion and the business of fashion. The MFW mission behind this series is to educate fashion pros and hopefuls marketing strategies, manufacturing intricacies, sustainability practices, retail details, strategic pricing methodologies, the art of reselling, and much much more. To learn more about Michigan Fashion Week, visit michiganfashionweek.com.