Michigan Fashion Week is in style

DETROIT — Glitz, glamour and graffiti will enhance Eastern Market’s Shed 3 when the annual Michigan Fashion Week sashays down the runway June 15-16.

Fashion followers are invited to enjoy two nights of fashion shows featuring styles from local designers. Thursday night has been dubbed “Streetwear Showcase,” and the audience will get a look at styles straight from the streets of the Motor City.

“It’s a fun, casual street style. Detroit is known for their graffiti streetwear and rugged look,” MFW CEO and founder Loren Hicks said. “It’s sweatshirts, painted jeans, gym shoes, graffiti shirts, hats and beanies.”

Friday night’s “High-Fashion Showcase” will turn the spotlight on one-of-a-kind couture looks.

“It will have a Met Gala-type feel,” Hicks said. “It’s a very formal fashion show.”

Doors open at 5 p.m. both evenings with the fashion shows beginning at 7 p.m. Models, designers, vendors, photographers, videographers, buyers and sponsors will all come together to put on an entertaining evening with all the current fashion trends.

“It’s definitely high-energy and very lively,” Hicks said. “It’s a lot of work but we have a great time. I have a great team.”

MFW originated in 2012 when Hicks thought it was time to have a fashion week modeled after Paris, New York City and Los Angeles.

“I saw the need for this here,” Hicks said. “Michigan is full of talented individuals. This provides an avenue for fashion students to stay here in Michigan.”

“Michigan Fashion Week provides the bridge between fashion designers, models, photographers, advertising agencies, model agencies, fine artists, make-up and hair stylists, exhibitors, and entrepreneurs in the beauty, and fashion industry directly to consumers. Michigan Fashion Week strives to produce an upscale quality event with the overall goal of bringing awareness and economic growth to the international fashion industry,” a MFW press release states. “Our objective is to provide real business opportunities to fashion designers and fashion businesses to showcase their skills and abilities in the most professional way.”

MFW organizers work with higher education institutions to recruit and develop talent while also providing an avenue for students to learn real-world skills in the various industries that contribute to the event.

Organizers also work to collaborate with local businesses to create new networking opportunities through hosted events, special sales promotions, and social media marketing efforts.

Prior to the fashion shows, MFW has some preview events scheduled. A press preview and networking event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 13 at Bamboo Royal Oak, located at 220 S. Main St., in Royal Oak.

A shopping and networking event also is set for June 14 at the Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, in Troy. The event will be at Express from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and at Chanel Beauty at Macy’s from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free, but you must register in advance. Visit the website MichiganFashionWeek.com for information on how to register and for tickets to the June 15-16 fashion shows.

Eastern Market’s Shed 3 is located at 2698 Russell St., between Division and Adelaide streets in Detroit.