The DFC Honors Celebrates Black History Month By Honoring 8 Black Fashion Designers Hosted At The Metropolitan Museum Of Design Detroit
The Detroit Fashion Community celebrated Black History Month by honoring Black fashion designers with a special reception and fashion art showcase at the Metropolitan Museum Of Design Detroit.
Fashion Design Honorees of the DFC Honors Reception
On February 28 the Detroit Fashion Community hosted a special Black History Month reception and fashion art showcase to shine a spotlight on the diverse and innovative contributions of Black fashion designers from Detroit. A portion of the Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit– the only design museum in Michigan highlighting design, technology, and art– was transformed into a vibrant showcase of artistry, with stunning exhibitions from Black designers, displaying each designer’s custom creation. From emerging designers to the well-established, the caliber of Detroit’s fashion talent was on full display for art and fashion enthusiasts alike to admire and inquire of each designer’s story, creative processes, and inspiration, as well as gain insights into their unique perspectives.
DFC Honors Honorees (From left to right) June Sutton and Tyrone ‘Fly Ty’ Hunter, with models and supporters.
Across the gallery, guests were treated to a complimentary wine bar serviced by Shmeka Carter, refreshments, and a custom photography installment by Glamorous Experiences.
The Detroit Fashion Community would like to thank its partners and sponsors: the Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit, Detroit By Design, Glamorous Experiences, Raymond Carlos Photography, She Owns It, JAI Associates, and WJZZ –the world’s oldest Jazz Radio station– for an amazing evening!
Take a look at our favorite moments of the night!
The Detroit Fashion Community is proud to highlight the following designers hailing from Detroit:
Dana Keaton Wilson
Dana Keaton Wilson is a fashion designer who truly enjoys creating eye-catching garments that women of all ages can stand out and feel great in. Dana creates fashionable works of art with innovative and structured designs that stand on their own. The Dana Keaton Collection guarantees durability presenting styles that are well-built and still represents the "fun" in functional fashion. Committed to being a source for trendy design and quality construction, Dana designs for an elegant woman who wants to stand out in a crowd from season to season.
Dana is also a fashion educator and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Detroit’s prestigious College for Creative Studies. Dana has facilitated guest lectures at various colleges and universities for major events. Dana also works as an instructor with various Community-based youth programs teaching her award-winning and is currently facilitating her award-winning program teaching Business Management and Marketing, Fashion Design and Illustration, Fine Arts/Drawing, Photography, Graphic Design, and Product Development to the youth.
Jamilya Gwenee
Nominated for the 2024 Detroit Choice Fashion Awards Favorite Emerging Designer, Jamilya is a multifaceted individual who has garnered success as a fashion influencer, wardrobe stylist, and internationally featured designer. With a keen eye for style and a passion for creativity, Ja Glam Couture has become a go-to brand for those seeking fashion inspiration and transcending pieces. As an international creative designer, Jamilya has collaborated with artists and other designers from around the world to create captivating and innovative collections that push the boundaries of creativity. As a fashion influencer, Jamilya uses her platform to showcase her latest designs and offer styling tips. Jamilya’s expertise as a wardrobe stylist allows her to curate stunning ensembles that perfectly capture her clients’ personalities and make them stand out in any crowd.
Tyrone ‘Fly Ty’ Hunter
The 2021 Detroit Fashion Choice Awards Favorite Male Fashion Designer, Tyrone Hunter ‘Fly Ty’, owner of Fly Ty Creations has been a staple in the Detroit Fashion industry for over twenty-five years. Since 1999 Ty Hunter has been designing hundreds of couture level prom gowns each year, in addition to custom children’s, and evening wear. Having designed for most of Detroit's chic and fashionable, Fly Ty has made a name for himself that stands the test of time.
Jalyssa Smith
Jalyssa "Ladii Jay" Smith is the face and founder behind "The Fashion Statement" a networking circle, fashion event production group that provides runway training classes, wardrobe styling and promotional modeling for high fashion and beauty ads, and lifestyle brand. Jalyssa is a promotional model turned fashion designer whose love for fabric and sewing developed from her time modeling well-crafted garments. Jalyssa is a self-taught seamstress who designs for women whose style is extravagant but perfect for the occasion. Jalyssa strives to help her clients embrace their inner and outer beauty through custom, handcrafted style as a fashion designer and personal stylist.
Tiffany Monet
Tiffany Monet is the designer and owner of House of Monet Knits Online Boutique, a custom, knitwear and crochet clothing line that carries pieces that cater to the personal style and lifestyle of any man, woman, and child. Tiffany has specialized in unique handmade garments for twenty-two years and offers both custom and ready-to wear garments.
June Sutton
Fit 2b Tied, a division of Creativity by June Sutton, owner and designer. Fit 2b Tied started in 2002 with a singular skirt made for the designer’s daughter. Entirely constructed from or centered around men’s neckties, the fashions were first showcased in the Peerless Productions Winter Wonderland Fashion show at the Atheneum Hotel in 2002. The brand has since evolved into a variety of one-of-a-kind fashions that make a statement on their own, becoming more visually fascinating over the years as no two designs are alike.
Dasha Crawley
Lady D is the owner of Je Suis Fashion, your one stop shop for all things custom Denim! Je Suis Fashion is a clothing line and fashion brand that focuses on empowering women. Lady D customizes denim apparel and accessories from shawls, to jeans, to dresses, and jumpsuits, lady D creates a unique look with love and intention.
Gina T.
Gina is a visionary and fashion designer who brings a unique and personalized touch to every garment. Gina’s artistry and individuality drives her to design distinct pieces that showcase her client’s individual style. Her design process involves close collaboration with each client, ensuring that their input and vision are incorporated into the final design. From intricate hand-sewn details to carefully selected fabrics Gina T’s creations are not only stylish but also reflect both the wearer’s identity and Gina’s skill.