One year after the organization’s relaunch, the Detroit Fashion Community takes home Fashion Community of the Year at the 2024 Detroit Fashion Choice Awards.

What Are The Detroit Fashion Choice Awards?

Originally a repurposed 50th birthday celebration for Detroit entertainment legend Dave Bishop, The Detroit Fashion Choice Awards is an annual event hosted by Choice Events, dedicated to acknowledging Community Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Community Activists, and Politicians in Detroit who align with the organization’s core values: Influence, Tenacity, and Philanthropy–  providing a respected platform for recognition, motivation, and honor since 2017. 

THE DFC TAKES HOME dfca 2024 FASHION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEar!

The 8th annual Detroit Choice Awards took place on February 4, 2024 at The historic Garden Theatre in Midtown Detroit where the Detroit Fashion Community hosted the DFCA 2024 Red Carpet experience. The DFC spoke to nominees, presenters, and well-wishers as they funneled into the VIP reception strutting up the red carpet, the focal point of the Theater’s main atrium. 

The highly anticipated awards show was hosted by Liz Lewin, a genuine and passionate communicator who brought excitement and expertise to the stage. Alongside the Fox 2 news reporter was Comedian, Josiah Jones, the second host of the Detroit Fashion Choice Awards who brought the perfect blend of humor and wholesome entertainment to the stage. Together, the two effortlessly filled in the night’s transitional moments keeping guests thoroughly entertained. 

Members of the DFC were spotted in the audience and woven into the logistics of the grand event as Trophy Ambassadors, and Presenters—including the DFC’s Director of Events, Kevin Maples. For members of the Detroit Fashion Community in attendance, one of the the highlights of the night was taking home Fashion Organization of the Year, just one year after the organization’s relaunch. In a category among other iconic fashion organizations, the DFC is honored to have gained the respect of its peers.

Detroit Fashion Choice nominees are chosen by the Detroit Fashion Choice Council based on community impact and voted on by their peers.

The DFC would like to give a special shoutout to the following 2024 DFCA nominees:

Tyree Taylor - Model of the Year 

Jamilya Gwenne - Emerging Designer

Stephane Parker (aka Raymond Carlos) - Favorite Fashion Photographer

April Elle - Makeup Artist of the Year

Stephanie Bedell aka The Bag Ladie - Fashion Stylist of the Year

Urban Haberdashery/ Loafs & Co. - Favorite fashion Footwear

The Vestry - Favorite Fashion Formal Wear. 

Check out the full list of nominees and winners.  

2024 Vanguard & Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Escorted by the DFC’s Executive Director, Lauren Woodson, was DFCA Vanguard 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Chuck Bennett, known as “The Michigan Style Guru”.  Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Fashion,” Chuck’s impact on the fashion industry can be felt far and wide as  a true icon in the world of fashion. He has played a vital role in shaping the local fashion community, nurturing emerging talents, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in the industry. Through his tireless work, Chuck has paved the way for aspiring designers, models, and stylists, leaving an enduring legacy in the process.  His exceptional contributions and influence have earned him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Detroit Fashion Choice Awards, where he is also recognized as a Vanguard Honoree. Chuck Bennett’s lifetime dedication to fashion and his unparalleled influence have made him a true vanguard in the industry. 

Friend of the DFC and 2024 “Fashion Innovator Of The Year” DFCA Vanguard honoree, Daishawn Franklin is a visionary, 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 to showcase their unique talents and designs to a global audience. Daishawn’s passion for supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity in fashion has earned him the esteemed title of ‘2024 DFCA Fashion Innovator of the Year’. 

2024 DFCA Vanguard “Fashion Vanguard Of Tomorrow” honoree, Scarlet Monroe-Caine is an esteemed figure in the 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 trailblazer. Scarlet’s keen eye for style, coupled with her unwavering commitment to innovation, has earned her the prestigious title of ‘2024 DFCA Fashion Vanguard of Tomorrow’. Through Redfunk Collections, she continues to push the envelope of creativity, setting new trends and inspiring fashion enthusiasts worldwide. 

The DFCA also honored Dr. D’Wayne Edwards as its “2024 DFCA Humanitarian of the Year”. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, renowned footwear designer and educator, 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 Lewis College of Business and Design,  the nation’s first-ever reinstated HBCU, and the first academy in the U.S. dedicated to footwear design, which has become the leading footwear design school globally. 

DFCA 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree 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 DFCA 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. 

About The Detroit Fashion Council

The Detroit Fashion Choice Council is a group of people with a strong sense of responsibility toward community impact committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where fashion designers, stylists, models, and industry professionals can thrive and showcase their talent. The Detroit Fashion Choice Council aims to cultivate a sense of pride in Detroit’s fashion heritage while embracing new trends and pushing boundaries. 

The Detroit Fashion Community would like to thank everyone that voted for and supported the DFC and its missions!