Detroit hasn't exactly been known as a fashion-forward city, but Brit Moore is one designer who thinks that's about to change. Just give her until 2015.
Glancing through the racks at Bella Mia Dressed Up in Plymouth, Michigan, one can easily pick out the well-known brands of Kenzie and Free People. On closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that not all of the clothing labels are so mass-produced. Take B. Moore designs, for instance. Designed and sewn by Plymouth-native Brit Moore, 21, the homegrown label represents a step toward the rejuvenation of Detroit. Here, the International Academy of Design and Technology alum puts her thoughts on the D-Town fashion scene into coffee-table-book format.
If I were to write a book about fashion in Detroit, its cover would be a calendar opened to a future date. Placed in one of the squares – let’s just say June 6, 2015 – would be an image of the Detroit skyline. Instead of buildings composing the signature scene, however, there would be dress forms in their place.
My most inspired chapters would focus on discussing the future. The future of fashion is going to move away from the historic fashion centers, and I see Detroit becoming a leader among other up and coming cities. Fashion is everywhere. Art is everywhere. Everything is becoming more decentralized. But Detroit will be a stronger player in the industry. The fashion community will continue to grow here and Detroit will have its own recognized fashion identity.
For readers wanting to assimilate to the Detroit fashion scene, I would suggest they invest in their craft and their community. Whether you’re designing, sewing, writing or taking photographs, it’s important to develop those skills. Do what you can to raise the standards. Get plugged into the community, know what’s going on and be there when it happens.
I would also recommend they look into similar Detroit-based designers like Wound, Femilia, Joe Faris, Zaynini Fashion International, PeaceLoveSpandex—There are so many more working designers out there (sorry for not naming you all).
For further reading, I would list websites and publications like Detroit Fashion Pages, Angela’s Eye, Hour Detroit, Ambassador, Real Detroit, Shei Magazine, Detroit By Design, Detroit Make It Here.
And, of course, I would dedicate the book to those who make a book about fashion in Detroit exist in the first place. And Dave Bing [former NBA icon and businessman who is running for Detroit mayor].
Brit is currently working on her summer collection, which she says will be up for sale on her website near the end of May.