The sustainable fashion scene in Detroit is on the rise, and the College for Creative Studies and Carhartt are leading the way. During the 2022 Fall/Winter semester, students had the opportunity to collaborate with Carhartt, creating sustainable designs using returned and damaged garments. The students were split into four groups and given unique prompts, resulting in durable workwear designs that cater to everyday working situations.

The course, designed to give students a real-world view of the fashion industry, focused on Anthropological field study, connecting with the people in the neighborhood, and observing. The students were inspired by their own communities and created designs for urban farmers in Detroit using materials like puffer jacket samples, face masks, and scrap leather.

Aki Choklat, the Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design at CCS, says the fashion industry requires designers to have a wide range of skills, including digital skills, creative thinking, and the ability to translate original ideas into a product. The student designs will be showcased at a major international trade show in Italy this June, and the course will be offered again this fall to a new set of students.

Detroit’s thriving fashion community has caught the attention of designers and enthusiasts alike, with companies like Bottega Veneta showcasing their collections in the city. The collaboration between CCS and Carhartt is a testament to the growing interest in sustainable fashion, as designers look for ways to create clothing that is durable, functional, and environmentally conscious.

Fashion enthusiasts and travel experts alike can explore Detroit’s sustainable fashion scene and see how designers are making a difference. The city’s fashion community is on the rise, and the collaboration between CCS and Carhartt is just one example of the innovative designs and ideas coming out of the city. Come experience Detroit’s fashion scene and see what the future of sustainable fashion looks like.