In the
world of fashion, people can be put on a bell curve and described in one of
five ways: fashion innovators, fashion leaders, the masses, late adopters, and
fashion laggards. Their names are exactly as they sound. The fashion innovators
are the first to start a trend, and its no surprise that they would live in the
trendiest cites: New York, LA, Paris, Milan, London. Next come the fashion
leaders, followed by mass adoption from the general population, and then the
late adaptors and laggards. There are a variety of factors that tie into where
one falls on the bell curve, including their demographic location, age, and
most importantly their interest in fashion. The Midwest is notorious for
falling in the middle of the curve. Here in Michigan, we are typically regarded
as average when it comes to fashion. But something important in last few years
has started to happen: Detroit is trending.
Dubbed as
“The New Brooklyn”, the Detroit brand is growing and Downriver, MI has a prime
spot right outside the city. Companies like The
Detroit Garment Group have brought fashion to Michigan through their annual
Fashionspeak conference, industrial sewing certification program, and current
efforts in building a fashion incubator for young designers. Companies like Shinola have made Detroit a national
luxury brand and capitalized on the city’s history. Downriver native, and world
famous fashion designer, John Varvatos has supported the city by bringing his
brand to Woodward Ave. And then of course there are the loyal and trendy
boutiques that occupy the city and surrounding areas, like The Willow Tree and Chelsea.
Nothing
brings out creativity like difficult times, and Detroit has had its fair share.
The city is in a period of rebirth, and Downriver is along for the ride.
Written by our "Guest Blogger" Ms. Jamie Campbell of Central Michigan University's Fashion Merchandising and Design Program. She's also a Summer Intern at Willow Tree.
