Detroit’s fashion scene has reached the cusp of greatness with a weekend of fashion that was on fire! Along with Kanye West’s pop-up shop, BlackOut Entertainment, held their premier fashion show at Cobo Hall for local Detroit fashion designers Malik Johnson and Keon Kenney of DopAR Clothing; Sharniece Taylor of My Damaged Attire; Kyle Owens, Lonell Car II & Jaysoun Douglas of Doer by D.E.F.I.N.E.; and Mia Nicole. This was the designers’ debut to the city of Detroit.
Clothing from metro-Detroit boutiques Tenue Du Jour (Trenetta Marie); KFlair Fashion Studios (Breana Mills); Fifth Sole (Laurial Ross); and Slay Closet (Dreisha Jones) also took the stage. Local poets Zenobia and Royale stimulated the audience with their performances and a live painting from Escada was also presented during the fashion show. Not only did BlackOut Entertainment provide Detroit with visuals of ambition, but a percentage of proceeds from the event will go to another Detroit business, Fighting Colors to help purchase wigs for children. Who knew fashion could be chic and charitable?
The BlackOut Fashion Art and Music Affair was sponsored by local businesses, Hidden Treasure Revealed and Negash who took part in a clothes and book bag giveaway for attendees.
Rolling out sat down with Lonell Car II & Jaysoun Douglas of Doer by D.E.F.I.N.E. fashions and Malik Johnson & Keon Kenney of DopAR Clothing to get an inside scoop on what Detroit fashion really is.
What does fashion mean to you?
Lonell: Fashion is an addition to your character. I believe that no matter what you do, you want to send the right message to others with your appearance. Fashion is expressing yourself period.
Malik: To me fashion is standing out. In a way you’re speaking out to whomever you come across, so for me I’d want to stand out the best way possible.
When did you start designing?
Kyle: We started in 2013
Malik: 2013 as well
What influences your designs?
Malik: Jay-Z and Diddy most definitely!
What are your future plans for your designs?
Jaysoun: We want to get across to others that fashion isn’t just clothing it’s a lifestyle! Also motivate others to become Doers and chase their dreams.
