Michigan's Ultimate Style Experience: Michigan Fashion Week

Leading the way in Fashion and Style, Detroit has the designers, the models and the concepts to be at the cutting edge of fashion. Michigan Fashion Week is a four-day event that brought together a one-of-a-kind fashion experience to Michigan. Formed in 2012, Loren Hicks, President & Founder had a desire to shine the spotlight on the growing industry of designers, artists, and models in Michigan and the Midwest. Now 12 years later, Michigan Fashion Week continues to grow and it aims to showcase and develop Michigan's talent. It is accomplished by providing a platform where, the rapidly growing market can align itself with other prestigious segments of the American Fashion Industry.

Michigan Fashion Week was no ordinary fashion show, this themed event, "Glamour Cloud" brought out some of the best in the industry, including those new up and coming designers and models. Models were modeling and the designers, designed! One thing that was noticeable was the consistency amongst designers. The creation of their designs remained limitless. Just when you thought you were wowed beyond comprehension, there was another outfit that took front and center stage. The use of textures, colors and fabrics, left guest enthralled by the end of the night. Chatter could be heard as models walked the runway, perched atop Detroit's Godfrey Hotel, inside the I|O Rooftop Lounge. Beautifully transformed into a stunning and creative space. The epitome of contemporary luxury and sophistication created a new experience for guest. It was a perfect combination of elements, and by having the beautiful backdrop of downtown Detroit, it gave "Urban Chic" vibes.

It's not simple putting together a fashion show but to have a fashion show experience, it's definitely not an easy task. There were 23 designers and more than 40 models who had the opportunity to showcase their talents plus a team of workers. Michigan Fashion Week is the place to be, especially if you've never had the chance to attend. Conveniently located in Detroit, if you love everything fashion, there is no excuse, get there!

Loren Hicks, CEO/President & Founder of Michigan Fashion Week, took the time during the event to talk to the Telegram News specifically. We didn't take up much time, but we had the chance to ask her questions that we hope you wanted to know the answers to them. Loren Hicks, lives and breathes everything fashion. This is how she feels as a creative in the industry, "It feels good, I'm an active influencer, I love to just talk to people, help people along the way and I'm excited for the direction that Detroit is going in fashion scene." Detroit is known for its talented people and the downfall is that once they achieve a certain level and status, they move from the area and they head to New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles to continue on with life but that is not the mindset of Loren Hicks. She let us know why she remains local, "I was born and raised here, I went to Grand Valley State University and after I graduated, I moved down to Dallas, Texas and quickly realized that I wanted to be back at home with my friends and family. So, it's nothing like hometown. I love Detroit, so when I moved back here, I was straight on going to any other city. The love of hometown made me stay here. Detroit has character and knowing the people really creates the community."

Models are a part of that community as well. The model life may look easy, glamorous and appealing but, it takes time, effort and an unending level of self-control and self-confidence. Models go through so much and have been told no, more times than they want to hear.

Model, Heather Purnell who started modeling at 10 years of age and stopped at age 15, told us that she went on with living life. She went to college and had even left Michigan. However, when she came back, she found that modeling is her passion. Now without hesitation and limitations, she is now modeling. As an adult she spoke to those who aspire to land a space in the fashion industry. "There were opportunities for me to model, here in the city, here in Detroit, they didn't care about the height, the weight, the size, as long as you could walk and pose. They wanted you. So, I found my niche, I found my market and I began modeling and I found myself here at Michigan Fashion Week, it's crazy.

Model Heather Purnell, was asked, "What's something in this season that can help somebody else?" Her response was, "In this season, something that can help somebody else, is to put yourself out there. I know it sounds cliché but, the more you put yourself out there, the more you'll be exposed. Make a comp card, go on canva, get some pictures even if there are professionals, throw it together and start there. Then go on Instagram and start connecting with photographers, they are always looking for models, be ready all the time. Even if your hair isn't done, swoop it up into a bun, put your lip gloss on and go! You'll be surprised, the inner beauty that people see in you. Put yourself out there, is your top goal."

Michigan Fashion Week is an experience of a lifetime. This year, "Glamour Cloud" was exactly what attendees were left to experience. The exact meaning of those two words, glamour and cloud. Our minds and imaginations were left high above the city streets of Detroit. More than a fashion show, guests, saw the pinnacle of style and sophistication. Each collection showcased the designers' vision and how they pushed the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. From every stich to every embellishment, each piece was meticulously crafted.

In the words of Loren Hicks, President/CEO and founder of Michigan Fashion Week, it was a celebration of creativity, innovation and the boundless possibilities of fashion. "The hearts and minds of people were filled with memories of this extraordinary event, they carry with them a piece of its magic-a reminder that in the world of fashion, the sky is truly the limit."