See Next Seasons' Styles Exclusively At Detroit Fashion Week 2012

Detroit Fashion Week
By Raquel Parks

After much preparation, Detroit Fashion Week is returning with plenty of fashion, style, and glitz for Detroiters to enjoy. Detroit Fashion Week 2012 (DFW) will highlight the hottest trends for Spring/Summer 2013 while offering new venues and designer showcases.

Eight years ago, DFW was created to bring Detroit designers, stylists, and models to the forefront, as seen in New York Fashion Week. DFW producer and fashion photographer, Brian Heath has put a lot into the fashion event over the years and 2012 will be no exception.

Brian Heath took some time from his schedule to explain everything that goes into DFW and what guests can expect this year. Heath begins by describing all the people involved in delivering a successful DFW.

"…It's what happens after the shows that makes the difference for our participants. We work year-round on keeping our alumni participants up to date on trends, events, [and] training," says Heath.

He goes on to explain, "We place the same demands on our designers, models, makeup, stylists and behind-the -scenes staff that the [public] would find in any other domestic fashion week event. Our designers learn how to present to buyers, our models get signed with major agencies and have become Miss Michigan, Miss USA and cover models for companies like Johnson Products," he says.

Several DFW alumni will be appearing and presenting this year. Dianne Berry and Nikyah Lumbard are among the new designers while veteran, Camille Jeanay, who has a line that was in Miami Style Week-Mercedes Benz Fashion Week summer showcase, is among those that will be returning.

Each designer that's presenting a collection is presenting work that is being seen in Michigan first.

"All of our designers must show next seasons spring/summer lines exclusively to DFW, prior to showing anywhere else in Michigan. It's what we deliver to our audience and buyers each year, it is the standard we place on them. That's what makes all of our showcases different year after year. "

Although guests can expect to see a lot of fashion tradition and familiar faces, this year's event will be different from previous years. There will be various changes and additions to look forward to in DFW 2012.

Heath provides details behind the changes. "We decided to do the shows with more of an exclusive feel this year as our events are guest-listed only and there will be no seating sold at the door of the events. We also moved to venues that meet with our theme for this year which is 'Launch'. Our venues for showcases are the Detroit Yacht Club and The Princess Boat cruise ship."

He also shares that showcases have also been modified. "We combined our student shows to present to a more professional audience, along with our Designer showcases. We also have accessory showcases this year."

There is much to expect and anticipate for DFW 2012. As the event continues to grow, the demand and vision will only become greater in time. Heath expresses the goals and focus for the future of DFW.

"We want to be sure we are always moving the event in the right direction and attracting designers, buyers and press from all over. This year we were contacted by F-Politic in London. They cover all of the fashion week and trade shows across the world and will carry our designers' images for this year's Detroit Fashion Week..." says Heath.

"We have had great support and hope to attract more sponsors for this year's showcases and keep our base growing into the future."

Detroit Fashion Week will be held from September 23 to the 29. The Detroit Yacht Club Designer Showcases will take place on September 26, from 7 pm to 12:30 am. Showcase seating is $35 per person.

Front row seating is $60 per person and includes a swag bag. The Princess Riverboat Showcase Cruise will be held on September 29, from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. Showcase seating is $35 and front row seating is $60 with a swag bag. Premium seating to attend both events are $120. To purchase tickets for DFW, visit detroitfashionweek.com.