What’s up, Detroit!
I’m excited to share with you my post about my experience at Light Up Livernois 2018! It seems like I’ve experienced a lot of firsts over the past few weeks:
Now I can add my first Light Up Livernois to my list of first Detroit events I’ve attended.
Light Up Livernois is an annual event hosted by Explore Livernois on Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion on Livernois Avenue south of 6 Mile.
The event is part of Design Core Detroit’s Detroit Month of Design– a citywide celebration of art, creativity, designers, and community.
I was excited to attend Light Up Livernois because I wanted to learn more about Detroit’s fashion scene. Just like NYC, I know Detroit has its own unique city style.
Twenty-two businesses participated in the event including community performers such as the Cass Tech High School Band.
A Night Market was also held where vendors featured their art, fashion, food, handmade products, and other specialty designs.
Businesses like Teasers Boutique,
Live music and food trucks were also at the event. It was a lovely evening walking through the Avenue of Fashion and visiting the shops and vendors.
This was my introduction to the historic fashion
For me, Light Up Livernois was not just about celebrating art, creativity, and design. It was also a beautiful celebration of culture as many African American artists, designers, entrepreneurs came together to showcase their work!
DETROIT LITTLE LIBRARIES
Detroit Little Libraries featured 19 library houses on the Avenue of Fashion throughout the Detroit Month of Design in September.
Local artists painted the little libraries as part of a competition. You can read more about it here on the Metro Times official site.
CARIBBEAN MARDI GRAS PRODUCTIONS
Caribbean Mardi Gras Productions was also at Light Up Livernois. Owned by Ralph Taylor, men, women, and children danced in a parade fashion down Livernois Avenue.
The dancers wore Trinidadian Carnival-style costumes. One, in particular, reminded me of a peacock’s feathered tail. It was a sight to see!
FASHION SHOWS
Fashion, of course, was a big highlight at Light Up Livernois. I was able to see two fashion shows featuring designs from Blo
Jewelry designer Jennifer Vermeersch also had her beautiful designs featured in both fashion shows. Models wore Jennifer’s designs for each show.
GABRIELLE HATCHER– CLICKYOHEELS
Gabrielle Hatcher, aka Clickyoheels, is a Detroit-based fashion designer and stylist. I ran into Gabrielle behind the scenes of the fashion show at Light Up Livernois. I love her bubbly personality and passion for the arts and fashion.
According to Rock Starr Naturally, Gabrielle creates natural hair wigs called “Clickyoheels Hair.” I love the style of the Clickyoheels Hair natural hair wigs, and I love big curly hair so you know I was diggin’ Gabrielle’s style!
You can follow Gabrielle on Instagram @clickyoheels.
THE DANA KEATON COLLECTION
Dana Keaton is not only a master fashion design artist, but she is also a fashion educator. The designer teaches Fashion Design and Modeling for youth ages 8 to 17.
According to Dana’s official website, her students have been featured in various events throughout the greater Detroit area. The students have even been published in domestic and international magazines.
Dana’s fashion shop is located in Ferndale, Michigan. She sells designs such as jewelry, clothing, art, and accessories. Her work has also been featured in Vogue Magazine, Detroit News, CNN, and BLAC Magazine.
Dana’s next event will be at the TRES’ CHIC fashion show in Ferndale. You can get tickets for $25 here.
JENNIFER VERMEERSCH JEWELRY
Jennifer Vermeersch is a Detroit-based artist, jewelry designer, and metalsmith. Her designs are absolutely beautiful. I loved each piece that was featured in the fashion show.
Jennifer designs and makes her jewelry. According to her official Facebook page, her jewelry is good for “every day or extravagant as red carpet jewels.” You can find Jennifer on her Instagram and Facebook.
OTHER UNIQUE ART & DESIGNS FEATURED AT LIGHT UP LIVERNOIS
Here are a few more photographs I took of some unique art and designs I came across at Light Up Livernois.
As I mentioned before, I am new to the Detroit fashion scene, but it is something I have been wanting to learn more about.
Attending Light Up Livernois gave me a glimpse into just how stylish Detroit really is and I loved every minute of it! I can’t wait to explore more of Detroit fashion.
I’m not a fashion blogger, but I do LOVE FASHION. I especially love creatives who work hard to stand out from the crowd and create their own unique designs.
So as I continue to explore Detroit fashion, stay tuned for future blog posts about the fashion scene in the 313!
And if you’re a fashion designer and/or stylist and you’d like to connect to discuss a possible fashion feature on Good Life Detroit, send me an email at jennifer@goodlifedetroit so we can connect!
What were your favorite designs you saw at Light Up Livernois?
Also, check out on the blog: