The third annual FashionSpeak, a conference designed for people working in Michigan’s fashion industry, returns this year with a keynote speech from noted eveningwear designer and Detroit native Kevan Hall.
“I think it’s really important to show our talent base and our expertise, and really reach out to those who have found success in their industries: Kevan is one of them,” says Karen Buscemi, president of the Detroit Garment Group, a nonprofit organization working to cultivate opportunities for Michigan’s fashion community, and the host of the event.
“He is an amazing eveningwear designer, his work is impeccable, he’s been around for the long haul. And he does it all with charm and grace.”
The one-day conference, held on Oct. 15 at the One Woodward building in downtown Detroit, will feature five workshops on the business of fashion, including apparel production, understanding the supply chain, and what it takes to set up a store, among other topics.
Presenters also include Kim Banat, vice president of the commercial banking division of FirstMerit Bank; Roslyn Karamoko, a buying expert and retail consultant; and Lori McGhee, group director of specialty leasing at Taubman Center Inc. in Bloomfield Hills, among others.
“The bulk of (Michigan) schools with fashion programs don’t teach a business class of any sort to the students,” Buscemi says. “So that’s really our whole point for doing this is that they’re learning all different aspects of business as it relates to fashion.”
Buscemi says she expects 250 to attend, including photographers, bloggers, students, and wardrobe stylists. “(The conference) gives our fashion community an opportunity to come together and actually understand how big we are,” she adds.
Event tickets cost $40.
