FashionSpeak 2015 Looks to Inform, Educate Fashionable Talent

    FashionSpeak logoIt used to be pretty normal for people to think of someone artistic and associate them with the term “starving artist.” These days, however, it’s cool to be creative and business savvy.

    That is where the mashup of fashion and industry come together through the annual FashionSpeak conference. The business-education event focuses on ways to keep Michigan’s fashion industry in touch with each other, connected to business resources and establish room for growth within the state, according to organizers.

    Last year’s conference, held for the first time at One Woodward in Detroit, sold out completely. The Oct. 15 event looks like it will do the same, especially after announcing its keynote speaker and headliner, Detroiter Kevan Hall.

    Kevin HallHall is a globally recognized powerhouse of a designer whose roots are all Detroit. From redefining the house of Halston as Design and Creative Director to establishing his own global brand of cocktail and evening wear that has been worn by celebs including Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron and Salma Hayek, organizers describe Hall as a designer at the top of his game.

    The Detroit Garment Group created FashionSpeak in October 2013, and it remains Michigan’s only conference for the fashion industry. Presented by Taubman, this one-day conference brings together nationally recognized experts in five fields crucial to the success of the fashion industry; each conducting a 70-minute workshop, all centered around the business of fashion.

    One Woodward is the ideal setting for this trend-setting event. At once historic and modern, One Woodward building has panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of the city and riverfront right in the heart of downtown Detroit. Last year’s event brought a sell-out crowd of 225 attendees. This year, another 25 chairs will be added to allow for 250 available tickets.

    There is a vast amount of talent in Michigan’s fashion industry, and DGG is poised to bolster education, provide resources and promote the successes of those in this segment.

    karenThis year’s lineup is:

    •    Keynote Speaker: Fashion Designer Kevan Hall;
    •    Apparel Production Expert Kristen Deryck – “Production 101: How To Get from Idea To I Did It”;
    •    Buying Expert and Retail Consultant Roslyn Karamoko – “Career Discovery: Buyer”;
    •    VP Commercial Banking division of FirstMerit Bank Kim Banat – “Money: How To Get It, What To Do with It, How To Make More of It”;
    •    Director, Strategic Communications Maria Mainville, Group Director of Specialty Leasing Lori McGhee, and Leasing Agents Jon Schey and Emily Taucher of Taubman – “What Does It Really Take To Open a Store?”

    DGG’s conference mission is “Keep Michigan Talent in Michigan,” said organizer Karen Buscemi. That goal is achieved by giving both students and professionals the tools, education and resources to be better business owners.

    Attendees receive top-notch education, insight and advice during the workshops. Continental breakfast and lunch is served, and attendees can later mix and mingle with the experts at the complimentary Thank You Cocktail Reception immediately following the conference. Attendees include fashion and accessories designers, photographers, bloggers, wardrobe stylists, fashion retailers, students and more.