State of Michigan Fashion 2026
Michigan Fashion Week Hosts Landmark Forum: “The State of Michigan Fashion 2026”
Detroit, MI — Michigan Fashion Week is set to ignite an important industry conversation with The State of Michigan Fashion 2026, a community forum bringing together leading voices in design, education, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation. Scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at The Edit in Detroit, this event aims to assess Michigan’s current fashion landscape and spotlight the opportunities shaping its future.
Hosted by Loren Hicks, Founder of Michigan Fashion Week and The Edit, the event will convene a dynamic panel of industry experts who each play a pivotal role in elevating fashion across the state. Panelists include:
Aki Choklat, Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design at the College for Creative Studies
Ken Walker, Founder & Head of Design at K. Walker Collective
Taylor Childs, Owner of Taylor Childs Studios
Amanda Sweet, Creative Fairy Godmother and Founder of The Revamp Clothing Swap Festival
Kiana Wenzell, Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit and Director of Detroit Month of Design
Together, these leaders will unpack the realities of Michigan’s fashion ecosystem—its strengths, gaps, cultural impact, business opportunities, and the collective work needed to solidify Michigan as an emerging hub for design talent.
“The State of Michigan Fashion is more than a panel,” says Hicks. “It’s a space for collaboration, for honesty, and for vision. Michigan has incredible designers and innovators, but we also have real challenges. This forum allows us to talk openly about what the industry needs to thrive.”
The evening will explore questions central to the future of fashion in the state:
How can Michigan better support emerging designers?
What role does education and mentorship play in industry growth?
Where are the untapped opportunities for manufacturing, retail, and sustainability?
How can the creative community work together to build an infrastructure that nurtures talent rather than pushing it away?
With Detroit’s rich history in design, craftsmanship, and culture, many believe the city is primed to become a national fashion destination. Events like this community forum serve as essential touchpoints for conversation, connection, and collective strategy.
The forum is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to register and submit questions in advance at www.michiganfashionweek.com. The event will take place from 7 PM to 9 PM at The Edit, located at 1600 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit.
As Michigan continues to carve out its place in the national fashion conversation, The State of Michigan Fashion 2026stands as a crucial moment—one where industry leaders and community members come together to shape the next chapter of style, innovation, and economic growth in the state.
