Start taking the before pictures of Detroit, because once the Detroit Garment Group gets a hold of it, it won’t look the same. The nonprofit group plans to provide support and guidance for fashion businesses in Detroit and for the city itself. Good news for all of you young Detroiters looking to start local fashion ventures.
The Detroit Garment Group launched last week, but has already gained interest from the community, eager to support the non-profit. The CEO, Karen Buscemi, editor of StyleLine Magazine, launched the nonprofit to help local designers and bring retailers into Detroit. The group also plans to oversee beautification initiatives and provide marketing and public relations services. They want to bring shoppers into the city while getting the country to take notice of Detroit’s fashion industry.
Buscemi was born in Detroit and like many other native Detroiters, wants to help its rebirth. “My mom worked for Hudson’s downtown,” she wrote. “She loved shopping in Detroit, and I’d like to play a significant role in making that love of Detroit shopping a regular reality for people in and around the city, as well as out-of-towners.”
The Detroit Garment Group is still in the beginning stages. Buscemi is currently choosing her Board of Directors and so far she has an impressive group. Currently the board consists of Mark D’Andreta, President of TD Industrial Coverings, Lesli Ann Philling, CEO of Michigan F.A.S.H. Fest, and Fotoula Lambros, President of Fotoula Lambros Design. Buscemi plans to slowly increase the board members to nine. “I’m taking my time with this to make sure I have a good selection of people in various aspects of the fashion industry with strong character and a serious drive to truly make a difference in Detroit- not just talk about it,” Buscemi wrote.
Currently, Buscemi is applying for 501 status for the organization. Once the paperwork is in, the Detroit Garment Group will begin to accept tax deductible donations. Although they’re not full up-and-running yet, they already have a project underway. But we’ll have to wait until October 1st to find out what the project is as the group is keeping it under wraps.
You can stay on top of Detroit Garment Group’s projects and progress at their website.
Source: Karen Busemi
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