Detroit’s Fashion Future: ISAIC and Carhartt Showcase Innovation at Month of Design

By The Michigan Chronicle

Detroit’s fabric of innovation is set to unfold on September 11, 2024, as the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) partners with Carhartt to present a forward-thinking event during the Detroit Month of Design. The “ISAIC + Carhartt Fashion Experience” promises to deliver an immersive look at the future of fashion and manufacturing in the heart of the city, further cementing Detroit’s resurgence as a creative powerhouse. The event will take place at 5800 Cass Avenue from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, offering attendees a chance to witness first-hand how the city is shaping the national and global textile industry.

Carhartt and ISAIC, two cornerstones of Detroit’s manufacturing legacy, have come together to celebrate a future that blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Attendees will walk through all three floors of ISAIC’s facility, gaining insight into the convergence of technology, design, and manufacturing that is driving Detroit’s place on the global stage.

The experience will feature guided tours of ISAIC’s advanced manufacturing facility, showcasing the latest in textile technology. The demonstrations, including 3D knitting and mixed reality applications, offer a glimpse into the future of manufacturing. But it doesn’t stop at the machinery; local designers will also have a presence in a pop-up shop, celebrating Detroit’s creative economy and spotlighting the talent brewing right in the city. Guests will enjoy live music from DJ Slikk Money, along with food and special discounts on Carhartt merchandise.

Carhartt, a Detroit-based brand with deep roots in the city’s industrial past, will offer a rare peek into their archives and workshop, bringing attendees closer to the craftsmanship that has kept the company at the forefront of durable workwear for over a century. As ISAIC CEO Jennifer Guarino highlights, “The ISAIC + Carhartt Fashion Experience embodies the spirit of Detroit Month of Design. By showcasing our city’s innovative approach to fashion and manufacturing, we’re not only celebrating Detroit’s rich manufacturing heritage but also its exciting future.”

Guarino’s words resonate with the broader message that Detroit’s legacy isn’t confined to the past but is intertwined with the future of global design. This event, as part of the Detroit Month of Design, underscores why the city holds the prestigious designation as a UNESCO City of Design. Detroit isn’t just reclaiming its role as a manufacturing hub; it’s shaping the future of sustainable fashion and collaborative creativity. “We’re proud to be part of this citywide celebration that positions Detroit as a national and global design capital,” Guarino adds, capturing the city’s progressive momentum.

This event’s significance goes beyond technology and production. It is rooted in the city’s commitment to uplift its community, fostering partnerships that drive local economic growth. Several community organizations, such as Alternatives for Girls, the Nowhere Collective, the ChipBag Project, and the Boys and Girls Fashion Industry Club, will host tables to share their contributions to workforce development, sustainability, and youth initiatives. These organizations are key to Detroit’s creative and manufacturing renaissance, offering pathways for young people and underrepresented groups to thrive in an evolving industry.

Carhartt has played a crucial role in ISAIC’s journey. “Carhartt is our long-standing partner and number one supporter,” Guarino said. “They were the first to believe in us before we officially launched. Their investment has been transformative to our growth and success.” This partnership not only highlights the importance of local collaboration but also provides a model for how established brands can support emerging organizations that are working to push the industry forward.

Attendees will experience how innovation and sustainability are driving fashion forward, with live demonstrations of advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D knitting and pinfelting. These processes are more than industry buzzwords—they represent a shift toward more responsible production methods that could revolutionize how apparel is made. Mixed reality demonstrations will offer an interactive look at how technology is reshaping both design and manufacturing, opening up possibilities for more efficient and sustainable practices.

As Detroit’s creative economy continues to flourish, this event offers a rare opportunity to see innovation in action while supporting local talent and initiatives. By showcasing a variety of local designers, ISAIC and Carhartt are not only promoting the city’s rich history but also cultivating a space for the next generation of creators.

The pop-up shop will give guests a chance to support designers who are on the ground level of Detroit’s fashion renaissance, blending culture and craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. This moment is an opportunity for Detroiters to celebrate not only the city’s industrial legacy but its creative evolution.

ISAIC and Carhartt’s commitment to fostering local talent, investing in sustainable practices, and pushing the boundaries of textile innovation are key drivers in Detroit’s ongoing resurgence. As the city continues to cement its place as a global leader in design and manufacturing, events like this serve as a reminder of the power of community collaboration and innovation.

“The future of sustainable fashion manufacturing is here in Detroit,” Guarino’s statement rings true as this collaborative event draws closer. From advanced manufacturing processes to supporting Detroit’s local designers, the ISAIC + Carhartt Fashion Experience offers a rare opportunity to witness how Detroit is driving the future of fashion, all while staying rooted in its history and community.

The “ISAIC + Carhartt Fashion Experience” embodies the spirit of the Detroit Month of Design by bringing together innovation, sustainability, and community-driven growth. This event isn’t just about celebrating the past or present—it’s about laying the groundwork for a future where Detroit is a recognized leader in fashion and manufacturing. The excitement around this event underscores what so many in Detroit already know: the city is not only a place of deep cultural and industrial roots but a growing global force, shaping tomorrow’s world of design.

This article was published by The Michigan Chronicle September 5, 2024. ISAIC is a member of SPESA.

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