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Vol. 2 Issue 1 Out Now

Fashion Collections From CCS Alumni On Display During Paris Fashion Week

Writer's picture: Darralynn HutsonDarralynn Hutson

Updated: Oct 29, 2024



For six fashion graduates from Detroit's College for Creative Studies (CCS), stepping into the world of Paris Fashion Week for the first time is a dream come true—both for them and for the city that educated them. Paris Fashion Week, known as the pinnacle of global fashion, showcases the most prestigious designers and trendsetters, setting the tone for the fashion industry worldwide. For these newly minted designers, this experience represents the ultimate opportunity to witness cutting-edge designs and network with fashion’s elite, while bringing the innovative spirit of Detroit to one of the most revered stages in the world.


With these CCS graduates making their mark at Paris Fashion Week in an international showcase; entitled ‘Detroit à Paris’, it signals a new chapter for Detroit's role in global fashion—one where the city's heritage of craftsmanship and creativity merges with the high stakes of international fashion.


Alumni who displayed their collections included Cierra Headings, Clay Barckholtz, Ana Bosnjakovski, Mamie Scholl,Dafne Kanberoglu and Andreas Caballero.


Seeking to develop new relationships with international stakeholders, CCS featured a diverse range of fashion accessories, purses and shoe designs. With historic fashion houses like Gucci and Bottega Veneta making homes in Detroit; fashion departments at CCS and Pensole Lewis College for Shoe Design are working tirelessly to cultivate relationships with the newest generation of buyers and stakeholders in recognizing Detroit’s rich history and enormous talents.



CCS’ fashion design program graduated its first official class in 2019 in studies that range from apparel, accessories, daywear, couture, footwear and handbags.This fairly new program was established in 2015 to cultivate creative talent in fashion, Led by Aki Choklat, a renowned international designer and educator. CCS’ Board of Directors appointed Choklat as the program's chair with the goal of building a world-class curriculum that emphasizes both the creative and technical aspects of fashion. 

“We are celebrating the vibrant Detroit fashion scene by bringing a piece of it to Paris,” said Aki Choklat, Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design at CCS. “At CCS, we have the privilege of fostering our students’ talent at one of the largest and most equipped Fashion Accessories Design Departments in the U.S. We are thrilled to showcase these collections created in Detroit, by our students.”


His vision for the program aligns with Detroit’s resurgence as a hub of creativity and innovation. By creating a program in Detroit, Choklat aimed to tap into the city's industrial roots and infuse the local fashion scene with new talent. He also sought to ensure that students are well-rounded, receiving education in fashion design, production, and business, thereby preparing them for successful careers in the global fashion industry.



The Fashion Design program was created in collaboration with globally recognized fashion brands and presents unparalleled opportunities for its students.


"Having the opportunity to be a part of the Paris showroom highlights how special the Fashion Accessories Design program is at CCS, " says Mamie Scholl, a 2024 Fashion Alumni from CCS and participant in the Paris Showroom. “We dedicated ourselves to these collections, and with the support of our mentors, school, and community, we proudly represent both our creativity and the city of Detroit." 

During the program, students are exposed to real-world experience, sponsored project studios and the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts.


With collaboration and support from brands like Lomme2018, a provider of commercial development for young brands to help position them in contemporary and high-end fashion markets; students from CCS will be able present their collections at some of the most contemporary and high end markets and fashion week, including taking up space on the schedule during Milan, New York and Paris Fashion weeks this year.

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