Michael Anthony
Menswear designer, stylist, blogger
How would you describe your style?
Preppy with an urban influence.
Who are your favorite designers?
One designer that I find admirable is Daniel Day, also known as Dapper Dan. He got his recognition from reworking traditional luxury house products into outfits for the hip-hop scene in the late ’80s and ’90s. He had a huge hand in the reason why rappers and hip-hop stars rock luxury labels.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
Being a Detroit influencer helped me to be myself and free with my style. Detroit may not be on the map as a huge fashion capital, but we have a huge impact on the fashion industry through our automotive influence. Detroit has shown me that no matter how little you have, always take pride in your appearance. Because when Detroiters dress, we dress.
Bag: Shinola, $895
Rhonda Walker
News anchor, founder and president of the Rhonda Walker Foundation
How would you describe your style?
As timeless and classic, with an elegant and feminine touch. I am more comfortable when I take the time to dress up and select my outfits from head to toe. My favorite clothing items are dresses paired with high heels. If you ever see me in jeans and flats, I’m forcing myself out of my comfort zone.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
Growing up, I always loved the elegant styles of Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. It was not only for what they wore, but also for how they used their platforms through philanthropic causes to give back to others.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
I love supporting local designers and boutiques, especially when it comes to accessories. I frequent fairs, festivals and vendors all over town for unique pieces. Being a Detroiter influencesmy look because of our diversity and acceptance of all walks of life and fashion choices.
Ring: David Yurman, $2,850
Earrings: Alexis Bittar, $165
Sabrina Nelson
“Artivist”
Where are your favorite places to shop?
My favorite shops are Detroit boutiques. I frequent Flo’s, Frida, Busted Bra Shop, Mama Coo’s, The Peacock Room and Détroit is the New Black.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
It’s a love for the blue-collar, we-work-better-together mentality. There are so many patterns and colors through the diversity of cultures in Detroit, like Arabic, Nigerian, Bengali, Polish, Indigenous, Mexican and more.
How has the pandemicand events of 2020 affected your personal style?
I used to dress to go out, now I dress as medicine. I am my first canvas. I paint myself first and then the world. Everything I curate from my emporium has a purpose, and it helps heal me – and I hope it can extend to others.
Watch: Shinola, $650
Kenneth Jamil Woodson
Business professional, entrepreneur, co-owner of Anytime Fitness Auburn Hills
How would you describe your style?
The best way to describe my style is fluid. No matter what setting I’m in, I can always find what I need in my closet to make an entrance. I don’t try
to blend in, but I also don’t want to look like I try too hard. My style is effortless and flows like water.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
Being 6’2” and 200 pounds, most of my inspiration comes from professional athletes. I pay close attention to what they wear when they arrive at the arena or stadium. I am also starting to enjoy Tokyo street fashion, and I’m excited to add more pieces inspired by Tokyo to my wardrobe.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I try my best to spend my money locally. I have a few pieces that I like from Dolce Moda in Birmingham. I like to get my suits from Taiyon by Montee Holland out of Detroit.
Backpack: Ermenegildo Zegna, $1,295
Deron Washington
Team leader at Shops on Top
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my look as clean and classic.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
My shop (Shops on Top) and High Street Tie Shop.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
Detroit has always been a leader when it comes to fashion, especially from watching icon groups dress like The Temptations, The Dramatics and The Four Tops. These groups have set the tone for fashion in Detroit and across the nation.
Ring: David Yurman, $550
Latrice Delgado-Macon
Wardrobe stylist, creative director, founder of the Detroit Fashion Community
How would you describe your style?
The words I use to describe my style are: chic, comfortable and modest. I like to be covered, and, when I am dressed modestly, I feel comfortable. I use the word “chic” because there’s just something about dressing elegantly that makes me look and feel put together.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
I pull my inspiration from many different icons. I love the styles of Diana Ross, Josephine Baker, Cher, Jane Birkin and Audrey Hepburn.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
Detroit allows you to be yourself, create your own style and step out into faith. We are the next fashion hub!
Scarf: St. Piece, $350
Kenneth E. Harris
Director of the Harris Financial Group, CEO of The Detroit Popcorn Company
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
I have no personal icons because I am self-expressive, but my inspirations come from the many well-dressed Detroiters I have been blessed to know and socialize with.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
I have been blessed to reside in Detroit for over 40 years. I find Detroiters to be very on point with their fashion. After living in Washington, D.C. and New York City, I learned to dress the way I want and continue my style as me.
How has the pandemic and events of 2020 affected your personal style?
The pandemic changed my daily attire to more sportswear. It made sense since my home was my workspace. Saying that, I’m glad it’s over. I have quickly adjusted back to my “Ken Harris” look.
Sunglasses: Tom Ford, $465 Watch: Shinola, $900
Palencia Mobley
Deputy director and chief engineer, Detroit Water and Sewerage
How would you describe your style?
My style is classic, sexy and a bit daring. In some instances, my style is glamorous and over the top. I love clothing that highlights my shape and
height. I love standing out and commanding the room.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
I have an outfit that my dad bought me from Saks in 1979 when I was a newborn. My daddy was willing to risk divorce for that outfit. Detroiters will risk it all for fashion. We push the envelope, we’re unique and we love to dress. When you think you look good, it elevates your mood. Detroiters aren’t afraid of fashion.
How has the pandemic and events of 2020 affected your personal style?
If you love to shop, the pandemic did not stop you. This past Christmas, I decided to do The Twelve Days of Christmas in fashion. It was a fun experiment, but I have to leave social media to the real influencers.
Earrings: Oscar de la Renta, $450
Priscilla Perkins
Senior director of development, Beaumont Health Foundation
How would you describe your style?
My style has understated quirkiness layered over classic lines.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
My icons are Michelle Obama, Diane Keaton, and fashion designer and couturier Ann Lowe, who I wish had been of my time. She was remarkable.
How has the pandemic and events of 2020 affected your personal style?
My style is less structured and free flowing. I’ve incorporated brighter colors and never wear a heel over two inches.
Bag: Tom Ford, $1,790; Earrings: Oscar de la Renta, $260
Antonio Hardrick
Marshall’s sales associate
How would you describe your style?
My style is one of a kind. It’s very flamboyant, extra and loud – in the best way possible. It attracts a lot of attention and it speaks for itself.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
My icons are Janelle Monáe and Fonzworth Bentley. My inspirations come from fashion magazines such as GQ and Elle. I always look to fashion magazines for ideas and ways to up my fashion game.
How has the pandemic and events of 2020 affected your personal style?
Because of the shutdown, I had a lot of time to brainstorm ways to improve my personal style. I had lots of time to look at fashion magazines and watch fashion shows on YouTube.
Sunglasses: Gucci, $580
Roslyn Karamoko
Founder and CEO of Détroit is the New Black
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I enjoy shopping internationally, or when I’m traveling in general. Copenhagen, Denmark is one of my favorite places for design. It’s exciting to draw inspiration and gain new perspectives on cultural dress from around the world.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
Detroiters have confidence that inspires me to be myself. There are various pockets of Detroit style which allows an individual to feel comfortable in
their own skin here. There’s a freedom in style that has influenced me greatly.
How has the pandemic and events of 2020 affected your personal style?
The pandemic has definitely challenged my view of style, especially practical style. I’m evolving in my own personal style, as well, so it’s a chapter where I’m reevaluating what style is to me and how fashion functions in my daily life. I’ve been thinking more about the communication of clothing and the items that I choose to wear, and less about current trends. I’ve always admired the confidence of the chic older woman who wears cashmere crewneck sweaters, perfectly fit denim and pearls.
Bag: Valentino, $2,290
Eric Thomas
Chief storyteller, City of Detroit
How would you describe your style?
People know me by my round glasses, ponytail and suit. For me, style is not about being loud. It’s about consistently dressing in a way that brings you joy. If you feel confident, you’ll exude confidence. The wardrobe is defined by who wears it. It’s important to dress for yourself. Sometimes, I get all the way dressed up just to sit around my house. I believe that my joy is my job and I work to maintain that.
Who are your style icons or inspirations?
I love the villain look. I’ve always liked the edgy look with a little bit of sass mixed in. Villains are often the best dressed in movies and aren’t afraid to be confident.
How does being a Detroiter influence your look?
In Detroit, we get dressed to go to the grocery store. Style and fashion have always been important here and to the Black community as a whole. Detroit is a style capital and cultural hub and has influenced fashion all over the country. I feel lucky to get it right from the source.
Watch: Shinola, $595
Our sincerest thanks to Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection in Troy for providing the accessories listed.
Feature Editor: Ann Duke; Accessories styling: Marv Neal; Hair (on select StyleMakers): Bettie Lutcher; Makeup (on select StyleMakers): India Charde
Facebook Comments