We were lucky to catch up with Latrice Delgado-Macon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Latrice, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Detroit Fashion Community wasn’t something I just dreamed up overnight—it was something I felt deeply in my bones for years. It came from a mix of frustration, passion, and an undeniable belief in Detroit’s creative talent.

The Moment It Clicked

I remember standing at an event surrounded by designers, stylists, and creatives—so much talent in one space—but there was this underlying feeling of struggle. People were working in silos, hustling individually, trying to navigate an industry that didn’t always feel accessible in Detroit. Resources were limited, opportunities felt out of reach, and the idea of “making it” seemed to mean you had to leave the city. That never sat right with me.

Detroit has always been a city of innovation, from music to manufacturing, and fashion is no different. We have designers who create world-class pieces, stylists who can transform a vision into magic, and photographers who capture the essence of a movement. But the infrastructure to support these creatives? That was missing.

I kept asking myself, Why isn’t there a true community here for fashion professionals? Why isn’t there a space where collaboration, education, and opportunity exist in one place? And if it didn’t exist—why not build it?

From Frustration to Action

I started talking to people, gathering insight, and listening to the challenges they faced. The common themes?
• Lack of resources – Many designers struggled with sourcing materials, production, and business guidance.
• Limited opportunities – If you weren’t already “plugged in,” breaking into the industry felt impossible.
• No centralized fashion hub – Other major cities had fashion incubators, showrooms, and networks that supported growth. Detroit needed that.

That’s when the idea solidified: Detroit Fashion Community wouldn’t just be a name—it would be a movement, a physical and digital space where creatives could connect, learn, and grow.

Why I Knew It Would Work

The logic was simple: Detroit’s fashion scene wasn’t lacking talent—it was lacking support. By creating a hub that provided mentorship, resources, and a space for collaboration, we could empower local designers to build their brands here, rather than feeling like they had to move to New York or LA.

I also knew that Detroit has a unique spirit—one of resilience and reinvention. The same city that revolutionized music and automobiles has the power to do the same with fashion. We just needed a platform to bring it all together.

What Excited Me Most

What fueled me was the idea of seeing Detroit fashion professionals win—to have local designers getting national recognition, stylists working with major brands, and emerging talent feeling like they had a place to turn. The idea of creating a legacy, something that could shape Detroit’s future in fashion, was too powerful to ignore.

So, I took the leap. I started with community-driven events, networking opportunities, and workshops. The momentum grew. People showed up, connected, and collaborated. That’s when I knew—Detroit Fashion Community wasn’t just needed, it was necessary.

And now, with our new headquarters in downtown Detroit, we’re turning this vision into reality on an even bigger scale. This is just the beginning.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always believed in the power of fashion—not just as an art form, but as a force for change, empowerment, and community. My journey into this industry wasn’t traditional, but it was fueled by passion, frustration with the lack of resources, and a deep love for Detroit’s creative talent.

How I Got Into the Fashion Industry

Like many in this space, my path started with a love for creativity and style. But what really pushed me into action was seeing the struggles that so many local designers, stylists, and fashion entrepreneurs faced. Detroit is filled with incredibly talented individuals, yet so many lacked access to essential resources, industry connections, and a support system. I saw designers with amazing work but no mentorship, stylists with talent but no structured opportunities, and creatives who felt like they had to leave the city to “make it.” That didn’t sit right with me.

That’s when I knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something that could truly uplift Detroit’s fashion community.

What Detroit Fashion Community Provides

Detroit Fashion Community (DFC) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, connecting, and elevating fashion professionals in the city. Our services and programs are built to bridge the gaps in the industry, offering:
• Resources & Education – Workshops, mentorship, and business guidance to help fashion entrepreneurs scale their brands.
• Networking & Community Events – Creating spaces where designers, stylists, photographers, and creatives can collaborate and grow together.
• Showcasing & Exposure – Helping local talent get the visibility they deserve, whether through fashion shows, pop-ups, or digital features.
• A Physical Headquarters – Our new Downtown Detroit hub serves as a creative space where members can connect, work, and bring their visions to life.

What Sets Us Apart

What makes DFC different is our unwavering commitment to Detroit’s creative ecosystem. We’re not just another fashion organization—we’re a movement that believes in keeping talent here and giving local creatives the tools they need to thrive.

Many industry hubs exist in New York, LA, and Paris, but Detroit has something special—grit, authenticity, and raw talent. We’re here to make sure that talent gets the recognition and support it deserves, without creatives feeling like they have to relocate.

What I’m Most Proud Of

One of my proudest moments was opening our headquarters in Downtown Detroit. It’s proof that what we’re building is real, and it’s growing. Seeing designers collaborate, watching local brands gain traction, and knowing that we’re actively shifting the fashion landscape in Detroit—it’s incredibly rewarding.

What I Want People to Know

If you’re a designer, stylist, or creative looking for a place to grow, DFC is your community. If you’re a supporter of local talent, we welcome you to be part of this movement. Fashion in Detroit is evolving, and we’re here to make sure it flourishes.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success in the fashion industry meant conforming to the traditional, often rigid standards set by established hubs like New York or Los Angeles. For years, I thought that to be taken seriously, I had to mimic their approaches—adopting their methodologies, aesthetics, and even their mindset.

The Backstory

Early in my career, I was surrounded by the idea that Detroit couldn’t be a legitimate fashion center. I absorbed the notion that to succeed, creatives from Detroit needed to leave the city and join those established networks elsewhere. I started to question if our local talent was truly capable of competing on a national or international stage.

I remember a pivotal moment when I attended a networking event in a major fashion city. The conversations, the techniques, even the looks—they were all so polished and refined. I felt that my vision, rooted in Detroit’s raw creativity and resilience, was somehow less professional or valid. It was a hard pill to swallow: a realization that I was undervaluing the unique perspective and potential of our local community.

Unlearning and Reframing

I eventually came to understand that our strength wasn’t in mimicking others—it was in our authenticity and originality. Detroit’s fashion scene is built on real stories, real struggles, and real triumphs. I had to let go of the idea that we needed to fit into an established mold, and instead, embrace our distinct identity. This shift wasn’t easy—it meant rethinking everything from our strategies to how we defined success.

Moving Forward

Today, Detroit Fashion Community is all about celebrating that very authenticity. We’re proud of our distinct voice, and we work tirelessly to show that staying true to who we are doesn’t limit us—it empowers us. This lesson taught me that innovation often comes from breaking away from the norm and that by unlearning outdated beliefs, we open the door to true progress and creativity.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and keeping morale high is all about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated. Here are some key strategies that have worked for me:
• Clear Communication: Regularly share goals, updates, and feedback. When everyone knows what’s expected and understands the bigger picture, it builds trust and alignment.
• Empathy & Active Listening: Take time to understand your team members’ perspectives, challenges, and successes. This builds genuine connections and shows that you care about them as individuals.
• Empowerment: Delegate meaningful tasks and give team members the autonomy to make decisions. Empowerment boosts confidence and encourages innovation.
• Recognition & Appreciation: Celebrate wins—both big and small. Recognizing hard work fosters a positive culture and motivates the team to keep pushing forward.
• Professional Development: Invest in your team’s growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. When people see a path for growth, they’re more engaged.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Respect personal boundaries and promote a healthy balance. Flexibility can increase productivity and overall satisfaction.
• Foster Collaboration: Create opportunities for cross-team projects and brainstorming sessions. A collaborative environment can spark creativity and strengthen team bonds.

At the end of the day, a great team is built on trust, respect, and a shared vision. By prioritizing these aspects, you create an atmosphere where every team member can thrive and contribute their best work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Detroitfashioncommunuty.org
• Instagram: Detroitfashioncommunity
• Facebook: DetroitfashionCommunity
• Linkedin: DetroitFashionCommunity
• Youtube: DetroitFashionCommunity

Image Credits

Photo Credits: Stephen Parker ~Raymond Carlos

Photo Credits J. ambrose.