Michigan Fashion Designers Showcase Luncheon 2026

APRIL 25, 2026

Review our runway designers, accessory designers, and sponsors by following the links to your right.

Please contact us via email with any questions.

Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and philanthropy.

This event will celebrate the creativity of women designers and entrepreneurs in order to raise funds in support of our mission to empower young women with scholarships and custom-designed enrichment programs.

Click here to see our runway designers for 2026

Click here to see our accessory designers' items that will be available for purchase at the event

Scroll down to see our sponsors from 2026

April 25, 2026 9:15 AM - 1:15 PM EST

Schoolcraft College

VisTaTech Center - DiPonio Room
18600 Haggerty Road
Livonia, MI 48152

Event Mistress of Ceremonies - Susan Schanne

Susan’s work centers on effective workplace communication and cultural competence. She developed an innovative cultural exchange project connecting students in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, designed to strengthen intercultural understanding and challenge cultural assumptions. Her research has been published in SAGE business journals, including the study Terms of Endearment and Their Impact on the Workplace: How Personal Should Interpersonal Communication Be? She has presented her work at international conferences in Ireland and across the United States, sharing insights on communication, culture, and professional practice. In addition, she collaborates with academic publishers to develop instructional resources such as test banks, case studies, and other learning tools to support student success.

In recognition of her leadership potential, Susan was selected to attend the Leaders and Educators Workshop at the U.S. Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia—an experience that further strengthened her commitment to principled leadership and professional development.
Beyond the university, Susan has demonstrated sustained community leadership, serving as past president of the Northville-Novi branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). An avid global traveler, she has visited all fifty U.S. states, more than seventy countries, and all seven continents—experiences that continue to inform her passion for cross-cultural understanding and lifelong learning.

Meet the Runway Fashion Designers for our 2026 Event

instagram:shopfashionrework

Haley Byrd-Locey is the Founder and Designer of Fashion ReWork, transforming post-consumer textiles into one-of-a-kind collectible garments. With over two decades of professional experience across film, television, music, and global fashion houses, she has worked as a costumer, stylist, and designer on productions including The Color Purple, Halston, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, American Horror Story: Feud, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Diana: The Musical, Hawaii Five-0, Big Eyes, and Aloha, along with the music video Starships from Nicki Minaj. Years inside large-scale fashion production sharpened her instinct for exceptional textiles and forward silhouette. She has supplied rare vintage and original pieces to musicians, actors, designers, and brands including Valentino, Reformation, and Thisisneverthat.

She didn’t enter sustainability from the margins—she arrived there after standing at the center. After witnessing fashion’s excess firsthand, she chose to redefine it on her own terms. Fashion ReWork reconstructs vintage quilts, woven tapestries, and rescued denim into bold contemporary forms. Each garment is cut apart and reassembled by hand; no two pieces can be replicated. As a Re/Make Ambassador and director of Threads of Change, she proves the future of fashion will not be produced—it will be reworked.

https://fashionrework.com/

Cynthia serves as Director of Community Engagements with “Hope Care and Beyond” (refugee resettlement program) which offers many human care services. These services meet the needs of Refugees and new Immigrants from all over the world, with special emphasis on women. She started Refuge for Nations (a sewing initiative in the Metro Detroit area) to empower refugee women by creating employment opportunities for them.
Cynthia has lived in four countries and traveled extensively, she has personally dealt with people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in a variety of settings.

https://refugefornations.com/

Revir is comfortable, elegant women’s clothing made from soft fabrics that are designed and made in our own factory in Lansing. Always soft, made to flatter at work or at home, our pieces are versatile and easy to wear- elegant comfort! Come see the full collection in our flagship store in Northville- we’d love to see you!

https://revirusa.com/

Ativ is anything but ordinary. Established in 1997 by Detroit native LaJuana McCaskill, an ode to her mother “Vita” the brand (formerly known as Kre'a'shens) emerged from a lifelong passion for the arts. A self-taught artist, LaJuana’s creative journey evolved from painting murals and home interiors to professional fashion design.

In addition to over thirty years in cosmetology and raising four children, LaJuana has remained dedicated to artistic expression. She draws inspiration from global cultures and travel, describing her personal style as an eclectic mix of classic elegance and bold edge.

LaJuana has participated in numerous fashion events across the US.  Her work has allowed her to not only be published in local and national publications, but media and television as well.  Motivated by faith and family, she continues to fulfill her childhood dream of helping others look and feel beautiful.

https://www.liveativ.com/lajuana

Michelle Dushee’ Williams is a textile and accessory fashion designer whose work blends artistic expression, cultural storytelling, and refined craftsmanship. As the founder of Dushee’ International, she creates luxury scarves, twillies, and hand-painted textiles that celebrate individuality, beauty, and empowerment. Her designs are known for their vibrant color palettes, intricate patterns, and meaningful themes inspired by nature, spirituality, and the lived experiences of women.

With a background in art and leadership Michelle brings a multidimensional perspective to fashion—bridging creativity, education, and innovation. Her collections highlight the intersection of style and self-expression, inviting wearers to embrace confidence, elegance, and joy. Michelle has been featured in magazines and television for her artistic contributions and continues to expand her work through workshops, community partnerships, and fashion-focused educational initiatives.

Her mission is simple: to create timeless accessories that inspire, uplift, and allow every person to feel truly beautiful.

https://www.dusheeinternational.org

Event Sponsors for our 2026 event

Silver Sponsor

Copper Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

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In-Kind Sponsors