DETROIT, MICHIGAN — At Slow Stitch's Collective Power showcase, fashion was less about a single definition of design and more about what happens when different kinds of makers share a space. Presented as part of Detroit Month of Design, the exhibition brought together 13 designers and artists to create one-of-a-kind jackets, each reflecting a distinct approach to materials, construction, and creative expression. Fiber artists, crocheters, and designers working across different mediums came together under one roof, with finished pieces available for visitors to purchase. The atmosphere was immersive, from the lighting and installation to a documentary offering a closer look at the people and process behind the work.
In an era when social media can make the title of “designer” feel easier to claim than ever, the exhibition offered a reminder that creative identity is built through practice. Ideas matter, but so do construction, technique, patience, and the ability to turn a concept into something tangible. These jackets weren't defined by one medium or one traditional path into fashion. Instead, they demonstrated how established craft practices can intersect with experimentation, from textile manipulation and crochet to reclaimed materials and unexpected material innovations. One piece incorporated algae-based material alongside textile scraps; another piece was created from the inspiration of bugs.
Behind the showcase was Sarah Mark, Slow Stitch's founder and manager, a longtime fashion designer who made Detroit her home years ago. Collective Power reflects a broader commitment to building spaces where artists can work, learn, and bring their practices into conversation. Mark is also connected to the Neighborhood Art School, another creative initiative located just blocks away in the New Center area. With support from the Gilbert Family Foundation, the exhibition created room for different disciplines, experiences, and approaches to making to be seen together.
What stayed with us was the evidence of the work itself. Collective Power made a case for a more expansive understanding of design one that welcomes different mediums while still respecting the knowledge, labor, and craftsmanship behind the finished piece. Detroit has no shortage of creative talent. Bringing that talent into shared spaces, giving it room to experiment, and allowing the public to engage directly with the work is how a stronger creative community takes shape.
Collective Power was presented by Slow Stitch as part of Detroit Month of Design 2026.
