ABOUT US

A showcase of eight fashion brands which expresses the best of made-in-Detroit creativity and made-in-Michigan craftsmanship: from handmade denim and accessories to tailored linens, sustainable streetwear and rugged adventure gear that can withstand temperatures of -40°F.

WHAT IS DETROITISSIMI?

It is the ultimate Detroit experience expressed through sophisticated design, craftsmanship, creativity and manufacturing prowess driven by a desire to be the best.

Through an effort by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and eight Michigan fashion brands —along with mural artist Mike Han and design studio Octane Design — we are bringing Detroit to Italy.

ABOUT THE COLLABORATION

Born from a simple idea — that Detroit and Michigan creators have something to offer the fashion world beyond our borders.

Designer and College for Creative Studies faculty member Aki Choklat had a dream to bring Detroit to the internationally renowned Pitti Uomo men’s fashion trade show to build awareness of the creativity and quality of fashion coming out of the city and the state of Michigan.

To give shape to his vision, Choklat reached out to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration was born, allowing unique Michigan-made brands the opportunity to expand their reach into Italian and European markets by exhibiting at Pitti Uomo 104 (in 2023) and 105 (in 2024) in Florence, Italy.

MIKE HAN & OCTANE DESIGN

Octane Design was fortunate enough to be selected to design Detroitissimi’s exhibition booth for Pitti Uomo and help the collective create its brand — all inspired by the synergy of our automotive heritages, affinity for modernism and the beauty of elegant Italian design.

Artist Mike Han has been commissioned to help enhance the brand’s ultimate Detroit vibe. In June 2023 at Piti Uomo 104, he painted a mural in real time during the event. Mike’s aesthetic and appreciation for modern design and his themes of connection give Detroitissimi’s exhibition space an energy that’s uniquely Detroit.

DID YOU KNOW?

DETROIT IS THE FIRST AND ONLY UNESCO CITY OF DESIGN IN THE U.S.

Want to learn more? Find out here.