Pensole Lewis College students examine Black design legacy with fashion veteran B. Michael

Students from the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC Detroit), the nation's only design-focused Historically Black College and University, engaged in an exchange with American couturier and CFDA member B. Michael at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The discussion, titled "Stitched in Excellence," centered on historical literacy, creative identity, and navigating the operational demands of the apparel industry, according to an article published on Vocal Media. By directly questioning an established practitioner rather than studying finished artifacts in isolation, emerging designers interrogated the commercial and cultural strategies necessary to build an enduring practice.

The session examined the progression of Michael’s career, which encompasses millinery, ready-to-wear, and couture collections, as well as high-profile collaborations with figures such as Cicely Tyson. Student interviewers led the dialogue, focusing on the research, decision-making, and client relationships that underpin commercial design. According to Nikki Taylor, director of student services at PLC Detroit, direct engagement with established practitioners enables students to contextualize foundational coursework while understanding how individual heritage and market discipline translate into viable design careers.

For design education, the initiative illustrates a shift away from abstract theory toward narrative-driven, hands-on mentorship that addresses persistent representation gaps in the commercial apparel market. Incorporating primary access to working industry veterans inside institutional learning expands professional networks and prepares students for the rigor of corporate and independent studios alike. As specialized institutions like PLC Detroit seek to cement their pipelines into the broader industry, institutional partnerships that combine cultural history with direct professional critique remain central to sustainable talent development.