Pensole Lewis College Students Host Designer B. Michael
The Detroit design students engaged in a professional discussion titled Stitched in Excellence at the Charles H. Wright Museum.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Fashion
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Students at the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design held a formal design discussion with renowned American couturier B. Michael. The session, titled Stitched in Excellence, took place at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
Why it matters
This event provided students with firsthand insight into the professional demands of the fashion industry and helped them contextualize their foundational design coursework. By interacting directly with a CFDA member, participants gained practical knowledge regarding research and decision-making.
Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design remains the only design-focused Historically Black College and University in the United States. The discussion featured insights from B. Michael on his career spanning millinery, ready-to-wear, and couture.
The players
B. Michael
B. Michael is an American couturier and CFDA member recognized for his work in millinery, ready-to-wear, and luxury couture.
Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design
Located in Detroit, this institution is the only design-focused Historically Black College and University in the United States.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson was an acclaimed actress and professional collaborator of B. Michael.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The museum is a Detroit-based cultural institution that serves as a center for African American history and public discourse.
The details
Student interviewers led a dialogue that prioritized the realities of client relationships and professional design research over analyzing completed artifacts in isolation. B. Michael shared lessons from his extensive career, including his professional collaboration with the late actress Cicely Tyson.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Article published regarding the student design session
Culture Shift
This event reflects a broader move toward integrating mentorship directly into the design curriculum at the only design-focused HBCU in the United States. It underscores a shift where institutions prioritize live industry dialogue over traditional artifact-based study to prepare students for professional roles.
Detroit residents and aspiring designers can look to these museum-hosted sessions as a model for local professional development. These engagements provide students with a tangible path to understanding the career requirements needed to enter the competitive world of couture.
The takeaway
Direct engagement with established practitioners offers students a clearer perspective on the research and decision-making required for long-term career success. Aspiring designers should look for opportunities to engage with industry professionals to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
Further reading
Explore more industry insights on the Fashion section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionUnited.
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