Pensole Lewis College Detroit, Michigan’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and the only HBCU focused on design, has opened a new footwear creation studio with the goal to offer an unmatched level of access and opportunity in fashion design.
The Foot Locker Footwear Creation Stu/deo was opened in February, expanding PLC Detroit’s offerings for students interested in careers in fashion and footwear design.
PLC Detroit focuses on preparing designers to enter the industry and make it better for the next generation.
“Pensole is a free professional development guide -- just finding passion in kids who have an interest and desire to be in the footwear industry,” said PLC Detroit President Dr. D’Wayne Edwards. “(Foot Locker Footwear Creation Stu/dio) is a space that will inspire the next generation of footwear creators and design visionaries, providing them with the resources and education to excel in the industry.”
He said the mission of PLC Detroit’s new studio is to lead and empower the progressive creative to create a better individual and collective feature.
“We ultimately start to become the pipeline for the entire footwear industry looking for future talent,” Edwards said. “Well over 500 of our kids are working professionally in the industry, with big brands such as Nike, Jordan (and) Adidas.”
Elliot Rodgers, executive vice president and COO of Foot Locker, said the company was excited to partner with the college, to help foster innovation and promote diversity in design.
“This space further demonstrates our commitment to invest in and provide opportunity for creatives to excel in the fashion industry,” he said.
PLC Detroit was rebirthed in 2022, with the support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, which provided more than $10 million over five years as part of its ongoing efforts to provide Detroit residents with pathways to job opportunities in high-demand industries.
Since then, PLC Detroit has graduated hundreds of future designers.
“Detroit is a birthplace of innovation and creation, and this spirit thrives at Pensole as they continue inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers and achievers,” said Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Gilbert Family Foundation. “Dr. Edwards’ passion, experience and love of design is unmatched. His work with innovators like Michael Jordan, Nike and others helps PLC students become the designers of tomorrow.”
Gilbert said he believes the opening of the studio is yet another example of pathways to success that Detroit’s HBCUs are opening for the students in Detroit.
Located at 200 Walker Street in Detroit, the new studio features more than 5,000 square feet of design space.
To learn more about PLC Detroit, click or tap here.
To learn more about the Gilbert Family Foundation, click or tap here.