Fash Bash 2016 Recap

Last week was one of the best fashion events of the year - Fash Bash at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The annual fundraiser, hosted by the DIA’s FJC (Founders Junior Council) in partnership with Neiman Marcus, raises money for the museum’s endowment campaign and merges a love of fashion, art, and philanthropy.

This year, because of the high temps, high humidity, and high chance of storms, the party was moved from the steps of the DIA to inside the museum. Which was lucky for me because I wore this amazing dress from Rent the Runway - and even though the dress looked hot, it also felt hot. Hot and heavy dress and hot and heavy temps don’t really mesh.

And even though the weather still screamed summer, the fashion show had us all wishing for cooler months. Showcasing the best of fall fashion, the runway show featured lots of layering and texture - or so I was told. This year I skipped the fashion show and celebrated a friend’s birthday with an intimate dinner party instead. We sipped our cocktails, ate fancy tacos, and showed up fashionably late - just in time for the after party to be in full swing.

Like past years, this year's event did not disappoint. It was filled with amazing food, drinks, and music. This year, I made sure to wear my dancing shoes, leaving my heels behind in favor of a less expected shoe choice, which both added an element of surprise and also kept me comfortable for a long evening on my feet.

Thanks to the DIA for putting on another spectacular event - I can't wait until next year!

dress: rent the runway

shoes: m.gemi

cuff: nomad collective

clutch: south moon under

earrings: stella and dot

ring: kendra scott

Fash Bash Recap

If you follow me on Instagram, it's no surprise that the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of my favorite locations in the city. It not only hosts some of the best art in the world, but the architecture of the building is one of the best backdrops in town. It is also home to Kresge Court, my (not so secret) go-to meeting spot for coffee and cocktails.

It's also no surprise that I love fashion (duh).

So when the two worlds collide, what emerges is my favorite event of the year - Fash Bash. Partnering with Neiman Marcus, the museum fashion show/fundraiser/dance party, supports the DIA, helping to keep one of Detroit's culture gems the incredible asset that it is.

This year, I was lucky enough to receive a media pass for the Neiman Marcus fashion show, hosted inside the museum. Showcasing the best fall fashion has to offer, it had me craving for cooler temps and lots of layers.

(See more photos of the event, as well as the Neiman Marcus runway show, at the Detroit Free Press and MLive). 

Guests tend to get a little more creative with their looks, so I decided to forgo the usual cocktail dress in favor of this bright Diane Von Furstenburg jumpsuit. As I've mentioned before, when choosing an outfit for an event, I tend to lean towards the unique. Both the shape and color of this jumpsuit stood out in a sea of dresses and had me receiving compliments all night.

Thanks to the DIA for throwing another fantastic event in Detroit. Looking forward to the next!

Outfit photos taken by Nailah Ali of The Moda Intersection (be sure to check out her recap of the event). Hair & Makeup by Stephanie Ford-Umachi of Runway Meets Everyday.

jumpsuit: diane von furstenburg via rent the runway

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

bracelets: rent the runway unlimited

necklace: stella and dot aida tassel necklace

ring: stella and dot rebel ring

What to Wear: Fash Bash

Detroit knows how to party. Especially during the summer months, where there are endless events to choose from. But THE event of the year? That would be the DIA's Fash Bash.

Where art and fashion collide, the night begins with a cocktail hour on the steps of the museum, followed by a Neiman Marcus hosted runway show, and finishes the evening with a dance party under the stars. 

And this is no ordinary cocktail party. This is your chance to show your fashion forward style, taking influence from the art world. Go bold with textures. Play with structure and shapes. Stand out.

The event is sold out, but if you are one of the lucky ticket holders, you’ll no doubt be in need of some outfit ideas. And because Neiman Marcus is a sponsor of the event, I have chosen a few of my favorite looks from the department store.

Which look would you rock?

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