Catch the Fashions in Spring 2022 

Maison Black’s Tori Nichel, left, says spring trends are coming out of the pandemic and skinny jeans are officially out. Celebrity stylist Ebony Brown, right, shares spring fashion details. 

Photos courtesy of Tori Nichel and Ebony Brown  

Fashion in Black Detroit is an indescribable phenomenon that creates moments through style, poise and nothing less than swag-filled substance.  

When transitioning from winter to spring, what’s in season in the D?  

Local fashion designers spilled a little tea on what to expect this spring season.  

From heels and rain boots to candy drop earrings and mini beach shoulder bags, it’s more than a pop of color that will do the trick. Whether it’s loud and bright with bold style or subtle, monochromatic swag – some of the latest fashion trends are on the come up.   

“The most important thing you have is your image. As a creator, you have to find your voice, communicate it and then have ownership of that.” Black British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng once said those words that still ring true today when it comes to fashion, and can be applied to slaying fashionably anywhere in the world.      

In finding one’s fashion footing, especially toward the end of the pandemic, some internal conversations should be had about what’s changed for the wearer in terms of style and ever-shifting needs.  

For Venesa Coger, style and culture specialist, she wrote in a Refinery 29 article that the pandemic impacted her fashion choices in more ways than one.  

” To be frank, now all I wear is mostly loungewear, leggings and matching sets. My style has become athleisure [reflective of the current times], but it doesn’t truly represent my personality overall. Part of my struggle has been coming to terms with the weight I’ve put on during the pandemic, and things I’ve had in my closet for years that no longer look flattering on me,” Coger said. “In a way, I’ve been hiding in my comfort clothes, and my desire to start actively posting fashion content on TikTok and Instagram as a style editor made me question myself a bit.”  

Bra Tops and Button Downs  

Celebrity stylist, creative director and Detroit native, Ebony Brown, has multiple tips to help Detroiters transition their closets from winter to spring and it starts with. thankfully, letting go of pandemic-era fashions.  

“If you haven’t given up the sweatpants by now, this is your friendly reminder that it’s time to let go,” she said adding that she is in love with a wide leg trouser, paired with a crop top of bras as a top trend to make it look stylish and not corporate.  

Brown, an experienced stylist who has worked with celebrities such as Faith Evans, Sanaa Lathan and brands like Nike and Converse, told the Michigan Chronicle that the top spring fashion trends that people will start seeing are cutouts, tank tops, shirts or dresses.   

“This trend will dominate spring,” Brown said, adding that miniskirts are also “making a huge resurgence.”   

This isn’t your mother’s fashion comeback by the way today, because Brown said that bras can be worn as tops now.   

“Throw on a lightweight jacket or button-down shirt over your bra or bikini top and you’re ready,” Brown said, adding that lime green “will be everywhere.”  

Also, throwbacks are in as in Y2K (early 2000) fashion is the theme and as far as fabric, “anything tight stretchy” is a good thing, too.   

Brown added that locally she’s seeing big trends making their way in Detroit. “For the Black community, I’m seeing over-the-top luxury. Now that we’re back outside people want to celebrate by wearing nice designer clothes and I love to see it. … I’m excited for spring fashion. This is a time to experiment with styles and colors and have fun.”  

Black is Always in Style  

Maison Black, a curated online retail space with luxury fashion accessible to all, and made from products by Black designers, debuted its styles last fall and are solidifying its footing in the game even stronger this spring.  

Maison Black’s Founder Tori Nichel, also the chief creative officer, told the Michigan Chronicle that offering fashionable accessibility to the people is not a difficult ask, especially this spring.  

Nichel said that Detroiters can expect pops of color and more color.  

“Bold, vibrant, optimistic and refreshing,” Nichel said. “Pierpaolo Piccolo always leads the pack with color and then he did an encore presentation with his Valentino Pink collection early this month in March. Virgil Abloh’s last collection in Miami had an emotional explosion of color as well, further fueling the color trend with a lush shade of popsicle orange and energy-charged cobalt amongst other colors.”  

Nichel said that a lot of natural fabrications such as beautiful cottons (whether it be flowy cotton voiles or cotton poplins), which have risen in importance.   

“Spring plaids and expressive colored prints in crepe de chines. Match sets and coordinated sets whether it be and pant/top, top/skirt or cardi as a top with matching bralette or tank trending in importance,” she added, echoing Brown’s earlier bra-style sentiments. “The flare and high-rise trouser has confirmed the skinny jean shall not return.”  

Maison Black will continue to expand the offering of jumpsuits bringing in new designers, she added.   

“The latest jumpsuit is from In Earnest by Byron Lars. It’s in this incredibly silky soft knit and flows and drapes seamlessly on the body,” Nichel said. “Dresses will share the spotlight as well. Bold statement prints in maxi lengths and cotton voiles reign supreme. For those who love a great trouser or denim, the stand-alone white tank is making a comeback … whether it be with your utility trouser, Dad jean or full skirt.”  

Nichel also gave her take on the fashion resurgence coming out of the pandemic.  

“[The] return to work has shifted style choices,” Nichel said. “People still want to look good but have now put a price tag on comfort and versatility. Now with many [shopinistas] working in hybrid models, there’s not a need to be ‘buttoned up’ five days a week anymore. Yet the style maven has re-emerged as a dotting fashionista, embracing color in frocks in expressive prints from the likes of Patrick Cupid and Studio 189.”  

Nichel added that she loves how the Black communities evolve and shift with the seasons while staying effortlessly fly 24/7.  

“What I love most is how people are embracing their own unique style unapologetically and owning their look,” Nichel said. “We do not like to look like others, we are extravagant and will put a twist on the simplicity of rockin’ a neon hoodie. What I’m loving is oversized statement coats remixed throwback sneakers, head-to-toe monochromatic dressing, and color inclusive of the shoe and jewelry. Dripped in one’s most coveted gold pieces, layered and combined to perfection. And don’t forget the eyewear. Statement frames have been the rising star. Utenzi Miller, Style Eye Optical and Vontelle are some of our favorites.”  

For more information go to www.maisonblack.shop. Find Maison Black at @maisonblacknewyork.