Carhartt opens apparel design lab at Pensole Lewis College in Detroit

Carhartt and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design opened the Carhartt Apparel Lab at PLC Detroit during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21.

The lab gives students a dedicated space to develop apparel and accessories concepts, build prototypes and work with Carhartt associates and design professionals.

PLC Detroit says the project builds on a partnership that began in 2022, when Carhartt supported the school's first industry masterclass.

The college is Michigan's only historically Black college and university and the only design focused HBCU in the nation. Carhartt was founded in Detroit in 1889.

The new lab is designed to show students how a product moves from an initial idea to a finished design. Students can use the space to strengthen portfolios and prepare for internships and employment in the apparel industry.

PLC Detroit President D'Wayne Edwards said Carhartt's early support helped create pathways for students.

"The Carhartt team believed in our vision, supported our first industry masterclass, and gave our students an opportunity to learn directly from its design leaders," Edwards said. "We have already seen how that access can create pathways to internships and employment."

Since that first masterclass, Carhartt design leaders have continued to provide mentorship through several PLC Detroit programs. The lab gives students a permanent place on campus to apply what they learn.

PLC Detroit student Rohna Battle-Woodger spoke at the opening and described the lab as a connection between school and the apparel industry.

"This room at PLC Detroit is the intersection of education and the industry, with a shared purpose," Battle-Woodger said. "It provides the next generation of designers with access to these resources. The opening of this room symbolizes our partnership, commitment and a new phase for every student who enters these doors."

Ben Ewy, vice president of global product design, research and development at Carhartt, said the company wants the space to help students develop confidence and professional connections.

"The Carhartt Apparel Lab provides a dedicated environment where students can build real-world skills, learn from industry professionals and gain firsthand experience in the creative process behind apparel design," Ewy said.

The ribbon-cutting event included remarks from Edwards and Ewy, a student presentation by Battle-Woodger and the official unveiling of the lab. Guests toured the space, viewed student work and apparel prototypes and met with PLC Detroit students and instructors.

The partnership allows students to learn professional standards before entering the workforce while giving Carhartt employees a chance to share experience with designers preparing to enter the field.

The Carhartt Apparel Lab continues Carhartt's investment in Detroit. It gives students access to tools and mentorship that can help them develop their ideas and pursue careers in apparel design.

The lab gives Detroit students a place to prepare for careers in apparel design.