Carhartt opens apparel design lab at Pensole Lewis College in Detroit
Carhartt and Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design celebrated the opening of the Carhartt Apparel Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Sept. 21, at PLC Detroit.
The family-owned workwear company, founded in Detroit in 1889, partnered with PLC Detroit, Michigan's only historically Black college and the nation's only design-focused HBCU, to create a lab where students can develop apparel and accessories concepts, create prototypes and learn how products move from an initial idea to a finished design.
The lab gives students hands-on experience with Carhartt associates and design professionals. The college said the space is meant to help students strengthen their portfolios and prepare for internships and jobs in the apparel industry.
PLC Detroit President D'Wayne Edwards said the new lab builds on a relationship that began in 2022, when Carhartt supported the college's first industry masterclass.
"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 share industry expertise and provide mentorship through several PLC Detroit programs. The Apparel Lab gives students a permanent space on campus where they can apply what they learn.
PLC Detroit student Rohna Battle-Woodger spoke during the opening about what the lab and the partnership mean for students.
"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 world-class resources. The opening of this room symbolizes our partnership, commitment and a new chapter 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 the skills and professional connections needed to succeed.
"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 celebration included remarks from Edwards and Ewy, Battle-Woodger's student presentation and the official unveiling of the lab. Guests toured the space, viewed student work and apparel prototypes, and connected with PLC Detroit students, instructors and Carhartt associates.
The partnership allows students to become familiar with professional standards before entering the workforce while giving Carhartt professionals an opportunity to share their experience with designers preparing to enter the field.
The Carhartt Apparel Lab is at PLC Detroit. Students can use the space to work on design projects and meet with Carhartt staff.
