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 at PLC Detroit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21, at the school's Detroit campus.
The lab gives students a dedicated place to develop apparel and accessories concepts, build prototypes and see how a product moves from an initial idea to a finished design. Carhartt associates and design professionals will work with students in the space on hands-on projects, portfolio development and preparation for internships and jobs in the apparel industry.
PLC Detroit is Michigan's only historically Black college and university and the nation's only design-focused HBCU. Carhartt, a family-owned workwear company founded in Detroit in 1889, has supported the school's career-preparation programs since 2022, when it backed PLC Detroit'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," PLC Detroit President D'Wayne 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 campus space to apply what they learn.
Many aspiring designers have talent and ideas but limited access to professional equipment, industry knowledge and people already working in the field. The lab puts those resources in one place so students can use them to turn their abilities into sustainable careers.
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, Carhartt's vice president of global product design, research and development, said the company wants the space to help students develop the confidence, 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 introduces students to professional standards before they enter the workforce and gives Carhartt professionals a place to share their experience with designers preparing for the field.
