Roslyn Karamoko describes her style as “if Chanel was black in 2015” — a bit androgynous, a bit street, and a bit classic, with an emphasis on black and white. “That’s my aesthetic, classic meets contemporary, or classic meets street,” she says, mixing and matching high and low to make outfits that work in real life. She’s also a fan of making pieces her own: For example, she says she bought her cowboy hat at a thrift store and ironed it out to create a wide-brimmed hat that’s more her style. It’s a philosophy she hopes to reflect with her work with her clothing line Détroit is the New Black. “I think there’s an opportunity to do something accessible and forward and stylish,” she says. “That’s what I want to bring here, something that people can afford and something that people can look really cool in.”
A newly minted Detroiter, Karamoko moved to the city a year and a half ago with her husband, a Motor City native who decided to move back home to work for the Detroit Land Bank. Originally from Seattle, Karamoko has spent time living in Washington D.C., New York City, and Singapore. She says she immediately fell in love with Detroit. “I’m energized by the city,” she says. “I’m happy to be here.”
Hat Vintage: $50
Jacket Détroit is the New Black varsity jacket: $349
Suspenders Vintage Chanel: Priceless
Bodysuit American Apparel: $36
Skirt Rick Owens: $402
Shoes Converse Premium: $78
Rings gifts
Total:
$915
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This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2015.
