Some of the new clothing that will be featured in DL Perretts upcoming show. Photo by J Cross Fotography
DETROIT – It's not uncommon for soul singers to have gotten their start in the church. Apparently it's a breeding ground for fashion designers as well.
"I got into fashion, honestly, from designing choir robes," said Detroit designer DL Perrett. "I grew up in church and I started drawing choir robes and redesigning those. From there people started picking up my designs. Someone asked me to design their prom dress and it just grew."
Perrett went on to attend the International Academy of Design and Technology in Troy and later the Art Institute of Chicago.
"I have some traditional background and education, but a lot of it is self-taught," Perrett said.
It's the self-taught side of him that's slightly rebellious.
"My aesthetic is pretty edgy," said Perrett. "I'm refined in a way also, so you could say regal and refined at the same time. I was actually having this conversation with a friend the other day and my artistry is formed from rebelling against all of the norms. That's really where my aesthetic evolved from."
In his second show, Perrett is presenting a collection he calls Neon Valley Streets.
"I wouldn't exactly call this a line, I'd call this a showcase of what I'm capable of," Perrett said. "I started my career in Chicago and made a name for myself there and this is to show Detroit what I'm capable of as an artist. It's like a full compilation of my experiences starting from choir robes all the way to now.
"Not only do I design clothing but I also paint," Perrett continued. "I've done a lot of walls and murals in the city and this show allows me to showcase all of those things at once. It gives you more than just a platform runway 10-minute walk. It allows me to give you a full experience."
While it may be "edgy" and "refined," there's no denying that Perrett's work is playful as well.
"This show allowed me to play on my childhood," he said. "Remembering the ice cream truck coming down the street and my neighbors; just the smell of fresh flowers in the garden and fresh cut grass. It allowed me to just go there to this daydream state and I was able to bring it to life in this event."
When he's not busy designing or painting, Perrett is passionate about his work in HIV prevention. He started working for Mpowerment Detroit and today works for the Horizons Project.
"The fact that my community is largely affected – there's a lot being done but there's not a lot changing," said Perrett. "It just makes no sense for me not to be here."
Perrett will present Neon Valley Streets on Saturday, April 26th. The event is from 6-9 p.m. with a VIP reception beginning at 5 p.m. Location is 4719 Mt. Elliott St. in the historical Black Bottom area.Tickets are $15 in advance and $30 for the VIP reception. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.dlperrettneonvalleystreets.eventbrite.com.
