Brittany Epps, known in Detroit’s creative circles as Nerd, is the founder of House of Both Rows. The sustainable fashion house is built on a simple but radical idea: nothing is truly thrown away. Old items are simply waiting to become something new. 

Nerd takes thrifted clothing and transforms it into completely original pieces, giving forgotten garments a second life as wearable art.

House of Both Rows has quickly grown in presence in the city. Nerd and team have brought designs to the runway at fashion shows across the city, building a reputation as one of the names to watch in Detroit’s sustainable fashion movement. Nerd also hosts events at The Ether, the brand’s shared creative space. 

When Nerd isn’t in the studio crafting new pieces, they’re in the community, running workshops for young people that go beyond fashion basics. They’re offering real-world experience in what it actually takes to run a creative business.

The through-line for their idea is a simple goal—to create legacy pieces. Nerd wants to do away with disposable fashion, and rebuild healthy relationships with garments that hold meaning. They want to craft items to be passed down for generations.

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CONTAINER On The Metro is a WDET produced storytelling series that brings Detroit’s creative heartbeat to the airwaves. 

CONTAINER is a program created by The Love Building. Its goal is to showcase Detroit’s creative talent across music, fashion, fine arts and food. Done in collaboration with WDET Public Radio with major support from the Gilbert Family Foundation.

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Hamtramck is hosting an Eid gathering next weekend for Eid Al-Adha. There will be rides, food and shopping vendors. Organized by community leaders. The festival will take place from May 28-31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium.  

Additional headlines for Monday, May 18

Skilled trades meeting

The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force meeting. The meeting is for those who are interested in building in Detroit. People can also learn more about how to apply for tuition free apprenticeship programs. The meeting will be held on May 20 from 4-6 p.m. at the Farwell Recreation Center. That’s located at 2711 Outer Drive E, Detroit, MI 48234.  

D’Artillery fashion show 

The Hamtramck based studio D’Artillery is hosting a fashion show. The Behind the Seams showcase is a celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month. The women-only event features clothes and accessories made by women in the sewing training program.

The fashion showcase will be Saturday June 13 from 5-8 p.m. at 9528 Joseph Campau, in Hamtramck. 

Dearborn spring cleaning 

The City of Dearborn is launching its Spring Sweep. This is a joint effort by the city and residents to clean their properties. The city will be doing inspections on tall grass and overgrowth, trash and unauthorized storage or placement of items on lawns. Residents are asked to clean their properties from leaf accumulation or debris.

The city says violations are not tickets, but residents must inform the city when corrections have been made. The city’s code enforcement is refining its process. For more information visit Dearborn.gov/Property. 

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