Designer K. Walker Opens Store Blocks Away From School Where He Dreamt of Fashion

Fashion designer, Kenneth Walker celebrated the opening of his flagship store, K. Walker Collective, on 4161 Cass Ave, in Midtown Detroit just blocks away from where he matriculated in Detroit School of the Arts, fueling his passion for apparel. While that area of the city is up and coming with many housing and commercial developments, this particular Midtown location holds sentimental reference to Walker being able to view his old high school from his flagship store’s front window.

“I love being able to see my high school right out of my store’s window. It is very nostalgic.”

K. Walker

The Opening

Several friends and family lined up outside as they anxiously awaited their opportunity to get a first look inside the K. Walker Collective flagship store. Walker put thought into every detail of the retail space down to the signature scent whiffing through the air when walking through the front door. Entitled “Proper Anyway” by Twelfth & Viv, the fragrance will be available as a candle and room spray.

Giving the total luxury shopping experience, guests were offered mimosas upon entry. The space is surrounded by brick walls and cement floor which gives a lofty feel.

Inside the Store

Decorated with the K. Walker Collections as well as gifted items from the Detroit Pistons; including a statue wearing the inaugural jersey, designed by Walker for the Motor City Cruise. Walker is not afraid to experiment with colors and fabrics and loves velour and velvet offering a mixed color palette, from pastels, to neutrals, to bold. One collection that stood out was the K. Neapolitan collection, a collective range of high-street garments — encompassing the warmth & vibrance of the Neapolitan color palette.

Headed to Florence Italy

Although Walker was not ready to reveal details of the latest collection, he shared that there will be a Resort 2023 line. Walker is attending the PIU (Pitti Immagine Uomu), one of the world’s top men’s trade shows, taking place in Florence, Italy this June. Sponsored by MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation), the experience is expanding his reach into global export technology. A huge deal for any designer, but for Walker especially, this menswear trade show has over 30,000 members including buyers, journalists and exhibitors.