In a city known for its grit, creativity, and cultural influence, Detroit continues to produce trailblazers whose impact reaches far beyond its borders. Among those rising stars is Shelton Hawkins Jr., a designer whose talent, ambition, and cultural imagination have carved out a historic milestone in global fashion. In 2021, Hawkins became the first African American designer from Detroit to be officially featured in Paris Fashion Week, marking not only a personal victory but also a major moment in the city’s creative legacy.
Before stepping onto the Paris runway, Hawkins was already making waves with his brand, Étrange Studios®. Its success throughout Detroit and Metro Detroit led to a major expansion opportunity: a retail storefront inside the prestigious Twelve Oaks Mall. Recognizing both the strength of his brand and his entrepreneurial promise, mall leadership granted Hawkins the space to build his vision. As head of the complete interior design, he crafted a look that was modern, stylish, and true to Étrange’s identity. His execution earned him a nomination for the ICSC Visual Victories Award for Outstanding Store Design in 2023. Hawkins ran the storefront for a year before relocating to France, immersing himself in European fashion culture to further expand Étrange’s international reach and legacy.
Today, Hawkins continues shaping history in yet another influential role. He currently serves as the Design Coordinator at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, one of the most important cultural institutions in the world. In this position, he contributes to a museum that preserves, honors, and elevates African American heritage — a mission that aligns perfectly with his own creative identity.
His Paris Fashion Week debut, business achievements, and institutional design work reflect a multidimensional talent with unstoppable momentum. As Shelton Hawkins Jr. continues to evolve, he carries the spirit of Detroit with him — bold, imaginative, and unapologetically original. His journey proves that when artistry meets purpose, borders fall, legacies rise, and history is written in real time.
