Born in Detroit, Ashleigh Miller now resides in Kenya. But this weekend, she is returning to her hometown with the women’s clothing line she co-founded, Zuri.
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As part of Zuri’s first stop in metro Detroit, the brand will be holding pop-ups on June 15 inside the Foundation Hotel in Detroit and on June 17 at Shinola in Ann Arbor. Both pop-ups will include exclusive designs that are not online.
Designed in collaboration with Zuri’s co-founder, Sandra Zhao, who also lives in Kenya, the line’s tunic-style garments can be worn as a dress, jacket, skirt, or shirt. While only created in one silhouette, the pieces are available in various designs and fabrics inspired by African prints, and can be dressed up or down for various occasions.
“(Sandra) wanted something that was easy to pack and conservative,” Miller says. “I was pregnant at the time and asked her to make me one. I ended up loving it, and it was all I wanted to wear. We loved the idea of just creating a uniform for women; you can wear it so many ways.”
The two also decided to have the company, which launched last year, benefit their home. All products are made in Kenya, and Miller makes sure those who work on the products are treated ethically.
“East Africa used to be a huge textile manufacturer,” she says. “So, we wanted to do something that promotes the textile industry.”
Miller says she is excited to bring the brand to metro Detroit so people can try on the clothes they usually only see online. She’s also looking forward to meeting some of Zuri’s customers.
“I think coming to Detroit and Ann Arbor will be great because we have a bunch of clients in both cities,” she says. “It’s really nice that we can meet them face to face now.”
Pop-ups will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Foundation Hotel Detroit. 250 W. Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226, (313)-915-4422 and June 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shinola Ann Arbor. 301 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734)-389-7013.
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