David Vintage, a Detroit-based streetwear brand founded in 2015, has made a name for itself by proudly proclaiming the values of “Detroit Is Coming Back” and “Detroit Never Left”, seen in their beloved designs. In keeping with these strong sentiments, David Vintage is now offering Dye Workshops at the Detroit Shipping Company, which stretch back to the roots of their inspirational grandfather–the first Black business owner in Ohio also named “David”.
David Vintage, a local streetwear brand conceived by Detroiter Joseph David in 2015, is renowned for its use of the slogans “Detroit Is Back” and “Detroit Never Left” on its garments. As a testament to their commitment to the city, David Vintage will be hosting dye workshops at the Detroit Shipping Company in the coming months, bringing their in-house dye work, pressing, and staining to the people of Detroit.
David’s grandfather, also named David, was the inspiration for the brand. His grandfather was one of the first Black business owners in Ohio, and his legacy is immortalized in the name of the company. According to David, “The ‘Is Back’ I feel like now more than ever, everyone kind of gets that. The energy downtown is very exciting, so I think that’s why that’s important, especially for folks that are out of town.” He further emphasizes, “‘Detroit Never Left’ is to me the essence of the city.” With a proud heritage behind them, David Vintage is sure to make a lasting mark on Detroit fashion.
David Vintage is a small business with permanent residencies at both the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale and the Detroit Shipping Company. The shop is open at Rust Belt Market on the weekends and Tuesday through Saturday at the Detroit Shipping Company, and is run by David with support from “Mama Vintage” and other managers he calls “dye masters in training”. The business plans to host regular dye workshops at the Detroit Shipping Company shortly, where attendees will learn about the history and techniques of dye work and leave with pieces of their own. This is evidence that Detroiters have always embraced the city and continue to do so today.
Proudly, David Vintage will be present on Saturday at Detroit’s Dally in the Alley festival and from Sept. 22-24 at the DIY Fair in Ferndale selling graphic tees, hoodies, home goods, mugs, accessories, and artwork. At Dally in the Alley, there will also be a space for customers to learn and participate in the dye work process.
David is passionate about the history and versatility of the dyeing process. “It’s a great way to engage people in learning more about the traditional American, Japanese, African, Indian, and natural dye work,” he says. “I think it’s really important to be able to show people how to do this in a hands-on way so that they can get an appreciation for the art form.”
He is proud of the brand’s ability to create unique pieces at scale with their one-of-a-kind dying technique that utilizes sodium hypochlorite and oxidation levels. To give more people access to this creative experience, David Vintage will be hosting dye workshops at the Detroit Shipping Company in October. Tickets and further information can be found online.
He emphasizes the appreciation he receives from fellow creators in the city and how it motivates him to continue the work he does. “It’s real love when people embrace your product and you got people rocking your pieces genuinely. I just really love and appreciate fashion and love to be able to share that with everyone.” David Vintage is constantly producing fresh designs which can be found on his website, davidvintage.com.
Celebrating Success
They have been successful in achieving a related goal, making them proud of their accomplishments. David Vintage’s commitment to Detroit is further demonstrated by their pieces that are emblazoned with messages about the city. The brand’s ability to make it through COVID-19 with a sustainable business model is a testament to its strength and resilience. David Vintage is proud to offer customers valuable in-person experiences, from workshops and pop-up shops, that give them a chance to explore the creative talent of Detroit.
David Vintage stands as a testament to the determination of Detroiters and their passion for their home. Its main slogans, “Detroit Is Back” and “Detroit Never Left” act as rallying cries and acknowledgments of past struggles that have ultimately built up a strong community. David Vintage has come to provide the city of Detroit with both a generous spirit and quality fashion — they are bringing dye work, pressing, and staining to the populace through their planned workshops at the Detroit Shipping Company. Although celebrating old heritage with its products, the company acknowledges the growth and progress that the modern Detroit blended from its old roots has created and continues to be proud of this mixture of its origination and eccentricity today convince — David Vintage gives Detroiters an accessible opportunity to experience the artisticcial independence, pride, and belonging of this innovative union firsthand.
