House of Both Rows x Detroit Foundation Hotel Present Carry On
About this Event
Carry On: A Second Smile Exhibition & Auction
Carry On is an evening celebrating the artists redefining the future of fashion through sustainability, craftsmanship, and bold creative expression.
Presented by House of Both Rows in partnership with Detroit Foundation Hotel, Carry On showcases the finalists of the Second Smile Coach Redesign Challenge, an open call inviting female artists from across Detroit to transform vintage leather Coach bags into one-of-a-kind works of art.
From dozens of submissions, eight artists were selected to reimagine discarded materials into pieces that tell stories of identity, resilience, and innovation. Every bag is completely unique, carrying the vision of its creator while proving that fashion can honor both creativity and circular design.
Hosted within the historic Detroit Foundation Hotel, the exhibition brings together artists, collectors, travelers, designers, community leaders, and supporters of independent creativity for an evening where luxury meets purpose. Guests will have the opportunity to experience each redesigned bag up close, meet the artists behind the work, enjoy an elevated atmosphere, and participate in the auction.
Auction Format
Each piece will be available through a three-part auction experience:
- Online Auction – Bidding opens 5 days prior to the event, allowing supporters from anywhere to begin collecting. (Follow @showbothrows to stay up to date)
- Silent Auction – During the exhibition, guests can continue placing bids while exploring the artwork and connecting with the artists.
- Live Auction Finale – The evening concludes with a live auction as the final pieces find their next homes.
Every winning bid directly supports the artists and helps expand future opportunities through Second Smile.
About Second Smile
Second Smile is an initiative of House of Both Rows that gives overlooked materials a second life by placing them in the hands of artists. More than an upcycling project, it is an investment in creative talent, providing artists with both a platform and financial opportunity while demonstrating the value of sustainable design.
Our mission is to make it the norm to celebrate the unexpected creatives, bold ideas, and innovative voices shaping Detroit's cultural future. Through fashion, storytelling, and community, we transform what was once overlooked into something worth smiling about again.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where craftsmanship meets purpose, every bag tells a story, and creativity carries on.
Agenda
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
VIP Early Preview
Info: VIP guests receive first access to the exhibition, enjoy an intimate gallery experience, meet participating artists, and have the first opportunity to place bids before doors open to the public.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Doors Open - Silent Auction
Info: General admission begins. Explore the exhibition, enjoy cocktails, connect with fellow guests, and experience the artwork while the silent auction is officially open.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Welcome & Artist Spotlight
Info: House of Both Rows and Detroit Foundation Hotel officially welcome guests. Each featured artist is introduced and their inspiration, process, and story behind their redesigned piece shared.
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Live Auction
Info: The evening culminates with a live auction featuring the eight one-of-one redesigned bags. Bid on extraordinary works of wearable art while directly supporting Detroit's creative community and the mission of Second Smile.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Celebration & Networking
Info: Celebrate the artists and winning bidders as the auction concludes. Enjoy final cocktails, music, networking, and photo opportunities before collectors take home their newly acquired pieces.
🕑: 08:00 PM
Event Closes
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 55.20 to USD 215.26
