This industry event, originally known simply as, "Fashion Party ," was launched to great reception in the fall 1999. Since then, the high-energy, high-profile event has been well-respected and well-attended. It has consistently drawn an upscale audience and currently attracts an urban demographics of more than 5,000 attendees drawn to the designer-retailer dynamic created by its present three-day weekend of "Detroit-style," urban glamour.

"It has consistently been featured in news media as its economic impact is increasingly felt throughout the city. In preparation weeks in advance for what is now called, "Fashion Party Weekend," consumers book and patronize hotels, clubs, limousine services, salons, camera/film supply outlets, and of course, fashion retailers.

"Since its inception as the Fashion Party and  its original  purpose to celebrate the urban American influence in fashion worldwide Fashion Party Weekend (FPW), as it is known, has showcased and promoted urban retailers and designers in the industry and ultimately the urban consumer.

While the concept of urban American was once synonymous with "African American," it is now universally recognized to encompass and reflect the diverse cultural mix of all American's world-class,  metropolitan communities. Urban America is now ironically, yet appropriately a "co-culture" of African, European, Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Middle Eastern influence. Likewise, Fashion Party Weekend's mission has since evolved into one cultural diversity in the all-influencing fashion business.