DANA KEATON

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Dana Keaton-Wilson is a multi-faceted creative powerhouse whose career spans fashion design, fine arts, education, and community leadership. Armed with a certification in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, a B.A. in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, along with specialized studies in Fine Arts and Fashion Illustration at the College for Creative Studies, Dana's expertise is both wide and deep. Additionally, she honed her skills in Media Production at Oakland University.

Dana’s professional journey has seen her as an Adjunct Professor at Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, the College for Creative Studies and the Art Institute, where she taught cutting-edge fashion courses including Draping, Pattern Drafting, Streetwear Design, Visual Merchandising, Trend Forecasting, and Brand Management, empowering the next generation of fashion leaders. She also ventured into tech as a Web Designer for Ford Motor Company, shaping the digital landscape for their customer service division.

As the founder and visionary behind the Dana Keaton Collection (DKC), Dana Keaton has dedicated her career to merging fashion design, education, and community engagement. Through her luxury fashion house, she designed custom collections while creating a vibrant community hub that offered creative workshops, fashion design classes, and summer camps for youth. The space became a welcoming environment where aspiring designers of all ages could develop technical skills, explore artistic expression, and receive mentorship.

Building upon this foundation, Dana established The Fashion Atelier, a celebrated non-profit college-preparatory fashion program serving youth ages 8–18. Through innovative curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and industry exposure, she has nurtured and mentored hundreds of emerging designers. The Fashion Atelier has received numerous awards for both its programming and the accomplishments of its students, while DKC's educational initiatives have become a staple in Detroit schools and community centers. Dana's influence reaches far beyond the classroom; her students have been published internationally, earned recognition for their creative achievements, and continue to carry forward the confidence, discipline, and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated through her mentorship. Today, Dana is recognized as a leader in fashion education and a driving force in developing the next generation of creative talent.

Known for her mastery in creating one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces, Dana's designs stand out for their originality and craftsmanship. Her upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection will feature sustainable and bespoke designs, reflecting her commitment to fashion that’s as conscious as it is creative. Her former fashion house, DivaGroove, was a hub for her visionary designs and industry endeavors.

Dana's influence reaches deep into the Detroit Fashion Community, where she has held prestigious roles as Director of Education and Co-Director of Engagement. She has been honored with several awards, including the Spirit of Detroit Award, and has shared her expertise globally through lectures, speaking engagements, and fashion styling for Hollywood’s elite. A former runway model and artist, her artwork has been exhibited at the Detroit Institute of Arts, a rare achievement for a fashion designer.

With a true passion for mentoring and an unparalleled eye for style, Dana continues to break barriers in the industry. Whether it’s designing couture dresses for celebrities or guiding the fashion world’s next icons, Dana’s journey is one of innovation, artistry, and empowerment.