Oakland's McMullen store makes an appearance in Detroit

McMullen, based in Oakland, Calif., makes an appearance in Detroit.

Influential retailer Sherri McMullen, who has made it part of her philosophy to support color designers and has an eye for spotting new talent from New York to Nigeria, opened her luxury specialty boutique 15 years ago year. She now occupies a 2,775 square foot space where she sells to clients including Phenomenal Media founder Meena Harris; "And Just Like That" actress Karen Pittman; Huey P. Newton's widow, activist Fredrika Newton, and author/political strategist Alicia Garza, even styled some of them, including Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry and actress Ayesha Curry. p>

As part of her 15th birthday, she took her store on the road. It started in June in the Leimert Park neighborhood of L.A.

Now it's coming to Detroit, opening September 16 for six months, where in addition to its assortment of Christopher John Rogers, Proenza Schouler, Peter Do, Khaite, Aisling Camps, Lisa Folawiyo and more, it's adding the designer of Detroit Tracey Reese's Hope for Flowers label. This will be its first physical store outside of California.

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"McMullen is thrilled to open a pop-up in Detroit, a city much like Oakland, with a rich history and culture, and generally underrepresented in the fashion industry. said the retailer, which is featured on the cover of San Francisco magazine's September issue. "We look forward to tapping into the city's arts, entertainment and dining scene and engaging in meaningful conversations with the Detroit community both through our unique assortment of up-and-coming designers and also by facilitating connections and sharing. knowledge."

It partners in the business with Bedrock, the real estate developer that manages more than 100 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, and the parent company of Shinola. She will open her boutique at 1419 Woodward Avenue, along the Woodward Commercial Corridor.

McMullen will be across from the Shinola Hotel and will join Gucci, Bonobos, Warby Parker, Lululemon, Nike and H&M, in addition to Detroit's Good Neighbor, The Lip Bar, Greyson Clothiers and House of Pure Vin in the mall revitalized area.

"Sherri McMullen is a fashion trendsetter, and we look forward to welcoming this cutting-edge, women-owned concept to downtown Detroit," said Ivy Greaner, COO of Bedrock. "This is a pivotal time for retail in Detroit and McMullen is not only bringing a new supply of designers, but also paving the way for emerging brands to break into the market."

Bottega Veneta brought international attention to Detroit with its runway show in October, but the city was already in the midst of a fashion renaissance, featuring designers Shawna McGee, Sharryl Cross and Isaiah Hemingway. moving from New York to Detroit during the pandemic and setting up their labels there.

Known as the Paris of the West, Detroit was once an influential fashion and retail center. Located downtown, Hudson's was the largest department store in the country behind Macy's Herald Square, with 32 floors of fashion at its peak. The heritage of Motown and Americana workwear brands like Carhartt has also shaped Detroit's style.