Shopping in Downtown Detroit just got better. Styleshack is proud to report that iconic American designer John Varvatos opened his first Midwest store in Detroit on March 13th, 2015. Quite frankly, you need to experience it for yourself, but here a few of our Style Notes on the new shop in town! The store showcases the John Varvatos brand through strong visual storytelling with rock ‘n’ roll sensibility, old-world craftsmanship and modern innovation.
As the story goes, Mr. John Varvatos and a few of his team members walked the streets of Detroit during the polar vortex in 2014. Yet, even in the brisk weather and somewhat quiet streets, he decided to open his first ever Midwest store at 1500 Woodward Ave, in the central business district of Detroit. We think the John Varvatos Detroit location will provide a desirable shopping destination for the entire Detroit and Metro Detroit community.
Why Detroit? Perhaps it has something to do with Mr. Varvatos being from Detroit and having roots here. Or maybe it was his love for rock ‘n’ roll music and Detroit’s musical legacy. Regardless, one thing is clear: from listening to him during press interviews, it’s easy to see he truly believes in the revitalization of the city! As Dan Gilbert recently stated, “This is a great testament to Detroit.” John is excited and very proud to have his first Midwest store in the city and be a part of the NEW wave of Detroit retail. The store itself is located in the renowned, former Wright Kay Building, built in 1891.
The historic Gordon Lloyd designed building was originally known as the 
Schwankovsky Temple of Music, which is perfectly fitting for the Varvatos store location considering his love for rock ‘n’ roll. Walking through the 4,600-square-foot retail space, you’ll discover a fine variety of menswear from the John Varvatos Spring ‘15 collection. The collection is sophisticated yet has an edgy cool look through various design details.
Stylenote: make sure to check out the moto jackets, premium knits, light weight outerwear and canvas footwear.
The creative spirit, electricity and edgy intrinsic style from The Who, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger and many other rock ‘n’ roll legends have influenced John and the evolution of his eclectic sensibility. This can be seen throughout the entire John Varvatos brand and is apparent in the design and craftsmanship of his apparel and lifestyle products.
The product selection also offers sunglasses, scarves, travel accessories, leather goods, and a variety of awesome coffee table books and vinyl records!
We discovered the limited-edition “Legendary Rock Icon Collection” of vintage-inspired, soft-fabric T-sh
irts with a few "Detroit-centric" prints, such as messages with “Detroit Rock City,” and KISS printed across the front.
Similar to the John Varvatos New York Bowery Store, the Detroit shop feels like an intimate concert hall (we’ve heard talk of live concert series to take place, as he hosts at other JV locations). Other elements we like about the store are the rock ‘n’ roll photo prints hanging from the walls along with guitars (all for sale) and unique music memorabilia.
Welcome home, John Varvatos!
Share your #JVDetroit experience with us @styleshack! We'll re-share our favorite images on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!
More information on the John Varvatos Brand:
John Varvatos is a brand that occupies a unique place in the landscape of American design. It unites old world craftsmanship and refined tailoring with modern innovations in textiles and a rock ‘n’ roll sensibility. Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, the brand now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, limited edition watches and fragrances as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos « USA collection. A wildly successful collaboration with Converse gave rise to reinterpreted versions of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star and Jack Purcell sneakers, including the creation of the John Varvatos Laceless Chuck Taylor. In Fall 2006 the partnership with Converse led to the launch of a full collection of athletic, punk and vintage-inspired sportswear for men. Check out the John Varvatos Detroit Page on their website – click here: #JVDETROIT