John Varvatos boutique to open in Detroit

High-end menswear fashion designer Varvatos is Detroit native

DETROIT – Top shelf men's fashion is making a move to downtown Detroit.

John Varvatos, famed American menswear designer, announced Wednesday he will open his first Midwest retail boutique in the heart of downtown Detroit. The store will occupy the first floor of the 1500 Woodward building, currently holding Wright and Company on its second floor. The boutique is slated to open in spring 2015.

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"For me, this is much more than a business opportunity. It is also about changing the complexion of a great city and creating a different kind of legacy," Varvatos said. "Detroit is well past its tipping point and I'm thrilled to be playing a role in the city's ongoing transformation."

His decision to return to his hometown was greatly influenced by the opportunity to partner with Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures.

"To have a world renowned designer like John Varvatos choose downtown Detroit for his first Midwest store shows the confidence that specialty retailers have in the future of the city," said Gilbert. "The creative class has played an important role in Detroit's history and we are excited to have Varvatos return to his hometown and play a significant role in igniting Detroit's fashion community."

About John Varvatos:

Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire men's lifestyle that includes footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition watches, men's fragrances, and John Varvatos U.S.A. Collection and Boys' line, as well as Converse by John Varvatos. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ's "Designer of the Year" in 2007 and The CNN Style Award's "Menswear Designer of the Year" in 2013. In October 2013, John released his first book entitled John Varvatos: Rock in Fashion, which documents the elements of rock style that are intrinsic in the music community. Further rooting the brand in music, John Varvatos entered into a strategic partnership with Republic Records to formally launch John Varvatos Records in February 2014. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques and better department stores throughout the world.


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.