The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal • May through August 2022 • Page 36
Told in Two Voices Story and Photos By Hilary Nichols and Omar Davidson As spring wakes us to the fresh colors and new life of this potent season, I feel pulled. The warming weather is a catalyst for change and I for one hear the call. To shop. For its miles of style, substance and swagger, the temptation takes me to Detroit. At over 139 square miles, our big city neighbor can seem overwhelming, so I decide to take a friendly local guide. Omar Davidson, born and raised in Detroit, partnered with me on this exploration and this piece.
THE WORD FROM OMAR: I was born and raised in Detroit all the way through high school, but I cannot say I grew up or came of age there. When I left for college and moved out of town, I became more aware. Now, in some ways, I find myself in an interesting position of feeling like the city I once called home is a new and strange place. Perhaps I feel a touch of imposter syndrome, as if I don’t deserve the distinction. Yet, I am aware of other feelings. Having visited the city recently, I’ve noticed, with some sadness, that there are a number of shops, boutiques, eateries, and restaurants I treasured in my youth that are gone. In their place others have arisen. However, to my surprise and pleasure, these newer additions to the cityscape are vibrant and cool. I want to become reacquainted with the city.
EASTERN MARKET Most of us are aware of the extensive area known as Eastern Market. Today we sought to explore more of the smaller gems in this area. The bright window art at People’s Records compelled us to enter. According to vinylfactory.com’s list of world’s best record shops, this unassuming shop has made the list as one of the best record stores in the world for good reason. Bins and bins of albums in every genre crowd this old school haunt that shares a door with the minimalist Trinosophes Café and venue. I feel like a time traveler as I uncover the 45s and LPs that informed my childhood soundtrack. The guys here are super helpful and excited to guide our exploration, like librarians for your eardrums. We decide to do a random DJ dive and each pick our top three albums. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Miles Davis for me, along with Stéphan Grappelli, John Coltrain, and Etta James for Omar. One of the vintage compact turntables from the 70s completes the purchase to take back to our ideal little jewel box of an Airbnb in the Kean building on East Jefferson. Along this strip a few other storefronts entice. Boro is a beautiful boutique showcasing handpicked consignment pieces. From 50s and 60s kitsch, to 70s and 80s funk, and even more modern, their small collection of shoes, boots, jewelry, and classic fashion is perfectly curated for today’s looks. Although their full collection is available online, it feels so good to be invited inside to savor the touch and textures in this airy showroom. You can bring items to consign for a deeper participation in the retro fashion scene. I just might try my hand with my old Pendelton collection next visit. Today, I leave with a perfect pair of Blundstone boots and a cashmere sweater ideal for the slight spring chill.
BINS AND BINS OF ALBUMS IN EVERY GENRE CROWD THIS OLD SCHOOL HAUNT THAT SHARES A DOOR WITH THE MINIMALIST TRINOSOPHES CAFE AND VENUE. A few doors down we ring the bell to be invited into the very swanky menswear atelier, Tailored Detroit. As owner and in-house tailor, Warick made us feel very welcome here among the custom components on his work surface. Dinner jackets, suits, and ready to wear items line the wall. They hand craft unique designs for every day to the most special of occasions, serving full wedding parties and custom
