On The Town: An Avant-Garde Boutique Opens in Detroit
Erin, one of the partners of Orleans + Winder, was born and raised in Michigan, traveled Europe after high school and while she was there, developed a deep respect for Paris, theatre, and fashion and objects that are made with thought and care. When she came back to the states, she received a degree in theatre performance and married her love of theatre with her first love of fashion to start Orleans + Winder.
DG3: Tell us about Orleans + Winder.
Orleans + Winder: My partner and I have wanted to open a concept store for a while now that serves as a platform for fashion, art and objects. We did our research, met with a wonderful boutique owner in Chicago who gave us some great advice, and began contacting designers whose work we have admired for years. We also liked the idea of creating a showroom similar to the ones you find in Europe, that allows the customer a personalized and immersive shopping experience. I am not someone who enjoys shopping at malls and I knew there were other like-minded people out there. Our goal is to redefine what it means to shop for and buy clothing. I am much more likely to purchase a timeless, well made and interesting piece of clothing from someone who has a relationship with the designers they are selling.
