Skate-inspired Freshman Clothing opens on E. Grand River in Paradise Valley

Whether you consider it Paradise Valley or Harmonie Park, one thing is for certain: E. Grand River has become quite the retail strip, with Spectacles, Rags, DSE @ Grand and Iklektik now joined by Freshman Clothing, which opened its doors on Nov. 13 at 204 E. Grand River. The small storefront’s house label has been around for two years and was available online, next door at DSE, as well as at Burn Rubber in Royal Oak. Phillip Simpson, co-owner and founder, says “the importance of being in-person” prompted he and business partner Eric Lowry to open a location of their own. “We had a virtual fan base, (but this makes us more) accessible. Now you can stop in and kick it with us,” he says.

Both owners are artists — Simpson a painter, Lowry a shoe designer. Their decidedly skate-influenced clothing centers around t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and denim with a complimentary female line, Fresher, also in the mix. “It’s real clean, straight-to-the-point street wear, urban wear,” says Simpson. There are various designs and styles, but the Freshman signature logo is the outline of a young boy with a backpack seen from behind. “The backpack kid,” as Simpson calls him, “is taking his first step towards greatness.”

The goal is expand Freshman’s offerings to include more shoes, watches and jewelry. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m. The shop is open Sundays during the holidays and Lions home games. Call tK.

Source: Phillip Simpson, Freshman Clothing
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh