New boutique brings urban style to Woodward

Detroiters who fancy the look of Pharrell, not Fergie, can find clothing to suit their needs at Studio Couture, a 3,180 square foot boutique that recently opened on Woodward between John R and Clifford. 

Owner Nino Ross had another shop downtown years ago, but moved to Southfield before returning to the city. “Five years ago, there was nothing [downtown]. It was nowhere near where it is today. I want to be part of the development.” 

Studio Couture carries specialty clothing labels such as Lotto, Lacoste, Evisu, Red Monkey, House of Derrien, Anna Sui, Rachel Roy and Ed Hardy as well shoes from Chinese Laundry and boots from Mark Mason. Ross also carries a range of accessories; he points out a local bracelet line called Acoutre that has been selling well.

The design team of M. West is responsible for the decidedly modern look of the store—raw birch benches and the mostly-bare walls allow the clothes to take center stage. A red display shelf can also be utilized as a runway and the accessories counter as a bar. Clearly, Ross envisions events as integral to his store’s vibe.

Ross styles artists like Obie Trice and aims to serve a more fashion forward demographic than is currently being served in Detroit. “There’s a base market for what we’re doing. It’s not large, but it’s growing.” He believes that “One thing I like about this city is that it is growing. People are adapting to change, and they are looking for new things.”

Studio Couture is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Source: Nino Ross, Studio Couture