Do you ever miss the vibrant colors, innovative prints, and retro high-top sneakers from the 90s fashion scene? Whether you actually lived it or you attempt to live it through, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends, it was definitely an iconic time for street fashion and urban culture.
Creating a location that is not exactly your average thrift store, the concept of bringing back retro 90s style to todays fashion was something that Eastern Michigan University graduate, Deonta Doss, believed had the potential to become a successful business.
“The idea of Friends Closet came to me just from being around my friends. A vast majority of them are urban hipsters,” Doss stated on the business’ website.
Friends Closet opened earlier this year in June. They operate Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and they are located at 36 N. Washington St. in Downtown Ypsilanti.
“We sell clothes popular in the 90's that are making its way back into the clothes that we wear today. We also sell some vintage clothing and more modern clothing such as jerseys and Vans tennis shoes,” said Gilda Hall, street team associate for Friends Closet.
Hall is a senior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Biology and minoring in Apparel Textiles and Merchandising.
“It's retro and it's hip, it's a way to wear your memories, especially if you’re a 90s baby or experienced the 90s as a teen, or even an adult,” said Hall.
Some of the items that they carry include women’s dresses, men’s flannels and button-up shirts, and retro sneakers.
Hall stated that the store welcomes everyone and they can't wait to emerge themselves into the community. They have held various events at the shop including a spelling bee, “paint and shop” and tie dying.
The locations openness to engaging with their community is also displayed through their unique lounge area that they have inside of the store. The lounge is like walking into the perfect 90s chill spot with bean bag chairs, video games, and colored flashing lights.
“I love working at Friends Closet because it's a fun and open environment as well as super friendly,” said Hall.
To learn more about the style and products carried at Friend’s Closet, you can visit their website at www.shopfriendscloset.com.
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