The venerable pop-up "Emerald," younger sibling of the wildly successful Peacock Room, occupied a special space in Midtown. Not only did it command a beautiful streetside place in the Park Shelton Building, Emerald sold a changing array of treasures. Lotions and potions in mysterious scents, men's shaving supplies, Frida Kahlo finger puppets, ties and vintage cufflinks were just a few of the baubles to be found, and the home decor selection though slim so often had a taste of glamorous old Detroit. A Hudson's dish, a pair of beautiful silver mugs, these were queenly gifts and I was sad to see the pop-up fold for a delicious new idea from Rachel, the owner.
Rachel deserves credit for knowing her market and clientele well. Few places in the state, let alone the city, cater to the Modcloth crowd happiest in boho shawls and chunky sweater dresses, organic knit skirts and earthy tones giving a hundred adjectives for brown. Where the Peacock Room caters to the inner Audrey Hepburn, Frida embodies the artistic, natural soul of Ms. Kahlo, a short-term resident of the Motor City.
Frida stocks a select range of whispery soft sweaters and thick, chunky leggings or patchwork skirts of buttery leather or brushed corduroy. On a given day, you might find a cinnamon shawl trailing tassels in a bold curtain or a delicate monochrome knit dress with a turtleneck collar and a tendency to give that forgiving hug all clothes should. Not every garment is subtle or modest, just as Ms. Kahlo's palette soared with bold colours, intense textures, and unerring vision. The sugar skull rings and gloriously beaded purses inject bolts of intense hues, and every turn erupts in newfound dimensions. Lively stocks and stockings don't go quietly into the night. Pretty accessories are far from delicate here, a stack of metal bracelets calling attention to themselves or a few gorgeous hairbands and hairpieces adorned by flowers begging to be touched. It's all very pretty.
The backdrop is a bit spartan, unless you turn to admire the Woodward Corridor. Staff here abide to the very high bar of customer service afforded by the Peacock Room and Emerald, where employees are known to stay after hours or arrange special emergency visits for those moments when you have a last minute fandango, your shirt got stained and the opera starts in a half hour, or you haven't any time to get down during normal business hours. They go out of their way to find a solution for every body type and an immense love and appreciation for their work is so very refreshing. Sizes run from XXS to plus-size, and no shaming anywhere in between.
A special note: if you see something you like, do not anticipate it will be there. Stock has a limited order to prevent two dozen copies of the same dress floating about town, and you may be out of luck if you do not purchase that lovely sweater you were thinking about.
Frida isn't to my particular tastes. I favour Peacock Room's sleek tailored lines and structured attire, but I can still appreciate the vision and execution here. read more