by Kathie King
Do you find you are spending more time and money being ignored by salespeople while looking for something wonderful to wear, only to find out you look just like everyone else. Well have I got a place for you. Wearing a beautiful of one of a kind piece of vintage clothing is the "Rage" a favorite haunt in Ann Arbor. Paul Shore's "Rage of the Age" enjoys a new location, downtown, at 314 S. Ashley, between Williams and Liberty Street.This residential-like style building lends itself well to a retail environment. The multi-bay windows display beautiful vintage clothing and accessories which make the store an inviting place to shop. The new location has a better parking situation then before, elevating the frustration many Ann Arbor shoppers face, which is inadequate parking.
The shop features three rooms on the main level. Each room is well planned and merchandised with its own expressive theme. All of the pieces are selected by Paul reflecting the detail and styles represented by that period.
The front showroom is wonderful. You really get a sense of its elegance through a massive mirror which reflects the showroom's collection of evening dresses, plunging necklines, beads, satins and lace. Also, see his an exquisite selection of classic suits in rich fabrics.
The middle showroom reflects more of Paul's great taste. Color is everywhere, with one exception, the single distinctive rack of stunning black dresses. Occupying a redesigned closet, you will find the men's vintage designs which include suits and tuxedos, jackets, shirts, and many accessories from the 20's through sharkskin.
The third showroom again has its own individual look. It's almost like a separate department. Here, Paul displays his vast selection of vintage textiles. Reproduction of fabric patterns from the 30's and 40's are now available. You can buy these reproduced patterns by the yard to complete your biggest projects. Mixed in this room, you can also find Higgins glass and other pottery selections like Russel Wright.
Each showroom has a showcase filled with jewelry (sterling, rhinestones, copper, and bakelite) hand bags, compacts, shoes, hats, and gloves. In addition, there are a lot of decorative accessories for the home and entertaining.
The lower level will soon display furniture from Heywood Wakefield, George Nelson, Herman Miller and Knoll, as well as many other uniquely designed pieces. This area should be completed shortly and opened by the time you read this review. I won't even tell you about the "to die for" divided sofas that already had a "sold" tag on them when I arrived.
Paul Shore has been buying and selling vintage clothing in Ann Arbor since 1986. And yes, he does have designer pieces like: Dior, Blass, Schiaparelli, Cardin, Givenchy, McCardel, Cassini, Chanel, and Trigere. They go fast, so you must inquire about being placed on his client list. His impressive collection has certainly had an interesting past.
Coming Attractions: Lights, Camera, Action! As a result of displaying some of his beautiful pieces at one of his favorite vintage clothing shows in New York, a film maker has asked Paul to supply 200 costumes for a 60's period film called "Stonewall" produced by the BBC. Don't miss it. Coming to the silver screen near you. We will have to check our listings. The date has not been released.
Rage of the Age
314 S. Ashley St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(313) 662-0777