Until the time when we can call AAA or DAADS for a Deco shopping triptych, we'll have to rely on our own networking for ideas and information.
Depending on how fast you are, you can cover one or more areas in a day by car, or for a closer look at the architecture, restaurants, and parks of our picturesque communities, plan for a walking or bicycle tour. This way, you can further enjoy all the shops and the beautifully displayed windows.
Where to begin? I love downtown. There are two shops within a few blocks of each other that always have great Art Deco pieces. "The Senate," 828 Fisher Fwy. Service Drive (313) 963-5252, has two selling floors, with deco selections throughout. just inside the door sits Cheryl and David Deary's great deco booth. Cheryl and David collect Art Deco, and their booth reflects their love for the period.
On Michigan Avenue, just six blocks west of Tiger Stadium, is "Xavier's," James Slade's great shop specializing in 20th Century Design furniture and accessories. 2546 Michigan Ave., (313) 964-1222.
There are at least two beautiful, "can't miss" shops in Ann Arbor. Connie Bassil's "Art Deco Design Studio" has two gallery setting rooms of beautifully displayed Art Deco. This easy to find new location is next to Zingerman's, at 414 Detroit, (313) 622-0777. Paul Shore's "Rage of the Age," at 314 S. Ashley St., (313) 662-0777, features outstanding selections of vintage fashions from the 30s and 40s for both women and men, plus accessories and textiles.
In Royal Oak, Fourth Street is the Deco Mecca. Start at the "Duke Gallery," 312 N. Fourth (810) 547-5511, where co-owners Carol Grant and Ann Dandron-Duke have collected, along with the best in Arts and Crafts, a breathtakingly beautiful display of glass from the 1920s.
Doug Ramsey's "Deco Doug," 106 N. Fourth, (810) 547-3330, always has period perfect pieces in his all deco shop.
Robin Cohen displays both at Judy Trumbull's great shop "Trumbull's Antique Emporium," at 112 E. Fourth, (810) 584-0006, and at her booth in "Antiques on Main," 115 S. Main, (810) 545-4663. This is a terrific mall with lots to choose from.
Shopping at antique malls can always be a great adventure, the varied selection of dealers almost guaranteeing some pleasant surprises. Northville has a great new mall, the "Knighstbridge Antique Mall," at 42305 W. Seven Mile Rd., (810) 344-7200. And yes, the re is Deco there.
Beautiful window displays draw you into "Modernage," 25 N. Saginaw, Pontiac, (810) 745-0999. It's the new 20th Century Design gallery of co-owners Jacques Caussin and Kim and Chuck Zuccarini. The shop has maintained its original design decor of the 30s, just like all of the fabulous pieces that are now for sale.
Most everyone mentioned here will be part of the 75 dealers from across the country that will be exhibiting at the Michigan Modernism Show, April 27 and 28. I'll look forward to seeing you at the preview party April 26. This year, DAADS will have a big band for our listening and shopping enjoyment, so wear your vintage dancing shoes!