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Two years ago, globally renowned fashion leader Hermès took a chance on Michigan and opened its first store in metro Detroit at the Somerset Collection in Troy. In 2022, Gucci followed suit, opening its first men’s store in the state (also at Somerset) and its first store in Detroit.

Since then, the Michigan firsts have not slowed down, expanding luxury shopping opportunities and eliminating the need for a day trip to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Here are some of the highlights of the past 14 months.

Christian Louboutin

The instantly recognizable red-soled heel stepped into the Somerset Collection in November 2022, revealing a mesmerizing store designed with an eclectic flair. The iconic crimson shade, in the form of a fish-tile mosaic, is slathered across the entrance, creating an exciting ambiance as customers walk into a store divided into three sections featuring men’s and women’s shoes, including heels, boots, sneakers, and loafers displayed on pedestals and open shelves. Although Christian Louboutin is most famous for its footwear, the Italian trendsetter also offers handbags, backpacks, and other accessories at this location. ;��231-237-8523;.

Balenciaga

Last February, the popular brand founded by late designer Cristóbal Balenciaga acquired a new home at the Somerset Collection. At the 3,600-square-foot store, Detroiters can find Balenciaga’s iconic spandex Pantaleggings with attached heels — made popular by Kim Kardashian — as well as a wide selection of handbags and crossbody bags displayed near its collection of shoes. Prices range from $350 to $12,500. Like Balenciaga’s flagship location in London, the store was designed with a “raw architecture” concept, which simulates the appearance of corroded concrete and invokes an industrial edge. ; 947-225-2727; .

Dior

The French fashion house’s Somerset Collection store, which opened last March, was designed mostly with creams, whites, and other neutral tones and is embellished with textured finishes like grass cloth, plush rugs, and dimensional European print. Divided into separate men’s and women’s areas, the store also has a VIP lounge designated for private fittings that stands out with blush toile walls adorned with custom, hand-sculpted porcelain floral art. Women’s and men’s accessories — an array of jewelry, handbags, and other leather goods — are tastefully laid on open shelves and encased in chic glass displays. Customers will appreciate the racks of ready-to-wear outfits, perfect for quickly finding something for an event in downtown Detroit or brunch in nearby Birmingham. ; 248-230-9500; .

Diptyque

Stepping inside the French luxury fragrance and design house is like visiting the Paris apartment of a friend — one who prides themselves on presenting a stylish home with an alluring scent. The boutique at the Somerset Collection opened in June and offers various signature French scents in different forms, including perfume, candles, hair mist, soap, and lotion. Many of its collections are inspired by nature, such as Philosykos, which incorporates different aspects of a fig tree, such as its leaves, bark, and fruit, to create a fresh and energetic scent. As you peruse Diptyque’s products, you’ll notice a fireplace that creates a cozy ambiance contrasted by concrete columns honoring Detroit’s industrial era. ; 248-983-4693; .

CB2

Crate & Barrel’s sister brand opened its downtown Birmingham doors in February 2023. The nearly 6,000-square-foot store features modern and contemporary decor divided and displayed by room type, like a bedroom design with a chic downtown Detroit vibe, featuring white walls complemented by neutral midcentury-modern furnishings. Indecisive shoppers unable to choose the right centerpiece for their dining table or accent chair for their living room can be assisted by professional designers at no additional cost. This is CB2’s third location in the Midwest��and is part of the $17.5 million redevelopment of the historic Maplewood building, originally constructed in 1889. ; 248-230-8800; .

Vuori

Last June, this California-based, climate neutral-certified company joined the Somerset Collection’s roster of athletic clothing stores, like Allbirds and Lululemon, as part of the retailer’s efforts to open 100 locations by 2026. Shoppers can expect to find collections curated with a mixture of athletic and loungewear mostly made of recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles. The retailer maintains its California vibe by displaying various desert plants throughout the space and offers a diverse selection of jumpsuits, dresses, and yoga accessories, as well as menswear like fleece hoodies and moisture-resistant shirts. ; 714-452-2778; .

This story is from the January 2024 issue of ����vlog��׿��. Read more in our digital edition.