BY BTL STAFF
Yama, a new retail store dedicated to the contemporary woman is set to open this fall. Named in honor of legendary Detroit architect Minoru Yamasaki, the 2,000-square-foot Yama will join Rachel Lutz's other stores, The Peacock Room and Frida, both of which are located in Midtown's Park Shelton next to the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Yamasaki was the king of mid-century modern design, and Yama's apparel will showcase architecturally-inspired, edgy fashion and accessories for the modern woman, according to a press release.
The plans for Yama were announced in May in partnership with a real estate group called The Platform – which Lutz says recently invited her to open on the first floor of the Fisher Building.
"There has been such an overwhelming response to The Peacock Room that we've outgrown our footprint after doubling the original space," Lutz said, a Detroit resident. "I'm now doubling that into New Center, a neighborhood that will be growing leaps and bounds over the next few years."
Lutz said that while Detroit builds up, she wants to be an entrepreneur who builds out.
"We need growth to spread along the Woodward corridor into the neighborhoods," she said.
When asked how the three stores will differ, Lutz said, "The Peacock Room is for women inspired by vintage classics. Friday is for today's women. Yama will be our sister store of the future."
The new store will be similar, offering sizes 00-26 at all price points, since it is important to Lutz to serve every woman, not just a narrowly defined type.
Follow Rachel Lutz and the opening of Yama online at http://www.facebook.com/prouddetroiter.
