Avenue of Fashion

History
Must-Sees

Why Visit?

Interested in visiting the street with one of the highest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the United States? Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion is a walkable, historic shopping district known for its thriving Black-owned business scene. It runs along Livernois Avenue, from Seven to Eight Mile Roads.

Come here to shop for luxury suits, glamorous dresses, original art by celebrated African American artists, delightful baked goods, and more.

Beyond Avenue of Fashion, it’s also worth exploring the University District, to the east of Livernois. This residential neighborhood is filled with impressive, historic homes with brick, marble, and Tudor exteriors.

History of Detroit's Avenue of Fashion and University District

The University District was founded in 1929, and named for its location just north of the University of Detroit Mercy. The neighborhood is bordered by Livernois on its west side, Seven Mile to the north, Parkside (and Detroit Golf Club) to the east, and West McNichols to the south.

After World War II and into the 1950 and 60s, during the period of white flight, African American families began moving into the University District. Many of these families opened fashion and textile businesses along Livernois, and it soon gained a reputation as a go-to spot in Detroit for clothes, jewelry, furs, and more. Detroiters called this stretch of businesses the “Avenue of Fashion.”

In the late 60s, the Avenue of Fashion’s popularity began to wane, due to the arrival of shopping malls. Many businesses were forced to close their doors.

Since the early 2000s, though, the Avenue of Fashion has been undergoing a revitalization. A new wave of Black-owned restaurants and shops have opened, bringing renewed interest to the historic shopping district. In 2019, a major streetscape project made the area more pedestrian friendly, including wider sidewalks and protected bike lanes, contributing further to its resurgence.

Avenue of Fashion Must-Sees

Most tourists come to this part of Detroit for the Avenue of Fashion, and there are a lot of activities you can find along this stretch of road. Some of the best ones include:

  1. Shop and dine along Avenue of Fashion (duh!). Stop at Times Square and The Shoe Box
    for men’s clothing and shoes, Sherwood Forest Art Gallery and Jo’s Gallery for custom framing and original art, Three Thirteen for Detroit-branded apparel, Teasers Boutique for unique eventwear, and Good Cakes and Bakes to pick up a sweet treat. When you’re hungry, stop for a bite at Bucharest Grill, Noni’s Sherwood Grille, Trap Vegan, Fork in Nigeria, or Pequeño Cantina.
  2. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Detroit’s only Black-owned teahouse. Lily’s & Elise is a perfectly pink and totally aesthetic café where you can order delicate pastries, delicious mocktails, and of course a three-tiered high tea.
  3. Enjoy live jazz music at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. This is one of the oldest jazz clubs not just in Detroit, but the world. You’ll be impressed by the unique piano bar, tasty soul food, and of course the jazz performers.

How Can I Get to Avenue of Fashion and the University District?

You can get to the University District and Avenue of Fashion by driving, rideshare, or DDOT and SMART buses.

What is the best way to explore Avenue of Fashion and the University District?

It’s useful to have a car to get to and from the University District, but once you’re on the Avenue of Fashion you’ll want to walk, so that you can drop into the various shops and restaurants.

Where can I park?

There is street parking throughout the University District. Along Livernois Avenue, parking is mostly metered. The Park Detroit app can help you find available parking spots.

Distance from DTW

The Avenue of Fashion is about a 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

Explore our Neighborhoods