Detroit Snob founder Desiree Cooper; Photo by JMillz, FreshCoolDope

I met Detroit Snob founder Desiree Cooper at an entrepreneur seminar.  What caught my attention was the t-shirt she was wearing - understated and black with the words, “detroit snob” across the front.  It was minimalist and chic, yet attention grabbing.  Detroit Style Review caught up with Desiree Cooper recently to find out more about Detroit Snob.        

DSR: Tell me about Detroit Snob and what prompted you to launch the brand?

DS: “I first came across the term while doing interviews for my blog about three years ago. While it immediately resonated with me, it took me awhile to realize that this was very descriptive of how so many Detroiters feel about their hometown.”

“It applies to the new creative class that is now pouring into Detroit, as well as to the people who have been here for decades, trying to make the city a better place for everyone.  It applies to the young and the old.  With the media always wanting to tell the story of our decline and how we’re a symbol of racial strife and urban decay, at heart, we are a city of snobs—people who get each other, and aren’t concerned with who else gets us.”

“It was clear to me that the time was ripe to give Detroiters something to rally around—a way to show their dogged pride.  Detroit Snob is not just a slogan or a fashion statement— it’s also a mentality, it’s a community, it’s a way of life.”

DSR: What is a Detroit Snob?

DS: “First of all, a Detroit Snob doesn’t have to be someone from Detroit.  I’ve had people buy the shirt from Maryland to Los Angeles.  A Detroit Snob is anyone who has an affinity for the city and is willing to work for its bright future.   A Detroit Snob is high-minded, but always down-to-earth.  A Detroit Snob offers action, not excuses.  A Detroit Snob is a serial optimist.  A Detroit Snob finds art where others find refuse.  A Detroit Snob plants green where others see gray.  A Detroit Snob never offers apologies, only possibilities.”

DSR: It seems that part of your brand’s message is to highlight Detroit’s positives.  What are some of the things you wish others knew about Detroit?

DS: “Detroit residents give a higher percentage of their income to charity and religious organizations than residents in most other cities.  Detroit’s theater district is second only to Broadway.  Belle Isle is the largest city island park.  It’s bigger than Central Park and was designed by the same architect, Frederick Law Olmstead.  Lafayette Park has the world’s largest number of buildings designed by famed German architect Mies van der Rohe.  It remains one of the finest examples of urban renewal, with its mixed-income and mixed living options.  Do I need to go on?”

DSR: What are your future plans for Detroit Snob?

DS: “My partner—veteran public relations specialist Pat Williams Taitt Euseary—and I have a definite vision for the company which includes new designs and expansion to other kinds of apparel.  However, we are open to the organic way that the company is evolving.  Over the 2011 holidays, a senior citizen lost her home in a fire.  Detroit Snobs came to her aid, donating clothing within the first 24 hours.  It was amazing to see what an active network the Detroit Snob has become.  It’s not just a slogan—it’s a way of life.”

DSR: Where can one purchase Detroit Snob products?

DS: “Of course, the tees are available online at www.detroitsnob.com.  They are also available at the following metro Detroit locations:

The Peacock Room, 15 E. Kirby (in the Park Shelton next to the DIA)

Flo Boutique, 404 W. Willis (in Midtown Detroit)

Spectacles, 230 E. Grand River in Harmonie Park, 

The Lido Gallery, 33535 Woodward, Birmingham

Savvy Chic, Eastern Market - 2712 Riopelle, Detroit, MI 313-833-8769
Savvy Chic- 32800 Franklin Rd. Franklin, MI 48025, 248-325-9601”

DSR: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

DS: “We invite you to get on board with Detroit Snob. You can find us on Facebook. You’ll see that people are posting their photos of themselves being active all over in their tees.  It’s also a great place to talk about what’s happening around town and how to get involved.

~Jessica R. Simmons