A Portrait Of | Detroit
A Portrait Of … featuring subset stories of connection. The connection to the subject lies in connection to personal that connects them in reach to a bigger connection that connects in wide too many.
Info
By Christina Holmes. Copy Editing By Jared Evans.
Location
Detroit, Michigan
2022
Nelson T Sanders Jr.
Deuce and a Quarter
Detroit
Photography by Christina Holmes
Writing by Nelson T Sanders Jr.
Copy Editing by Jared Evans
July 2022
Deuce and a Quarter
The inspiration for me getting this specific car stems from my dad. Before I was born, he had an Electra, also known on the street as a “deuce and a quarter.” He always talked about that car and how much he loved it. If memory serves, he had the 2-door limited edition, which came with all the luxury bells and whistles, and it was a cream color of sorts—at least according to some of my older cousins. He told me he paid around $7,000 for it and drove it right off the showroom floor.
Once I became an adult and developed a liking for old cars, I naturally gravitated toward the late ’60s and early ’70s GM cars. The lines, shapes, and attention to detail were insane to me. Being in the tailored clothing industry, I’m naturally attracted to thoughtful, well-made things. Clothing, cars, accessories, food and beverage, and home decor are all things I love, and they naturally coincide.
Aside from being the direct inspiration for the car, my dad also played a role in me getting into the suiting game. When I was a kid, he’d always give me advice on how to take care of the things I had, and to always buy quality if I could. He taught me how to tie a tie, shine my shoes, and where to buy a hat or a watch. As I began to come into my own, I remembered the things he taught me when I was a kid and put my own twist on it.
He’d show me photos of Detroit from when he was in his 20s and younger. Back then, people seemed to care a lot more about how they dressed. Wearing a suit was not just for a specific occasion—it could have just been a Tuesday. Suiting has seemingly gotten lost. With Dandy, I want to be a part of bringing that mindset back to the city.
Detroit has, and will always have, a fashion identity. I want to think about the things and people I was inspired by and refine them. In a sense, Detroit is pretty country—bold, vibrant, and sometimes in your face. I dig that and respect it, but I think it’s time to take things to the next level. I’m continuing to learn as much as I can so I can properly educate my clients and people I come across on a daily basis.
My Buick represents me, my brand, and my city.
– Nelson T Sanders Jr. , @dandy.detroit
Sheefy McFly
Sheffy's Art Haven
Detroit
Photography by Christina Holmes
Writing by Sheefy McFly
Copy Editing by Jared Evans
August 2022
Sheefy's Art Haven
Welcome to my first art studio. It’s a little rough around the edges, but it’s right in the middle of my childhood stomping grounds on the east side of Detroit. I look forward to creating memories and paintings here; I hope to make a painting in this studio that will change the rest of my life. I’m learning how to separate my art studio from my living space—even as a child, my home has also been my studio. My good friend Alex connected me to this new space early this winter, as my previous apartment had gotten to the point where I couldn’t even walk around because I had so many paintings; the clutter was clouding my mind.
Recently, I had just gotten back from a meeting and was in the midst of a photoshoot—and also cooking dinner—when a few collectors came by to buy paintings. Even though it was a lot going on at one time, I felt a breeze of serenity. I’ve been finding peace in the eye of the storm, and having this art studio is the first step toward my growth. I hope to build better habits and strengthen my attention span toward my art and music. I focus on corporate deadlines and my growing demand so much that I’ve been neglecting creating things simply because I love to create. I want to get back to that feeling I had when I was a kid, dreaming about being where I am now as an artist, and to feel that spark of wonderment to give me the inspiration I need to reach new heights.
I’m just settling into the new space, but my art studio has become my home away from home. My art haven. A true blessing.
– Sheefy McFly , @sheefymcfly
Jennyfer Crawford
Beniteau ( COMING SOON )
Detroit
Photography by Christina Holmes
Writing by Jennifer Crawford
Copy Editing by Jared Evans
October 2022