'Best of Detroit' Jeans and Cutting Edge Fashion Found in Brighton

When many people think of finding designer jeans and cutting edge fashion in Metro Detroit, they think of Birmingham. But a Brighton boutique is giving shops along Maple Road a run for their money in the latest issue of HOUR magazine. 

HOUR's "Best of Detroit," which hit newsstands this week, named in downtown Brighton the best place to buy jeans, tied with Birmingham cult denim store Caruso Caruso.

"I think they've won number one the last forever years," said Impulse owner Gail Sherman, who was thrilled with the news.

Impulse also was named Best of Detroit for "cutting edge fashion," tied with the exclusive Birmingham boutique Linda Dresner.

The "Best Of" winners are determined by HOUR readers, who fill out paper and online ballots to vote for their Detroit favorites in dozens of categories.

The first-place ties put Impulse in top-notch company. Caruso Caruso was the first jean shop of its kind in metro Detroit, and has been an anchor in downtown Birmingham for three decades. Owner Frank Caruso is virtually credited with bringing indie denim to town.

Dresner is considered an international fashion retail icon. Until 2008 she also owned a visionary salon-style boutique on Park Avenue in Manhattan, and is credited with helping to discover designers like Comme des Garcon and Jil Sander. Her eponymous Birmingham store carries top labels and is open by appointment only.

"She has been all over the fashion world," Sherman said of Dresner.

Sherman's HOUR magazine honors are even more impressive considering impulse has only been open eight years. The good news comes just as Impulse prepares to close for two weeks to undergo "exciting interior renovations."

Impulse will be open Memorial weekend with special pre-renovation sales, until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday.

Doors will close for construction, scheduled June 1-15, Sherman said.

When it comes to jeans, Impulse carries Diesel, Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, William Rast, Citizens for Humanity, Joe's Jeans, Paige Denim, Hudson, AG, Robin's Jean and a brand-new line called DL1961. The shop also carries a variety of tops and accessories.