It looks like a small boutique that would be at the corner of a busy intersection somewhere in a big city. Upon entering Andi's Closet, located in Fitger's (Canal Park's historic district), I immediately got a sense of familiarity.
The chiffon fabrics and lace textures in the shirts and dresses are hung in a vintage style, set against the white brick stones of the store. Although the interior space is painted with white walls and floors, a few pops of color in the clothes are added to the decor.
Duluth has long been a city of outdoors, its clothing shops catering to the harsh weather conditions. They are often made with materials that can withstand water, heat, and the cold. Andi's store doesn't adhere to that. The labels, textures and style of the clothes are evident that the girl who shops at the store is used to contemporary silhouettes. Coming from Minneapolis where the shops in uptown carry a similar aesthetic to this boutique, I felt somewhat limited to the stores that Duluth usually offers.
That's not to say that Duluth doesn't have fashion. On the contrary, Duluth's fashion is very well-defined. Wool flannel shirts and jeans are common, and the little shops in downtown that sell fur coats tells a history of the city's venerable roots (Duluth is one of the few places that sells authentic fur). Andi's store manager also said that the boutique started out with an emphasis on denim.
There is something to say that there is an interaction going on between the organic side of Duluth and the city aspect. More people from the cities are coming to the "Great Outdoors" and there has been a gradual integration of both sides coming together.
Walking around the boutique, there is a good sense of how the fabric of it has evolved. The mix between industrial and feminine shows, like the wooden beams on the ceiling. A large mirror leaning against the brick clothing fixture adds a different and modern touch to the space. The rods holding the clothes together looks like old plumbing pipes, painted with black to hide the rustic exterior.
Even though it seems like Duluth has a predetermined identity, it's constantly changing. If small boutiques like Andi's closet do well, it can definitely have an effect on Duluth fashion, making it more fashion-forward and trendy.