A-List: September 2009

Signature Scent

Valentino’s eponymous new fragrance exudes femininity — the floral notes, rosy hue, even the hourglass curve of the bottle are ladylike. Soft touches of magnolia, pear flower, and mimosa complement the rice vapor and vanilla orchid base. $80-$100, exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Somerset Collection South, Troy; 248-643-3300; neimanmarcus.com.

Sweet Scoop

Hudsonville, a name familiar to denizens of the far west side of The Mitten since 1926, is being introduced to metro Detroit ice-cream lovers. The Holland, Mich., company concocts a wide variety of frozen flavors that include Michigan Deer Traxx, Sleeping Bear Dunes Bear Hug, and Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Fudge. Available at area Walgreens, Hollywood, and VG’s grocery stores. Information and retail locations: hudsonvilleicecream.com.

Green Goods

Root & Sprout, the Birmingham boutique, has gained a following among parents seeking organic toys and clothing made of natural materials, including soft bamboo-based fabric for their infants and toddlers. The shop also carries items for adults (recycled glass jewelry) and the home (recycled oil-drum art). Moobelle Cow, the Ecoleeko plush animal pictured here, is crafted of bamboo fleece and organic cotton corduroy, which is hand-dyed and printed by the artist, who also uses organic cotton thread and natural fillings. Ecoleeko animals, about $17-$40. Root & Sprout, 474 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-593-9552.

Gem-packed

In its quest to design and create exquisite handmade jewelry, New York-based Oscar Heyman leaves no stone unturned. Founded in 1912 by a family of Latvian immigrants (two of whom apprenticed at a Fabergé workshop), Heyman remains committed to painstaking craftsmanship. Even today, the firm makes its own tools and alloys its own gold and platinum. Pictured: Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cufflinks, $15,000, available at Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, 6337 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township; 248-932-7700, and Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi; 248-465-1800, tappers.com.

Holiday Honey

When Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Sept. 18, one item can be found on every table: honey, representing sweetness for the new year. Jim Hiller, CEO and owner of Hiller’s Markets, honors the occasion with honey cake, a long-standing Hiller-family tradition. Hiller’s sells Michigan-made Stakich Raw Honey. $6.39/16-ounce jar. Information and locations: hillers.com.

A Retail Tradition

Metro Detroiters can now earn their shopping stripes the classic way — at Henri Bendel, the 114-year-old New York retailer. Bendel, known for its trademark brown-and-white stripes, which appear on everything from shopping bags and hatboxes to purses, sells fashion accessories and gifts. Look for handbags crafted in Italy, “Bendel Girl” bangles, and scarves, among other items. Debutante Asymmetric Clutch in Nappa with convertible strap, $225. Henri Bendel, Somerset Collection North, Troy; 248-816-2021.

Like what you've read? Subscribe to Hour Detroit »