The key to iconic dressing is being able to chuck the rules and go with what feels right. Gretchen Gonzales Davidson accomplishes this not only with her personal style but also with her music.
The self-taught guitar player and songwriter got her first guitar in high school and took it with her to Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in anthropology. It was there that she got into her first band, called Universal Indians. “We played in basements all over East Lansing,” she recalls.
Since then, she’s been a founding member of multiple bands, including Slumber Party, Terror at the Opera, and her current band, Infinite River — an instrumental trio of veteran musicians creating a fantastical experience of psychedelic sounds.
But it’s her improv musical projects that she enjoys the most. “It’s really organic,” she says. “The people you play with are of the same mindset. We’re listening a lot. We go in with an idea. We know we want movement. And you give space [to the other musicians].”
Gonzales Davidson also works to ensure others have access to the arts. She has a presidential appointment to the National Endowment for the Arts, and she was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 to chair the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which according to the organization’s website “guides the distribution of resources to ensure that Michigan communities thrive from the civic, economic, and educational benefits of arts and culture.”
“It opened my eyes to appreciating the local arts community,” she says. “Art intersects all industries and is vitally important for our communities to thrive.”
My personal style …
Literally depends. I love so much, and that’s the problem. I love vintage. I always love black; I love to get a little goth. I’m loving flat shoes. When I dress up, I want something special. It depends what the evening calls for. I want to bring fun if I’m hosting. And I love a good theme. I love supporting smaller stores. I go to Coup D’état [in Detroit] all the time.
My shopping advice is …
You’ve got to know your body. Wear what’s right for you. When in doubt, cut it up. I’ve cut so many sweaters short. And get black jeans with the right fit.
I started paying attention to fashion …
In middle school. I probably thought I had it down in sixth grade. It’s a lifelong adventure. You gravitate toward other people you’re inspired by and push the boundaries a little bit together.
My style influences are …
Lots of friends. And Chloë Sevigny — the ultimate. She’s punky, cool, effortless. I’d say the same thing for Kim Gordon [of Sonic Youth]. She’s 71 and still goes for it.
I love to shop for vintage at …
Regeneration [in Ferndale]. Lost and Found Vintage and Leah’s Closet [both in Royal Oak].
My favorite item in my closet is …
A little black lace bomber jacket by Givenchy. I’ve had it for many years. It looks so raggedy, but I’m never getting rid of it.
On experimenting with colors and prints:
I love power clashing. When in the right mood, I love color.
My favorite place to people-watch for good style …
It was UFO Factory [in Detroit, now reopened as UFO Bar]. Cranbrook Art Museum is always a good place. Or a café at a museum.
This story originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Nov. 6.
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