DSE

Definitive Style Exclusive (DSE) is a clothing brand founded on the basis of creating conversation through design and imagery.

Definitive Style Exclusive (DSE) began as a retail store in May of 2008 in Detroit. At the time of it's opening, the store carried a variety of different brands both local and national. The DSE brand itself started out as an in house brand, which over time became a staple in the shop. In early 2012, the decision was made to transform the store into a flagship and focus squarely on DSE as a brand.

The inspiration behind most of the designing comes from all different elements of Detroit culture as well as everyday influences of art, music and life. Growing up in Detroit, there’s a certain aesthetic that stands out from other places in the world. In many respects, Detroit is a beautiful ugly place, and observing the people, architecture and landscape is what makes the design process enjoyable. DSE is an “observational” brand, mainly because most of the design ideas come from observing the world that surrounds us.

05/17/2026

Art is a universal language.

05/16/2026

Don't take it for granted.

05/13/2026

From a distance, the work of James Charles Morris () may appear to be a masterfully painted canvas, but a closer look reveals something entirely unexpected. Rather than relying on traditional media or brushwork, Morris constructs his pieces from countless photographic fragments — images he personally captures from the overlooked moments and textures of everyday life. Each photograph is meticulously layered and assembled, forming richly detailed compositions that blur the line between photography, collage, and painting. The result is a distinctive body of work that captivates viewers through both its visual complexity and its innovative approach to storytelling.

05/08/2026

"We're not outnumbered, we're out-organized" - Malcolm X

"Some Days I'm Malcolm, Some Days I'm Detroit Red"
Digital photo collage
40 x 48 in
2024

05/07/2026

Read all the slides.

05/02/2026

You know the Pistons won again.

05/01/2026

Being seen is showing up when it benefits you. Being present is showing up when it benefits something beyond you. Being present doesn't require photo ops or press. It’s the work that we do when no one is looking, and the effort comes from our hearts, not our egos.

04/18/2026

"The Hendrie Salon: A Survey of Black Artists in Detroit, Vol. 2"
Opens Friday, April 24th, 2026
4pm to 8pm

The Hendrie ()
556 Hendrie St.
Detroit, MI 48202

"The Hendrie Salon: A Survey of Black Artists in Detroit, Vol. 2" is the second edition of a series of exhibitions that honors the legacy of Detroit’s Black art community by showcasing a selection of works by established masters, mid-career artists, and emerging talents.

For generations, Detroit has stood as a sanctuary for Black artistic expression, creating an environment where innovation and culture thrive. The exhibition not only highlights the individual accomplishments of these artists, but also illustrates the collective influence they have had in shaping the narrative of Black artistry.

Featuring the works of:
`Jide Ajé . Harold Allen - Austen Brantley - Camille Ann Brewer - Ta**us Burns - Cydney Camp - Brian Day - Zuri Dean - Jamea Richmond-Edwards - Javier Gonzalez - Tyree Guyton - Ernest Hardman - Henry Heading - Booker T. Helm - Michael Horner - Takeisha Jefferson - Gregory Johnson - Lester Johnson - Miranda Kyle - Mario Moore - Carole Morisseau - Sabrina Nelson - Carl Owens - Maliek Phillips - David Philpot - Jocelyn Rainey - Byron Reed - Nielle Renee - Ron Rutherford - Bill Sanders - Seth Sharp - Tylonn J. Sawyer - Reggie Singleton - Hughie Lee-Smith - Reuben Telushkin - Rachel Elise Thomas - Bre'Ann White

Curated by James Charles Morris

04/13/2026

This is not a suggestion.

04/11/2026

Detroit lost a giant today. Dr. Cledie Taylor, artist, educator, gallerist, and mentor to so many in the art community and beyond, passed away at the age of 100. Her impact on Detroit’s Black artist community can not be measured. She was the co-founder of one of the nation's longest running Black art organizations in Arts Extended, which was also the first Black owned art galley in Detroit. She was an accomplished artist whose work has been exhibited countless times in Detroit and beyond. As an educator, she cultivated generations of young minds to push further and utilize the most out of their gifts. As a gallerist, she gave numerous artists a space to be seen. Her impact is immeasurable, and her spirit will live on. Rest well, Dr. Taylor.

Photo: Hugh Grannum

Address

Detroit, MI

Website

http://www.dsedetroit.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when DSE posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Clothing Store in Detroit?

DSE