Known for specializing in Y2K-era clothing and accessories, Mrs Cullen’s Closet is packing up its piles of low-rise jeans on Decatur Street and heading to a new home in the Bywater. Owner Ruth Nash recently told What Now New Orleans that the shop will relocate to a storefront in the Dr. Bob art compound at 3023 Chartres St. A soft opening scheduled for early October.
Mrs Cullen’s Closet built a loyal following partly by tapping into the current resurgence of early-2000s fashion. For Nash, however, the shop’s aesthetic is more than just a trend; it is a lifelong passion rooted in her own childhood.
“I grew up through the 2000s and I was always hooked on E! News and the Kardashians and all that kind of stuff,” she said. “That sense of fashion was always what appealed to me. Even in high school, I always wore low-rise jeans and other people thought it was crazy, but I was like, ‘It’s the 2000s, I love it!’”
After finding success on Decatur, Nash was looking for a fresh start when a prime opportunity opened up within the creative hub of renowned local artist Dr. Bob.
“He had a spot next to his art shop for rent and it was big and it was cute and it was a good price and so I was like, ‘Alright, I’ll take it,’” Nash said.
The new space will continue to offer ethically sourced, recycled clothing while maintaining the eclectic vibe established at her previous location. The shop will also continue to showcase local art, including prints and paintings from artist Noah Church.
The new location offers a more secluded, destination-style experience compared to the heavy foot traffic of the Quarter. Nash said that adds an element of discovery to the shopping experience.
“It’s not a street-facing shop, so it’s kind of like you got to drive up the little gravel driveway and come around the corner and find me,” she explained. “But it’s kind of like fun — it’s almost like knowing a little secret!”
