DALLAS DOINGS: KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN REPORTS DIRECT FROM THE DALLAS MARKET

by Karen Alberg Grossman Feb 01, 2023

It was by all accounts a great Dallas market, filled with fabulous fall ’23 fashion and lots of energized retailers and vendors undaunted by economic uncertainty. But as much as I love this Dallas market, I didn’t expect to stay indefinitely… But stranded by the ice storms, I’m spending another day trying to reach the airlines to rebook my canceled flights, assuming I can even get to the airport as frigid temps and sheets of sleet continue to paralyze the city.

A few notable brands with exceptional fashion, margin, and craftsmanship:

North Sails (above): A favorite of the sailing community, this brand has placed serious emphasis on sustainability, replanting coral reefs to absorb carbon dioxide. The collection includes great outerwear at $225-$595 retails (I love the water-resistant wools), fabulous knitwear from Italy, swimwear, graphic tees, and beautifully detailed polos ($85-$125). A collaboration with Maserati is at slightly higher prices. Sums up Tom Ott, “North Sails is bringing technical detail to lifestyle fashion in a very sophisticated and sustainable way.”

& Sons: Distinctive woven shirts of the highest quality and design integrity. Patrick Williams works with the mills to design the prints (digital, vegetable dyes, laser etched), all limited edition and well-priced at $52-$60 cost ($130-$150 retails). In cotton, linen, wool blends, and some interesting two-way fabrics. Great stuff!

Richard Choi showed his best-ever collection of modern knitwear, to be layered for comfort and cool. I loved the worsted cashmeres in classic bodies ($159-$179 cost), the cardigans, hoodies and knit jackets.

At Mac Jeans (about to celebrate 50 years in business and in the running for a prestigious sustainability award), Galina showed a range of great-looking styles, including a directional model with pleats and wide legs. “We’re showing it, but that doesn’t mean we’re selling it!” she candidly remarks.

TailoRed: Their gorgeous Italian piece goods and soft quality construction make this collection look far more expensive than it costs.

Hagen: From a tiny group of shirts a few years back, the line has grown into a complete collection of refined elevated classics. Among the success secrets here, a commitment to specialty stores that precludes selling department stores and D2C. (And never underplay the importance of Hagen’s signature Pinot Noir!)