TRIBUTE: POCKETS’ FOUNDER DAVID SMITH, 1947-2024
MR magazine is sad to report the passing of David Smith, legendary founder of Pockets Menswear in Dallas, Texas. He and his wife Margaret opened Pockets on Walnut Hill and Central in 1973. It was a mere 500 square feet next to a barbershop, but filled with beautiful clothing, impeccable service, and genuine caring. Smith loved to point out that many of his first customers from the original location were still shopping with him decades later.
In fact, for nearly 40 years, Smith nurtured this much-admired upscale men’s emporium, forming close connections with his customers, a clientele spanning three generations. His shop’s signature style might best be described as “classic with flair, tasteful with personality.” Loyal customers included sports stars, doctors, lawyers, real estate developers and all kinds of guys who appreciated dressing better than they had to.
Smith retired and closed the store in 2013, selling his Highland Park lease to Zegna, a brand newly focused on opening its own stores. Two of Pockets’ devoted employees—industry veteran Doug Duckworth and star buyer/salesman Andy Weil—bought the intellectual property and, after closing for five months, opened a beautiful 3,000 square foot space in the nearby Plaza at Preston Center.
In a written tribute to Smith, Weil and Duckworth note that “David’s business was people, which is why anyone who ever met, worked with, or briefly chatted with him was impressed with his graciousness, recall, attention to detail, and caring.”
RIP David Smith: your imprint on men’s fashion continues to inspire us, as does your unique ability to connect with people.
Rest in peace, David.
David was the most Authentic, Gracious and Sincere gentleman you could
ever meet.
His attention to his stop and detail was as tasteful as his style.
All our us send our condolences to his family
Gary Wasserman
David was a true spirit and a wonderful gentleman. It was a pleasure to work with him.
My deepest sympathies to his family
On our first trip to Pitti Uomo, Ellen and I met David Smith on the street by chance near the Arno. He encouraged us to see the latest fashions in Florence shops and of course at the show. And years ago, he allowed his tailor to show me an alteration that we had never done before. Those two acts of kindness and compassion for the good of our industry have inspired Ellen and I ever since.
Rest in peace David, you were a very good retailer and from knowing you through Zegna, an even better person.
It was 1982 and of course a heat wave in Dallas , and my brother and i walked into David’s store . He asked , you fellas you want a Coke ?
I have such admiration for David Smith. He gave us a chance in 1982 , as we launched ike behar .
He is forever in our thoughts.