Designer Interview

America's next top designer? Wes Gordon salutes fashion-forward Texas women

Wes Gordon has a lot to be excited about. The fashion world has taken note of the 27-year-old Atlanta native. He has been nominated in the Council of Fashion Designers of America emerging designer category, along with Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind and Rosie Assoulin. The prestigious award will be given out in New York on June 2.

Gordon learned of the nomination in Los Angeles, where he celebrated with Hollywood tastemakers, including Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Molly Sims and Ali Larter. "I had just landed in LA for a dinner we were hosting to launch the collection at Neiman Marcus, so the timing was perfect — it became a joint celebration," he said via email.

Gordon's fall collection, a mix of streamlined daywear in rich fabrics and military-tinged outerwear that Women's Wear Daily calls "hyper-chic yet cool," will be on view in Dallas on March 20 and 21 at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. The designer himself will be at the store, from 10 am-6 pm both days.

Before his Dallas visit, he chatted with CultureMap about what the nomination means, the Texas look and whether he could live without email for a day.

CultureMap: How does it feel to be nominated in the CFDA's emerging designer category?
Wes Gordon: It's surreal. I was completely surprised! I'm a huge fan of Shane & Christopher's and Rosie's, and I couldn't be more honored to be nominated with them.

CM:What does the nomination mean for you personally and for your business?
WG: When you're a young designer, validation such as this is so important and can really make a difference with both press and retailers.

CM:What do you plan to wear to the big event?
WG: I have zero idea. Ask me in a month!

CM: What five words would you use to describe your fall collection?
WG: Modern, textural, clean, layered and feminine.

CM: What inspired you in creating the collection?
WG: For fall 2014, I challenged myself to combine clean, crisp lines with textural depth. This collection is modern but not sterile, blending feminine and masculine silhouettes.

CM: Do you have a favorite look or looks from the collection?
WG: Looks 12, 21 and 3 (which Elle Fanning just wore). (Editor's note: To see the looks, check out the slideshow.)

CM: Whom do you hope your collection appeals to?
WG: We work really hard to ensure that our collection appeals to a large audience of women. My hope is that each piece finds a home with a woman who appreciates the quality, time and love that's gone into creating it.

CM: Is there a Texas look?
WG: Texas women are incredibly fashion-forward. They have the confidence to really take risks and have fun with clothes, which makes them a designer's dream client.

CM: Do you have a can't miss TV program you watch?
WG: I wish I had more time for TV. I'm a big Homeland fan.

CM: iPhone or Android?
WG: iPhone.

CM: Instagram or Twitter?
WG: Instagram.

CM: Could you survive a day without email?
WG: Yes, delightfully!

CM: What's on your to-do list while in Dallas?
WG: I love coming to Dallas. the shopping is fantastic, the food is incredible and the museums are a great source of inspiration.

Wes Gordon's fall collection includes this crisp trench jacket and skirt.

Photo courtesy of Wes Gordon

Wes Gordon's fall collection includes this crisp trench jacket and skirt.

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Shopping News

Exciting New York label leads lineup of new shops at Galleria Dallas

Lindsay Nicholas

Lindsay Nicholas New York promises to be an exciting new shop at Galleria Dallas.

North Dallas shopping center Galleria Dallas continues its expansion momentum with a slate of new concepts and brands being added to its roster. Those include three new first-in-market brands, plus retailers, restaurants, and a pop-up boutique.

These new stores follow the opening of the center’s 27,586-square-foot flagship H&M, which contains the first-in-Texas H&M Home. And Netflix House — an immersive movie experience venue that's a combination of Netflix merch store, film house, and restaurant-bar — will be coming to the center in fall 2025, one of two announced in the U.S.

Here's the newcomers:

Uniqlo. Japanese fashion favorite offering clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, will open a first-in-market 20,000-square-foot two-story flagship store, near Mango on Levels 1 and 2. (Galleria is one of three to open in DFW, along with Stonebriar Centre in Frisco and The Parks Mall at Arlington.) Opening in October.

The Royal Standard. The brand, which sells fashion, gifts, and home accessories, will open a first-in-market retail location on Level 2 at Center Court. Opening in September.

Lindsay Nicholas New York. Women's fashion brand will open its first U.S. retail store on Level 1 near Gucci. The pop-up will carry wardrobe essentials with an emphasis on luxurious fabrication and intentional design, with styles that make a statement. Opening in September.

Lululemon. Fitness name is expanding its Galleria Dallas presence by nearly doubling its footprint with a new location on Level 1 across from Apple. Lululemon will remain in its Level 2 space until the new store is complete. Opening late 2024.

Pandora. Jeweler will remodel and expand its footprint while operating in a temporary location on Level 1, next to Tommy Bahama.

Gregory’s. Designer apparel for women and men recently moved to a temporary location next to Gucci on Level 1 while its permanent store is under construction. The new space will be between Gucci and the shopping center entrance near The Westin.

Adorable bear from Knots & LoopsKnots & Loops

Knots & Loops. Dallas-based crochet creations boutique, offering handcrafted pieces by women artisans: from crocheted penguins to dolls and baby rattles — perfect whimsical plush gifts made with love. Now open on Level 3 near Earthbound Trading Company.

Deseri. Black-owned handbag pop-up on Level 1will remain open next to Intimissimi through the end of the year.

Uncle Sharkii. Houston-based poke concept does bowls, boba tea, and Dole soft-serve. Now open on rink level.

If you haven't been, the center has also created dramatic new entries near Gucci and Bachendorf’s as well as the outdoor plaza adjacent to North Italia. And during 2024, all restrooms in the shopping center are to be upgraded. That's yuge. Additionally, the center’s signature digital board over the ice rink will be replaced with the latest technology.

“Big things are coming to our shopping center, showing us a glimpse of the Galleria Dallas of the future,” Galleria Dallas General Manager Angie Freed says in a statement.