You may not know his name, but Geoffrey Henning likely had a hand in shaping your wardrobe.

The designer’s 20-plus years at Dallas-based JCPenney, culminating as Vice President of Design across men’s, women’s, and children’s categories, put him in the unique position of dressing a substantial percentage of the population.

His unique eye, first honed at the studio of the legendary Alfred Sung in Canada, and later in New York, went on to help inform the look of an era for middle America through one the biggest retailers of its time. If you’re envisioning the “Cerulean Sweater” scene from The Devil Wears Prada right now, you’re on the right track.

In February 2025, Henning entered his post-JCP era — but a retirement, it’s certainly not. He recently debuted an all-new collection called GRACITY/tx that reflects the whole of his experiences thus far.

"I have been very fortunate over my career to journey through the different aspects of design," Henning says. "From starting with a purity of ethos at a designer level, to inspiring style at an accessible price point, which allowed for a broader expression of my craft."

This combination of influences is at the heart of GRACITY/tx, named for “gray, the space between extremes.”

"When I look at the women who have influenced me over the years, there is a common theme: vulnerability and strength," he says.

Leading with subtle sophistication, the line includes dresses, outerwear, and separates that are sleek, versatile, and impeccably styled. Above all, they project the wearer’s own self-confidence.

Attendees at the recent debut show included Dallas fashion insider Rhonda Sargent Chambers, who recalled that "when Geoffrey and I first met, I was struck by his deep knowledge of fashion design, fabric origins and history."

"His creative designs have graced our presence for over twenty years, and he is now creating pieces that no one has seen elsewhere," Chambers said.

Nikki Solomon, founder of Inwood Village designer boutique Rich Hippie, echoed the sentiment succinctly: “No one does it like Geoffrey," she said.

Henning, not one for the spotlight, observed quietly while stying a model in alternating looks: a stunning chemise to dress up or down, a halter in black and white, an impeccably constructed strapless mini to wear through all four seasons. Details like leather belts and exposed hook-and-eye closures bring a touch of Dallas-specific drama.

The collection can be found at Elements in Dallas, Sloan/Hall in Houston, and private trunk shows that they market on social media. Prices range from $200 for shell tops to $2,000 for long dresses, and they're also planning to add a shop button to their website.

Ultimately, the occasion represented a new tick on a timeline that has proved, throughout the years, this designer’s deep understanding of the people he dresses and the city they love, another balance of contrasts.

“My work brought me here, but Dallas has kept me because it’s bold, it’s proud, it’s authentic, it loves the arts, and it remains grounded in the spirit of the Wild West," Henning says.

Thomas Garza

Geoffrey Henning