It seems that 2013 was the year of the fashion-forward gentleman — in particular in Dallas, where a slew of new shops popped up to serve the city's style-conscious men. Inspired by this exciting new shopping landscape — but never forgetting old favorites — here’s our list for where the best-dressed men in Dallas shop.
Alton Lane
This ultra-cool custom clothier feels more like an exclusive club than a retail shop, and that's the point. You must make an appointment to step foot in the ruggedly chic showroom, which is unlike anything else in Dallas. Each client gets his own digital avatar, courtesy of 3D body scanning technology, to ensure a perfect fit for every piece. There's also a secret room for the store's more VIP clientele, but you didn't hear that from us.
Billy Reid
Every Southern gentleman can find something he loves at this quirky shop in Highland Park Village. The CFDA award-winning menswear designer masters American work wear — think double-breasted leather jackets, green linen plaid suit jackets, handmade quilt shorts, hand-crafted footwear and vintage furnishings — and collaborations with brands like Stetson and K-Swiss.
Edo Popken
With an emphasis on bold colors and patterns and fine fabrics, this dapper new Design District shop is anything but ordinary. Popken designs 111 pieces of every shirt; a woven label includes a signature and edition number in the collar. He constructs his own fabric with breathable and luxurious materials and even creates his own colors twice a year. Good news for those in need of a tailor: There is one onsite.
Forty Five Ten
Men who crave fresh-off-the runway fashion head to this McKinney Avenue mainstay. Forty Five Ten keeps a tight collection of top designer names such as Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander. Need a little inspiration? Owner Brian Bolke always rocks something out-of-this-world fabulous.
Hadleigh's
For the man who enjoys the finer things in life, there is Hadleigh's in Highland Park Village, where he can shop for bespoke suits, shirts, shoes, ties and accessories, all handmade in Italy. Shop downstairs for exclusives by Cesare Attolini, BRM watches, Cutler and Gross eyewear, and Hadleigh's off-the-rack. Upstairs in the appointment-only H-Club lounge, gentlemen get tip-top treatment.
James Perse
Casual, comfy, California cool. That's what gents get at this new addition to Highland Park Village, the only store in Texas with Perse's full seasonal collections for men and women, as well as furniture, surfboards and bicycles. Every man needs to relax, but he must do it in style, from comfy T-shirts and sweaters to sneakers.
Pockets Menswear
After 40 years in the biz, original owner David Smith retired. But now Pockets has a new home at Plaza at Preston Center, and new owner Andy Neil has expanded the store's made-to-measure business and added some new designers. Current brands include Aether, Oxxford Clothes and Eidos, just to name a few. In the market for a restored vintage Rolex? You can find that here too.
Q Clothier and Rye 51
Rye 51 is the casual sibling of Q Clothier, with which it shares an entrance at this West Village storefront. Men can still shop for the custom clothes they know and love from Q, but they can also score everyday threads from lines such as Todd Snyder, Rag & Bone, Steven Alan and Rye 51's sportier custom line. A well-stocked bar and pool table ensure a manly shopping experience.
Stanley Korshak
If it ain't broke, why fix it? That's how we feel about Stanley Korshak, which has been outfitting Dallas' best-dressed men for years. Sales associates are often the buyers, so they know the lines better than anyone. Luxury brands include Kiton, Brioni, Belvest, Zegna, Oxxford, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Fendi, Eton, Lolly Harrison and more. Made-to-measure fabrics and furnishings as well as custom tailoring are available in-house.
Steven Alan
Boys, don't let the selection of women's dresses, sweaters and blouses distract you from your mission to explore the men's attire in the back. With a solid denim selection and more button-downs than you can count, this newish boutique along buzzy Knox Street makes it possible for you to look good without trying too hard. Brands to look for include ACNE, Mollusk, Band of Outsiders and, of course, Steven Alan.
Traffic Los Angeles
Owner Michael Moldovan and his wife, Sara, brought to Dallas what they felt was missing from the local fashion scene. This hip store at the newly expanded Joule hotel features brands exclusive to Dallas such as Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons and Dolce & Gabbana. Moldovan says his clients know fashion and want what people are wearing in LA and New York.
WAREhaus
Veteran retail experts Patrick Ware, Erin McBriar and Tony Medley bring a unique sense of style to Dallas' trendy West Village. Find up-and-coming labels such as British-made Percival, New York-based Nicholas K, California-cool Riviera Club and hand-constructed Wolf vs Goat at this shop chosen by CultureMap readers as the best store opening of 2012. Time to spare? Kick back and enjoy a cocktail at the Haus Bar complete with flat screen.
Edo Popken
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry