Put a ring on it

Texas jewelry star Kendra Scott lifts the veil on something new for brides-to-be

The Kendra Scott signature engagement ring in white gold.

Courtesy of Kendra Scott

Already a go-to for wedding jewelry essentials, Texas-based Kendra Scott has expanded into a new category with the introduction of The Engagement Collection by Kendra Scott.

The May 23 launch was the second category expansion for the homegrown brand's landmark 20th anniversary — it waded into watches and watch bands in April. The Engagement Collection is available at 12 retail locations across the country, as well as via virtual appointments.

Inspired by Scott’s signature pieces, each engagement silhouette bears custom details unique to the brand’s "design DNA."

Featuring a traditional center stone (round, oval, and emerald), rings are available in solitaire, halo, and signature silhouettes with customizable options in 14 karat white, rose, or yellow gold. A singular yellow sapphire acts as the bridge of each solitaire setting and the base of each halo ring, signifying joy, optimism, and the promise of a bright future.

The bespoke customer experience includes a dedicated in-house diamond expert to guide the couple through their ring journey. The couple selects every facet of the ring, from carat weight to pavé additions to metal selections and personalized engraving. The custom rings are made to order and delivered in approximately three weeks.

In line with the brand’s continued emphasis on innovation, founder Kendra Scott decided to work with lab grown diamonds for the new collection. The debut 11-piece Engagement Collection by Kendra Scott features lab grown diamonds that are F in color (colorless), VS2 in clarity range, and available in carat weight from 0.5 to 2 carats. Price points range between $1,350–$8,150.

“For twenty years, our customers have invited us to be a part of their wedding journeys. The launch of the Engagement Collection by Kendra Scott will allow us to be the wedding destination from proposal to happily ever after,” says Kendra Scott, founder, designer, and executive chairwoman of the brand. “When creating this collection, we challenged ourselves to consider every detail. Fundamental to our design process, each ring can be customized and curated to match every couple's unique love story.”

Dallas' Preston Center is one of three Texas retail stores to carry the new line, along with Austin’s South Congress flagship store and Houston's Heights Mercantile. Customers can also make virtual appointments online.

The Engagement Collection by Kendra Scott is available in twelve retail stores across the country, including three in Texas.

Courtesy of Kendra Scott

The Engagement Collection by Kendra Scott is available in twelve retail stores across the country, including three in Texas.

new-york-fashion-week jewelry

Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in unlikely Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Dallas fashionistas who are fans of the designer can make a five-hour pilgrimage to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas