If you visit Gallerie Noir in the Dallas Design District this summer, chances are you'll stumble upon more than just the art. Owner Melissa Enriquez has offered up her space to friend and designer Shirin Askari for a summertime pop-up shop.
"We have been good friends for a while," Askari says. "I even officed out of the space for a bit when designing this collection. I have always loved Gallerie Noir. It is very reflective of Melissa's impeccable style, and it continues to inspire me every time I step foot in there."
Tulsa-born Askari grew up in Dallas and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BFA in fashion design and a minor in merchandising. Two months after graduation, she found herself designing on the sixth season of Project Runway. Five years later, she has proved she has staying power beyond the reality-show hype.
"After the show, I launched my first collection of high-end evening and custom bridal," Askari says. "People have described my collection as feminine with an edge, with flattering, unique pieces that work for nearly any age."
Askari's contemporary line comprises easy-to-wear, versatile pieces that fit into any woman's wardrobe. She says that growing up, she wasn't a big fan of color; like most girls, black was her go-to. But slowly she started to warm up to the idea of bold prints and colors, which are now reflected in her collection.
"In this collection I played with the idea of how you can completely change the look of a dress by changing the color — in turn changing the woman who would wear it," Askari says. "Of course, I made sure to offer most of the pieces in classic black as well."
Askari says she plans to keep the Gallerie Noir pop-up shop open through the end of the summer. You can see the entire collection online.
Askari is a contemporary line comprising easy-to-wear dresses, tops and skirts.
Miranda Lambert, right, with rodeo queens onstage at the 45th Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon at Dickies Arena. Photo by Ashley Gongora