Rising Star

Local girl Lucy Dang wins the title of Texas' Next Top Designer

Body-con dresses, flowy tops, tight jeans and sky-high heels set the scene at Sisu Uptown for the 2013 fashion show and announcement gala for Texas' Next Top Designer. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.

Nine board members judged 16 Texas-based fashion, shoe and jewelry designers on innovation, marketing, financial plan and construction. But only one of the finalists would walk away with $30,000 to help launch his or her career:

Jewelry designer Charmaine Marshall
Anslee Connell of Savannah Red
Candace Locke of Dimiloc
Bridal designer Alexis Lantz
Gladys J. Bowie-Young of Miss Jane Originals
Shoe designer David Pedack
Dorris Bogus of KaMit Sport
Chelsea Stumo or Ruby Britt
James Martinez of Barron and J.
Jewelry designer Leen Borno
Lucy Dang
William Peck and Cara Noel Noggle of Hope & Faith
Tekenna Jacobs of Phantasie
Sheila Hamilton of LHP
Whitney Bracey of Mahogany Blues
Ruqaiyah Johnson of Ruby Charles

Scenesters packed into the tent for the show, which was riddled with technical difficulties. In spite of it all, Stanley Korshak's Bret McKinney, who is also a TNTD board member, pulled off a great show. "The issues were not my fault," he joked.

Campbell Agency models walked around the the pool — thankfully, no one fell in — flaunting looks from all of the participating designers. After the first presentation, trendy guests and board members— including Diane Reeves, Elaine Raffel, Alison Volk, LeeAnne Locken, Heather Lettieri, Jackson, and Lisa Petty — were surprised with a bright display of Abi Ferrin's spring 2013 collection. Ferrin was the first to be named TNTD in 2007.

Before the winner was revealed, Teresa Nguyen recognized Austin-based jewelry designer Jeannie Vianney, the winner of the 2011 Top Designer award. Then native Dallasite and current Project Runway contestant James B. Martinez announced that Dallas designer Lucy Dang earned the title as Texas' Next Top Designer for 2013.

Three models wearing her designs — a strapless white dress, an A-line printed sleeveless dress, and a black gown with gold accents — came out to greet Dang as a swarm of photographers ran over to the girls to capture the celebratory moment.

Models dressed in her designs reveled in the moment when Lucy Dang (second from right) was announced as the winner.

Photo by Duy Nguyen

Models dressed in her designs reveled in the moment when Lucy Dang (second from right) was announced as the winner.

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Shopping news

Charleston jewelry boutique Hart makes Texas debut on Dallas' Knox St.

Photo by Kathy Tran

The new HART Dallas boutique at 3212 Knox St.

Charleston-based personalized jewelry brand Hart is debuting its first Texas boutique in Dallas, and it couldn't have picked a better spot than the bustling Knox Street district.

The boutique will open Saturday, August 29 at 3212 Knox St., marking the company's fifth retail location nationwide, after stores in Charleston, New York, Nashville, and Nantucket.

According to a release, the Dallas shop will offer Hart's (officially styled HART) popular collection of talismans, chains, cords, bezel jewelry, earrings, and gemstone strands, designed to be mixed and layered. The brand is particularly known for personalized jewelry, with shoppers able to work one-on-one with a member of the Hart team to select symbols and talismans for a custom piece.

The Dallas location will also carry a collection of pieces created specifically for the Texas market, the owners say.

HART Exclusive Dallas charms at Hart.Photo by Kathy Tran

For the store's design, Hart worked with Dallas firm Burkle Creative, which specializes in residential, hospitality, and retail interiors.

"Hart has built a brand around meaningful pieces that tell a story, so our approach was to create a retail environment that feels equally personal," says Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative principal and creative director, in the release. "We wanted the Dallas store to honor Hart's Charleston heritage while embracing the spirit of Texas, blending their unique character and a sense of discovery throughout the space.

"The result is a store that feels like stepping into the home of a well-traveled collector, where every detail invites customers to explore and connect with the brand."

The Dallas opening follows Hart's move into a permanent New York flagship on Bleecker Street in the West Village.

"Dallas has one of the most stylish, confident, and individualistic customer bases in the country," says Hart Hagerty, Hart chief creative officer. "We've been inspired by the Dallas woman for years, her boldness, her sense of self, her commitment to dressing with intention. We are so excited to finally be here."

Curry Hagerty, Hart's CEO, said Dallas has been a hot market for the brand online and through local wholesale partners Clover and St. Bernard. Now they're bringing everything directly to Dallas shoppers.

"Dallas has consistently been one of our top markets for online sales," Hagerty says. "We also have strong wholesale relationships already in the market through Clover and St. Bernard, so we know this customer and she knows us. Opening in Dallas was less a question of if and more a question of when."

HART Dallas Hart joints the bustling Knox St. shopping and dining district.Photo by Kathy Tran

Hart's new store will be part of the Knox Street shopping and dining district, near the Katy Trail and surrounded by more than 70 shops and restaurants.

A grand opening event will take place Saturday, August 29 beginning at 10 am. The first 50 people will receive a custom Hart Dallas tote, custom bandana, and $50 gift card. A latte art cart will be on site to supply sustenance.

Once fully open, the Dallas boutique will be open 10 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am-6 pm Sunday.

knox district knox street jewelry shopping