Gowns That Wow

Dallas designers win over gala-loving ladies with new gown collection

Just in time for the spring social season, a Dallas design team has heeded the call for better special occasion dresses: Binzario Couture, known for custom and bridal gowns, is introducing an evening wear collection.

After countless women voiced their displeasure about the offerings in everyday department stores, designers Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario knew they could solve the problem. Simply put, off-the-rack gowns are just not what they used to be, Yabin says.

“They are either too revealing or just poor quality,” he says. “Not to mention one of a woman’s biggest fears is showing up at an event only to find out that someone else in the social circle is wearing the same dress.”

Yabin and Nazario have styled celebrities such as Usher, Jennifer Lane and Tamela Mann. Locally, Cynthia Smoot, Lisa Petty and Terri Provencal have been spotted in Binzario Couture creations. With more than 25 years of combined experience in bridal and formal wear design, these men know what women want.

“It’s not for every woman, but for the woman who wants to make a statement and stand out,” Yabin says. “We have positioned the company similar to the French fashion houses back in the ’50 and ’60s, offering women one-of-a-kind custom couture gowns for special events — a dress that speaks to her character and style.

“Bridal gowns will always be the center of Binzario Couture, but we see this as an opportunity to tap into another market and a way to continue to bring couture and fashion to our clientele.”

The duo is unveiling the new designs in a way all lunching ladies can appreciate: At the Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism’s Fashion Show and Luncheon — a new event on the Dallas social circuit slated for Thursday, April 23, at the Fairmont Dallas hotel. The Chivvis Style-produced fashion show will feature 21 Binzario Couture evening gowns. Attendees also can enter a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind creation.

Chaired by Gina Marx and Mary Bentley and themed “A Walk in Paris,” the Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism’s Fashion Show and Luncheon benefits the Autism Treatment Center of Texas. Ticket and sponsorship information is available online.

Sketch of the red rose gown from Binzario Couture's new evening wear collection.

Photo courtesy of Binzario Couture

Sketch of the red rose gown from Binzario Couture's new evening wear collection.

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Where to shop

Where to shop in Dallas: 10 brand new stores to check out in February

k pop

This February edition of Where to Shop, CultureMap's column of fashion, alternative finds, and new stores, comes right on time for the lovers' holiday. Whether it's some good scents from aromatherapy or a place to send your dog while you're away, this roundup strays a little from the usual.

Here's where to shop in Dallas right now:

BluPrint
New clothing store in Deep Ellum sells luxury streetwear, vintage tees, and brands like Carhartt and Guapi. There's also a selection of sneakers and independent brands. It's mostly a men's store although the door's open for women if they like baggy streetwear. It's at 2623 Commerce St. — the former Securitex locksmith shop which sadly had been in Deep Ellum forever.

Hästens Beds
Swedish brand claiming to make the most exclusive beds in the world is hosting a pop-up at Neiman Marcus at NorthPark. Definitely most expensive, with prices starting at $25,000. The pop-up will offer beds, duvets, pillows, and linens, and more. They also offer personalized bed fittings and consultations. The pop up lasts through February 16.

Kpop Nara Dallas
Store is for K-POP fans just opened in Deep Ellum at 2646 Main St. They sell all the things a fan could dream of from trading cards to keychains to apple-shaped light sticks. Not only are they stocked with merch, they've also created a "fan-space" where they host meet-and-greet and decoration events.

Kick Pleat
New women's boutique has opened on 4710 W. Lovers Ln., west of Inwood Road where it's offering a selection of slouchy, casual-chic clothes, shoes, accessories, hats, sunglasses, and wallets from designers such as Extreme Cashmere, Gauchere, Issey Miyake, Lemaire, Marla Aaron, Marsell, Sofie D'Hoore, and Zero + Maria Cornejo. This is the third location; the original debuted in Austin in 2003 and a second opened in Houston in 2016. The Dallas store will also be home to a jewelry pop-up shop by Marla Aaron Jewelry from New York who has created an exclusive Texas Lock, engraved with Bluebonnets, only available at the Dallas Kick Pleat store.

Neom Wellbeing
Fragrance and skincare line from the U.K. has debuted at Ulta stores. Neom seels aromatherapy products made from essential oils from founder Nicola Elliott's kitchen. The lineup features candles, diffusers, bath & body, and skincare products, with prices ranging from $42 for a luxury candle to $60 for a sleep collection featuring sleep mist, magnesium body butter, bath foam, and candle.

Parker Paschall Designs
Upscale flower shop has opened at 6465 E Mockingbird Ln. #318 in the Hillside Village shopping center in Lakewood. Whether they're doing events like weddings or devising a bouquet to spice up the home, they infuse each design with fun and funk, using lively colors, unconventional pairings, and imaginative flair to bring joy and personality to every space or event. They also deliver across Dallas at a flat rate of $30.

Rivian
Electric car manufacturer has opened a new retail space at 3010 Knox St. This is the brand's second location in Texas, following Austin, and 20th location in North America. Their spaces are a place for current and potential customers to get up close with their vehicles, software, and accessories, learn more about the Rivian brand, and take a vehicle for a spin. They're big on hosting events such as pop-ups at museums.

Waxxed
New shop in Deep Ellum sells collectible and tradable sports cards. They're big on seasonal, limited-edition releases -- not just sports figures but pop culture items like Pokemon. Their selling point is their savvy staff, ready to chat you up about sports or cards, whatever you like. Located in a small storefront at 2701 Main St. that was previously part of the High and Tight Barbershop, the store is part of a chain with eight locations across DFW and two in Florida.

Yardstick
Boutique dog hospitality brand out of Nashville just opened its first Texas location in the Design District at 2222 Irving Blvd., where it's offering boarding, daycare, and grooming services, plus smaller spaces and personalized attention for sensitive pups. Their suites emphasize comfort and pay particular attention to sound reduction. Other amenities include a sofa lounge, padded floors, tufted play yards, and room service with dog treats. A single visit starts at $40, a day of boarding starts at $50 for one dog.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott
New jewelry and apparel brand opened in West Village with its second location in Texas. The designs put a modern twist on Western wear with hand-crafted jewelry, boots, and handbags. They've also partnered with other brands that can be found in store, including Wrangler denim, Westerly, Three Sons, Arloom, Juan Antonio leather jackets and handbags, HBarC, Daydreamer tees, and Ranch Road Boots. For an added touch, they offer Greek complimentary engraving service. The current Ranch-inspired collection features the $70 beau vintage gold boot short pendant and the $125 Ida vintage hoop earring.

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