Phantom of the Runway

Dallas designer debuts new collection in daring Phantom of the Opera-themed show

Dallas fashion VIPs had nothing to fear on Friday the 13th when they headed to Fashion Industry Gallery for a show themed “Phantom of the Runway,” featuring the creations of local designer Esé Azénabor.

After cocktail hour, during which attendees sipped specialty drinks and a little bubbly, emcee LeeAnne Locken signaled it was showtime. And, just like that, Violin Guy Radu Cernat began a mesmerizing remix of “Phantom of the Opera.”

All eyes were on the runway, where masked models sported 48 hand-beaded looks — dresses and jumpsuits — from the Nigerian-born Azénabor. Among those transfixed in the audience were Gina Ginsburg, Cynthia Smoot, Tara Harper, Laurie Graham, Dawn Mellon, Kristin Smith, Stephanie Quadri and Barri Martin-Paulz.

Azénabor felt strongly about donating 100 percent of the evening’s proceeds to Our Hearts Day Center, a nonprofit that serves teens and adults with learning and developing disabilities. The hope is to raise enough money for the organization to purchase a much-needed wheelchair-accessible van, and Azénabor is hosting private shopping experiences at her showroom in the Dallas World Trade Center until that goal is met.

Guests left with impressive swag bags filled with goodies such as free blowouts by Dear Clark; Uber discounts; and gift cards from Dr. Naila Malik, Planet Beach and Lash Loft.

"Phantom of the Runway" showcased 48 looks by Dallas designer Esé Azénabor.

Photo by Shana Anderson

"Phantom of the Runway" showcased 48 looks by Dallas designer Esé Azénabor.

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no more magic of macy's

Macy's and Kohl's to shutter these Dallas-Fort Worth stores in 2025

Courtesy photo

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A major department store name is contracting its presence in Dallas-Fort Worth: Macy's is planning on closing five of its locations throughout DFW by the end of April in 2025.

Macy's is the New York-based brand which includes Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury.

According to a press release, the company will be closing 66 stores nationwide as a part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to make the company profitable again. In all, Macy's is planning on shuttering 150 "underproductive" locations by 2026.

The Dallas-Fort Worth stores that are closing include:

Macy's Village, 201 Stacy Rd. in Fairview
Shops at Willow Bend, 6209 W. Park Blvd. in Plano
Southlake Town Square, 321 State St. in Southlake
Market by Macy's WestBend, 1751 River Run #101 in Fort Worth
Highlands of Flower Mound, 6101 Long Prairie Rd. Suite 500 in Flower Mound

The Southlake, Fort Worth, and Flower Mound stores are denoted as Macy's "small format" locations, which were previously touted as an innovative way to "harness the full power of the Macy’s brand to deliver sustainable, profitable sales growth" for the company.

A clearance sale is expected to begin this month and will last for approximately 8-12 weeks, according to a FAQ on the Macy's website.

Additionally, Macy's is closing its Alameda Mall location in Houston.

"Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing underproductive Macy’s stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go–forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service," said Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. in the release.

Though Texas is losing six stores, California and New York will be hit harder with the loss of nine stores each.

Macy's is not alone: Clothing retailer Kohl's will also be shuttering 27 underperforming stores by April 2025, including its North Dallas location at The Arbors on Preston Road, located at 18224 Preston Rd.

"We always take these decisions very seriously," said Tom Kingsbury, Kohl’s chief executive officer in a statement. "As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams."

shopping closings