FASHION
FASHION SOPHISTICATE Nicole Kwon designs for stylish, savvy women on the go
By Holly Haber
D
esigner Nicole Kwon is a hip and practical globetrotter, just like her customers, and that’s why her sportswear and vegan handbags are successful. “It’s basically what I want to wear,” says Kwon. “I’m always thinking about comfort.”
This year, Kwon opened another boutique in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Originally from South Korea, Kwon earned a fashion design degree in London and then worked for Peter Som in New York, where she also produced
her own label for a few years. But Kwon saw bigger opportunity for her brand in Dallas, where she opened her namesake boutique a decade ago in West Village shopping center. “I thought there was a good niche here, and I love Dallas,” she says. “It offers a lot, but it’s not like you are living in a really big city where you lose yourself.” This year, Kwon opened another boutique in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. It’s a feather in her cap as the art-filled mall ranks among the nation’s top five in revenue and is extremely selective about tenants. NorthPark’s only other local independent retailer is posh Eiseman Jewels.
“After running the store for 10 years I understand what real women look good in and what they need,” Kwon reflects. “I create styles that they can use for each day and also for a special occasion.” Bestsellers include an oversize one-fits-most cotton shirt with a covered placket, oversize front pocket, and dropped sleeve. The $195 top can be worn with the collar turned up like a funnel neck or spread open. “I love wearing shirts, and they are almost like my bread and butter in the store right now,” she says. Another hot item is the “Kas” trouser, a high-waist pleated cropped pant with a relaxed fit in lightweight woven polyester. “It’s great to travel with because it doesn’t
wrinkle,” she says. Made in Korea, where she employs a design and production team, Kwon’s collection also offers dresses, jackets, coats, and swimwear. The designer also produces chic lightweight handbags that she created to meet her own needs. “I wanted a simple, modern bag for myself and I couldn’t find it for years, so I started going through Italy, Japan, and Paris to find a material that was lightweight and durable,” she
Nicole Kwon's new store at NorthPark Center 34
D A L L A S H OT E L M A G A Z I N E
The double-tie dress
