MEET NICOLE KWON

FASHION SOPHISTICATE

Nicole Kwon designs for stylish, savvy women on the go

By Holly Haber

Designer 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.”

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

“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

This year, Kwon opened another boutique in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

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. 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

explains. “It took about two years to do the sourcing, and finding the right bag maker was really challenging because I didn’t want it made overseas.” The faux leather feels like suede but is scratch resistant and can be hand washed. Kwon also developed a coating that adds sheen to the black and copper hues. Made in New

York in small batches, the tidy collection features totes and a versatile crossbody style that can be worn with a short handle and as a clutch.

“A lot of luxury consumers like heavy leather bags with bling, but I am so grateful that I have shoppers who have the same perspective as I do,” she says.

In addition to her own sportswear and bags, Kwon stocks a handful of European and Korean brands in her store, including edgy looks by Paloma Wool from Barcelona, which she sells exclusively in Dallas, and pretty printed silk dresses and tops by Saloni out of London.

“Paloma Wool sells like crazy,” she says. “All these famous European female DJs are wearing it.”

Kwon orders merchandise close to the season to keep her store fresh, shopping largely in New York showrooms.

“I always try to have the right merchandise for the moment instead of buying six months out,” she says. “Every designer retailer is almost carrying the same brands now, so I want to have some exclusive lines.”

Kwon, who is married and has a four-year-old son, says she chose to be in Dallas not only because it was a good market but also because she wanted to be in a place “where people are nice and happy.”

“I love all my clients,” says Kwon, who frequently works in her stores. “They are world travelers and have really great taste.”

Clockwise from far left, Nicole Kwon, Kwonn totes in coated black and copper, a shopper bag