Haute in the Heat: Ken Downing’s Guide to Dallas, TX
I recently had the opportunity to work closely with fashion industry icon, Ken Downing, during the opening of our latest PXG retail outlet in Dallas, Texas. The former Fashion Director and Senior Vice President at Neiman Marcus, Downing spent nearly 28 years with the retail chain. Now Chief Creative Office for Triple Five Group, Ken oversees projects including the Mall of America in Minnesota, and the recently opened American Dream mall in New Jersey.
With nearly 3 decades spent in the city, when it came time to put together a list for Dallas of where to go, what to do, and what to see, I could think of no better person to assist than Ken himself.
The Ken Downing Dallas City Guide
HOTELS
FIVE STARS TO OFFBEAT HIDEOUTS: WHERE TO STAY IN THE CITY
Where to Stay
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – A fan favorite of everyone in the know.
The Joulle – In the heart of downtown in the middle of the hustle and bustle of restaurants and shopping.
The Thompson – New, cool, a real crowd pleaser for out of towners.
Virgin Hotel – In the Design District, need I say more.
The Belmont – Across the Trinity River in Oak Cliff, a former roadside inn, casual, cool and local.
RESTAURANTS
CULINARY CLASSICS TO BISTRO FARE: EATING OUT IN THE CITY
Where to Eat:
Georgie – Uber chic and fashionably fancy
Grange Hall – My favorite florist and gifts also serves up delectable delights
Le Bilboquet – Not only for New Yorkers, this iconic eatery has become if the center of Social Dallas, where everyone knows your name.
Restoration Hardware – Go for the lighting, stay for cocktails and fantastic fare.
Monarch – In the Thompson Hotel, fast becoming a favorites hang in the city!
BARS, CAFÉS AND TEAROOMS
BREAKFAST TO DRINKS ON A TERRACE: TAKING A BREAK IN THE CITY
Watering Holes:
Atlas Bar – In Bishop Arts is super cute and fun!
Barbara’s Pavillon – Get down and dance hometown favorite.
Louie’s – Pizza amazing, martinis even better! Even Guy Fieri found this locally loved lounge!
INTERIOR CACHET
QUIRKY ANTIQUES SHOPS TO CONTEMPORARY DESIGN GALLERIES: LIVING IN THE CIT
Interior Cache:
My favorite haunts for treasures for my homes are all the antique malls along Industrial Boulevard.
I’m a big fan of reloving and up-cycling (not that I’m not a constant fixture at Knoll in New York and Dallas) from Lulu B’s to Collage 20th Century there are a bounty of beautiful objet and furniture to be found!
A SENSE OF STYLE
HIGH FASHION TO EMERGING DESIGNERS: SHOPPING IN THE CITY
Shop Like You Mean It:
The Conservatory – Former founder of Forty Five Ten curates the best of the best for the best shopping in the city.
Highland Park Village – Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren all your favorites are there.
Bishop Arts District – Eclectic and local, shops, boutiques, eateries, super fun afternoon!
Galleri Urbane – My favorite gallery, met in Marfa, now friends for life, Ree and Jason have an exquisite eye, always uncovering local and international artist.
ARTS AND CULTURE
MAJOR MUSEUMS TO RADICAL THEATRES: EXPLORING THE CITY’S CULTURAL RICHES
Arts & Culture:
Dallas Museum of Art – Always! Never miss the opportunity to make a visit.
Nasher Sculpture Center – A chic little gem of an art respite in the middle of the city.
The Dallas Contemporary – Great shows with an edge.
The Fort Worth Modern – Not quite Dallas, but Worth the short journey to see this magnificent Tadao Ando concrete structure and amazing Modern art collection.