Walk through NorthPark’s 7 For All Mankind, and it is abundantly clear why Nikki Reed’s jewelry was chosen for the store.  Best known for her part as Rosalie in the Twilight saga, Reed has now added jewelry-designer to her chain of talents.  Launching this week in Dallas, Mattlin Era — Reed’s label — is a great addition for all jewelry lovers.  With a unique look and a price point of less than $100, the collection is sure to be a hit.

Reed agreed to lend her name to the five-piece line just a few months ago, and the day her manager called about the opportunity, she put twelve sketches together in a matter of hours. The Starry Knight necklace and matching earrings are inspired by 7 For All Mankind’s Photo Real jeans, which are embellished with Swarovski crystals. The pieces really compliment the jeans, making the collection even more appropriate for the store.

Reed credits her grandmother, Laurie, as her biggest inspiration, and even used her maiden name to title the collection. The Hollywood-muralist’s aquatic works influenced many of Reed’s pieces. “She’s a very strong, very beautiful, glamorous … very spirited woman,” Reed says.

Reed also looks to her husband, former American Idol contestant Paul McDonald, for inspiration.  Jewelry-making has always been a part of their relationship, stemming from the wedding rings the couple designed themselves through Tacori.  While spending time with her new husband, Reed took a cue from his wardrobe, making denim shirts her signature look.

“I designed…[the Starry Knight] necklace in particular because I have been wearing denim,” she says, fingering the series of spikes around her neck. “It makes you feel a little bit masculine, and I couldn’t find a necklace to go under a denim shirt, so I kind of selfishly designed this piece.” McDonald occasionally wears Reed’s jewelry too, proving the collection to truly be unisex.

Whether it’s the long Humility necklace with a gold honeycomb pendant and matching earrings, the dark silver daggers of the Starry Knight combination, or the tri-metal Story Telling bangle set, Nikki Reed’s Mattlin Era jewelry will stand out in a crowd and complete any look. –Claire Criss

photography (before crop and filter) courtesy of style.com

We’ve been having a serious love affair with Piermarini boutique and its mix of talented and harder-to-find designers since it first opened in Uptown. Nowadays days, in its Snider Plaza location, the shop is cooler than ever. For example, pop in this Saturday and you’ll be able to meet designer Timo Weiland and peruse his spring 2013 RTW collection. Minimalistic black and white pieces and feminine, mixed pattern dresses mingle with textured separates like skirts and cropped pants in oversized yellow houndstooth, blouses with sheer panels, and a smattering of fun pencil skirts.

Where: Piermarini
When: Saturday, May 11, 3 pm to 6 pm

photography courtesy of style.com

I love Mary Katrantzou and everything about her fall 2013 collection. The heartbreakingly beautiful photographic prints, the abstract kimono silhouettes, the muted palette, everything. I wasn’t able to pop in and meeting her during her personal appearance at Neiman Marcus downtown last week, but fortunately, stylist Stephanie Quadri, a sometimes contributor for D Magazine, offered up her talents and covered it. Her Q&A with the designer below:

One of my favorite designer’s of the moment, Mary Katrantzou, is in town today for a trunk show and luncheon at Neiman Marcus downtown. I got the chance to visit with the friendly Brit (she’s actually Greek, but has lived in London for 10 years and calls it home), who has been recognized for her bold prints and shapes that make for standout style. –Stephanie Quadri

Stephanie Quadri: What brought you to Dallas?
Mary Katrantzou: We are hosting trunk shows all over –in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Seattle, New York, and Dallas is our last stop. I flew in yesterday, just in time for a dinner event my friend Nasiba [Adilova] was hosting. I was surprised that people flew in from all over the place to attend–Chicago, Laguna Beach, and New York. We went to The Mansion for a little after party, which was lovely.

Will you be attending the Art Ball and what will you wear?
Yes, I understand it is a very big thing here. I didn’t really know, so all I have to wear is my black Alaia dress but maybe I’ll buy something at Neiman’s today while I am here.

What else is on your agenda while in Dallas?
Everyone says I must go to Mi Cocina for mambo taxis, so I will definitely find time to do that amongst all the events we are attending. It would be great to see the Cindy Sherman exhibit as I haven’t had a chance to view it yet, and I hear it’s a really great space at the DMA. Better than the MOMA, a friend of mine mentioned.

Tell us about your technique and approach to designing.
It all starts with an image that I really like. It’s all about the composition and building on the shapes. That leads to a collage, which guides the collection as a theme. From there I start painting it on the computer with pixels. Everything I do is on the computer. Composing something surreal and using that to create a print to paint and then on the body.

The "Faumi Babelona" dress, far left.

How long does that process take?
We don’t stop working until show time. So about six months. Then three more months post-show to get the prints right.

Inspiration for the fall/winter 2013 collection?
It was based on landscapes. I wanted to stripe away the color this time to showcase other elements like our leather and brocade fabrics. To give it a deeper, moodier feel. The abstract textures give it a more diversified print that is easier for customers who don’t typically wear prints. It’s a good way to introduce them to it. There is some color in the collection, as well. I know how women in Texas love their color.

What piece do you think the women of Dallas will love?
I think they are going to like the ‘Faumi Babelona’ dress. It’s a cap-sleeve dress with a waist and full skirt that hits just below the knee, featuring the print on our brocade fabric with a little metallic woven in.
Note: we hear someone was interested in wearing this very dress to the Art Ball so be on the lookout for it to make an appearance on one lucky lady.

Do you ever take time off?
I visit my family in Athens every summer, it’s the only break I really take.

A look from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent spring 2013 (photography courtesy of Cynthia Vincent)

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent turns ten years old this year, and lucky for us, the super chic designer stopped by Tootsies on Wednesday for a cocktail event, where guests enjoyed a runway show featuring some of her spring designs. After watching the show and sneaking a peek at the upcoming fall collection (spoiler alert: it’s gorgeous), I sat down with Cynthia to chat about ten years of Twelfth Street, spring trends, and of course, Dallas.  –Jessica Mitzner

Me: Looking back on the past ten years, do you have a proudest moment or a favorite thing that has happened?

Vincent: Well, the birth of my daughter, but collection-wise, this year, I was going back and looking through the archives and seeing that the product is still relevant and meaningful, which then prompted me to re-issue some of my best-sellers and most requested pieces. We’re offering them for the 10th anniversary, so that’s been really great, because that means that people love the product, and the product lasts.

Me: Did you have a specific inspiration for your spring collection?

Vincent: Spring was all about the Ivory Coast meets Pueblo tribes–which is a reoccurring theme, mashing up different cultures, different tribes, different ethnicities, and putting them together. So I took a lot of the colors from the Ivory Coast, and I took it very nationalistic. I didn’t want to do flags, but I took the idea of stripes, and then mixed it in with Pueblo etchings and patterning that is associated with that. The interesting thing was that a lot of the colors are similar.

Me: What do you like about being here in Dallas? Do you have any favorite spots?

Vincent: I love it here. This has been the third time that I’ve been here in the last six months, and it’s been great. And do I have a favorite place? Wow. Well, Driftwood has the most amazing meals I’ve ever had.

Me: Do you have any favorite styles or trends that you’re loving for spring?

Vincent: I love that people are still embracing prints. It’s a nice way to update your wardrobe. It can go from day to evening really easily. Obviously, I’m very print-oriented. I like the eased-up shapes, too. I think women are getting used to that for spring and summer months, and I love that.

Me: Do you have anything special on your wish list for this season?

Vincent: Oh my gosh, I have so many things on my wish list. You know what I did do? I bought a 3D printer when I was in New York. I bought that instead of a new bag. It’s really amazing. So I’m actually going to do something with that–I’m definitely going to design something. I love new technology. I love mixing old and new. It’s all fine and well to look back, but I don’t want to look vintage or dated. I love new.

Me: Are there any trends that you are ready to see end?

Vincent: Yes, very large platform shoes. It’s time to bring back the single sole shoes. I’m bringing those back for spring and summer.

Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.

Two looks from Dior's spring 2013 RTW collection (photography courtesy of Dior)

In another step toward luxury domination at Highland Park Village, the Christian Dior boutique opens today. The women’s shop will include ready-to-wear collections, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. According to Women’s Wear Daily (pay wall), Pamela Baxter, president of Christian Dior Couture, says, “It will probably end up being in our top five U.S. boutiques.”

I just want to get up close and personal with Raf Simon’s gorgeous iridescent full skirts for spring 2013.

photography courtesy of Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com via style.com

That’s what Italian designer Tommasco Aquilano told me at Neiman Marcus downtown this morning. He and Roberto Rimondi, the other half of Aquilano.Rimondi are in town for a spring 2013 trunk show. You can scope out all of the runway looks here, but you can’t truly experience the collection until you’ve touched and felt the garments. It’s sight sensory overload with all the prints, colors, and fabric finishes, but the handcrafted Italian tailoring is superb. Aquilano and Rimondi are known for mixing textures, and the latest batch takes it up another level. Jacquard meets checkerboard prints, Picasso patterns mingle with Japanese obi belts, geometrical stitching pairs with boxy, super-structured shapes, and everything comes colorblocked and bright. Sounds like a circus? It’s supposed to. The collection was inspired by Venetian masquerades, Pablo Picasso, Frederico Fellini’s  La Strada, and Japanese culture. But back to Dallas women being laid back. According to Aquilano, “Milanese women are straight elegant or straight work. Here, the customer is changing. They think of the piece not all in one way.” (For example, women will take their boxy silk jacket and wear it not only with the satin blue cropped pant and the elaborate, checkered bead and black lacquered diamond skirt, but throw it on with a pair of jeans, too.) So Dallas women = more awesome than Italian women. Okay, that’s not what he said. But on behalf of my fellow Dallasites, I’ll take that as a compliment. And now, a few fun questions for the designing duo:

Runner-up passion?
Aquilano: Cooking
Rimondi: Gardening

Favorite food?
Aquilano: Couldn’t pick one with his love for cooking. Traditional Italian and sushi are on his menu these days, but like fashion, he says the “ingredients” should always be changing.
Rimondi: Bread, desserts, chocolate.

Current book?
Both answered historical biographies top the list. The latest subject on the nightstand: Queen Elizabeth I.

Dream travel destination?
Aquilano: Peru
Rimondi: Egypt

photography courtesy of Elements, illustrations courtesy of my greed

You’re invited for a little champagne and first dibs on the goods from the McQ by Alexander McQueen trunk show at Elements on Tuesday, November 17. The items (a few of which are pictured above) will be in the store for a few weeks, but quantities are limited–no reordering, no special sizes–so you’ll want to get your hands on the things you want early. According to one of my fav Dallas shop girls, Stephanie “Stevie” Moore, “This will be a great holiday shopping event, whether you want a scarf to give as a gift or a super amazing fabulous cocktail dress for yourself to wear to a party.” I’ll take both. Or, as you can see above, all of it.

What: McQ by Alexander McQueen Trunk Show
Where: Elements
When: Tuesday, November 17, 10 am to 7 pm

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

If you already know The Woods, you’re probably a fan. If you don’t, you will be. The Aspen-based line of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings, is a fusion of earthy, organic materials and precious diamonds and gems. Celebs, stylists, and fashion bloggers are big fans, including our own Hanh Merriman, the stylish doll of Life in Travel blog, who’s hosting the upcoming trunk show reception for the line at Forty Five Ten. Head over on Friday or Saturday for a trunk show highlighting the newest pieces in the collection, but definitely aim for Friday from noon to 2 pm, when the champagne reception is taking place and you can say hello to designers (and sisters) Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here

Me: How do you feel men in dallas will react?

Jim: I think the style here in Dallas for men is pretty formulaic and they seem to adopt a uniform. What I did in launching here in Dallas is give an alternative perspective to those fashion forward thinkers. I’m not saying I’m here to change the Dallas fashion scene. I just want to give them a different option.

Raya: Who is your customer?

Jim: My customer is a downtown rock-and-roll guy who’s very edgy, very fashion forward, is a free thinker, and isn’t afraid to take risks in his wardrobe.

A friend of mine was like, “So are you tailoring the collection to Dallas?” and I was like, no. Why would I do that? With any designer, you shouldn’t tailor designs to fit a specific city. I’m just designing what I know, what I’m best at, and what I feel comfortable with, and I’m just hoping Dallas likes it.

Me: Where do these pieces get worn?

Jim: It’s definitely special event, going out. But I mean, if I were in New York and I had this, I’d just wear it because it’s Tuesday. One of the things I’m most proud of is the wearability of everything even though it is fashion forward.

Raya: Where will this line be bought?

Jim: I’m going to focus on specialty boutiques because I know that my customer is a very specific customer.

Raya: What about the price point?

Jim: The price point is really going to be across the board. I didn’t want to make it to terribly expensive, but I do have some pieces that are going to cost a little bit more. A cotton tank is going to be around $60 to $75. The hoodie, $600 to $700, and the jeans are going to range from $250 to $400.

Cowl neck shirt with ostrich shoulder details (left) and a row of monochromatic separates (right)

photography courtesy of Nha Khanh

I’ve stopped working so that I can continue to examine, swoon, and sigh over the fall collection of local designer Nha Khanh. The ladylike-meets-industrial vibe, the sheer sleeves, leather details, tailoring… I just can’t concentrate on anything else.

I bet it’s even more delicious in person, so perhaps I’ll head to Stanley Korshak, where it all lives for the season.

Stars wearing Magna Berliner. photography: (from left) courtesy of Magda Berlina, Cool Spotters, and Sea of Shoes

Magda Berliner, queen of chrochet fashion designer, is spending her weekend at V.O.D. this week for a two-day trunk show, highlighting her one-of-a-kind, handmade lace designs. You can shop skirts, tops, and dresses that have been made specially for this sale, or consult with Magda on your own custom piece. (!)

Where: V.O.D.
When: Friday, August 24 to Saturday, August 25, 11 am to 6 pm.
RSVP: talk@vodboutique.com.

Kate Spade Armadillo Bag (photography courtesy of Kate Spade)

D Magazine intern Caitlin Giddens stumbled on this armadilla bag and had to share.

Last year it was a stampede of elephants. This year, it’s attack of the armadillos. Kate Spade introduces her new summer novelty bag, a whimsical wicker armadillo. This bag celebrates the unofficial Texas mascot, and would be perfect for an evening out or beach trip. Adding to the cuteness, the armadillo bag opens to reveal an adorable pattern and features a Kate Spade New York embossed gold charm. So you need one immediately, right? Thought so. You can find your new pet at the Kate Spade in Northpark for $328, but hurry because there’s limited supply. –Caitlin Giddens

Abi Ferrin's The Revolving Door

It’s been too long since we last visited Abi Ferrin’s studio and storefront, The Revolving Door. The newly redesigned space feels more like an elegant living room, which is the perfect setting for a private girls’ shopping experience, which you can book by appointment. (Wine allowed.) Abi’s five-way tops and dresses have always been a staple for the designer, and her spring and summer collection is full of the trademark look in sheer fabrics, fun prints, and warm weather hues (like coral and cyan). We also spotted slinky, one-shoulder pants jumpsuits, a sheer hemmed dress in flirty magenta, and beach chic blouses that double as swimsuit cover-ups. Also noteworthy are Abi’s new Freedom Project comfy five-way tops in colorful cottons. Created by Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin, this collection of clothing and accessories is handcrafted by a group of Cambodian women who have overcome abuse and trafficking. I love wearing pieces with a story. To check out the full collections from Abi Ferrin, head in to the store or reserve a private shopping experience.

A sneak peek of the to-die-for fall/holiday collection. Think lace and Baroque fabrics.

Five-way tops in summer prints, signature Cambodian buttons that go on every garment, and new, cotton five-way tops from her Freedom Project.

Spring dresses, tops, and jumpsuits.

Dalton, left, Abi's dog and shop mascot; and clutches and notebooks, right, created by Cambodian women as part of the Freedom Project.

Three Ming Wang designs available locally. (photography courtesy of Ming Wang)

With fall in the near future, it’s only right to start thinking about how to transition our wardrobes from one season to the next. With her versatile knitwear, Ming Wang provides the perfect answer. With style and function in mind, the Grapevine based designer caters to women who strive for easy, effortless dressing. Able to take a favorite sundress from summer to autumn with a sweep of one of her signature sweaters, Wang designs clothing that transcends seasons. Her combination of color trends and classic neutrals creates a timeless collection, a mix of luxury statement pieces and refined basics that are made to last a lifetime.

More than anything, Ming Wang is concerned with the comfort of her customers. Her knitwear is made to fit and flatter an array of women, ranging in size from petite XS to 3X. It’s a breath of fresh air among a sea of designers who cater only to an ideal. Breaking away from the crowd, she has made it clear through her annual “I Am Ming Wang” campaign, a celebration of all ages and body types, that the brand embodies the masses, seeking to redefine a woman’s relationship with her closet.

Her most striking pieces are her vibrant outerwear like the perfect tweed jacket or color blocked cardigan. With plenty of options each season, it’s easy to find a piece that works for you. Bonus: you won’t break the bank with the majority of the collection priced under the $300 mark. The Ming Wang line is available in and around Dallas at all Dillards and in select Nordstroms.

Kelly Belter is a shopping intern.