Shopping Scene
After conquering New York, Houston's handbag queen sets sights on Dallas-Fort Worth
After opening five stores in her native Texas, as well as a glitzy store in New York City, designer Elaine Turner is expanding her accessories empire to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This October, Turner's first stand-alone Metroplex shop will open at chichi suburban Southlake Town Square.
"We have had our eye on the Southlake community for several months now," Turner says. "The strong growth and high-end demographics make Southlake the perfect fit for our brand. We also love the lifestyle shopping experience at Southlake Town Square."
"It was during those early, transformative years that I discovered my true passion in life — to create my own brand and become an entrepreneur," Turner says.
The 2,066-square-foot shop will be decked out with Turner's signature pink sofas, raffia-wrapped walls, bamboo floors and cowhide rugs. Customers can also expect Turner's distinctive handbags, shoes, jewelry and apparel.
There also will be a selection of jewelry from fellow Texas designers and home furnishings by Elaine Turner and other brands. Turner intends to host cocktail parties and other charitable events at the new store, because giving back to the community is something she cares deeply about.
Turner is excited about her Lone Star expansion; Houston and Dallas hold special places in her heart. The former is where she was raised and where she launched her company. The latter is where she scored her first job post-college.
"It was during those early, transformative years that I discovered my true passion in life — to create my own brand and become an entrepreneur," Turner says. "I've never wavered from my dream and feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to grow my business in Dallas."
For the Dallas ladies who are slightly bummed they have to drive to Southlake, it'll be a short-lived inconvenience: Plans are in the works for a shop in Dallas proper, set to open at a TBD location in late 2014.
The Southlake outpost will be Turner's eighth overall. In addition to her stores in Texas and New York (which she opened on Madison Avenue late last year), she has one in Nashville.