Dust is settling. Parking spaces are opening up. And the shopping scene at Victory Park is finally starting to sizzle.
In the anchor role is Lifestyle Fashion Terminal – LFT, for short. Though it may be as big as a department store, don’t let the size fool you: this chic, 30,000-square-foot shopping emporium is all about an intimate experience.
A new concept to the Dallas retail scene (though well-tested at L.A.’s Fred Segal and Printemps in Paris), LFT is a series of miniboutiques from designers such as Chip & Pepper, James Perse, Diane von Furstenberg and Cynthia Vincent (who even popped by for the April grand opening).
The brainchild of Ort Varona, the retail renegade behind West Village hot spots Premium 93 and Octane, LFT brings together a community of hip designers who stock their own collections exactly as they conceived them.
Frustrated male shoppers should be thrilled to find an amazing selection of guys’ clothes, from casual, cool khakis and ultrasoft button-downs in the John Varvatos boutique, to sleek skinny suits at J. Lindeberg.
Denim, Varona’s first love, abounds at LFT. The hottest jeans – Ksubi, Hudson, J Brand and Justin Timberlake’s William Rast – are displayed on a dry-cleaner-style conveyor system. Vintage-look Ts get a similar treatment in plastic airport security bins.
Fans of Premium 93 are also in luck. A bigger, better version of the original West Village shop gets its own chandeliered corner here, offering contemporary finds by labels from Daryl K, Vena Cava and Alice Roi, to Thread Social, Alexander Wang, Loeffler Randall and Anya Hindmarch.
LFT’s block-long industrial space is sure to become a meeting place for savvy shoppers and Victory Park residents alike – especially when Avalon Salon and a small cafe open inside LFT later this year. An elevated stage is set up for live bands and DJs, because, let’s face it, you never know when you’ll need one.
LFT Lifestyle Fashion Terminal, 2350 Victory Park Lane, 214-635-2150, mylft.com
WHAT ELSE IS NEW
Bar is open: Kickin’ back a few at N9NEWHAT: N9NE Steakhouse, Nove Italiano
WHERE: 3090 Olive St., n9negroup.com
VIBE: There’s no better place to hobnob with Dallas movers and shakers than any of the boîtes brought to us by N9NE Group. N9NE Steakhouse is a clubby restaurant in the Vegas tradition replete with a champagne and caviar bar. Nove Italiano has an expansive menu, plus outdoor deck, wine room and large bar area where gourmands can savor after-dinner ports.
WHAT: JL Collection
WHERE: 2410 Victory Park Lane
VIBE: Hit the Lindeberg miniboutique inside LFT for suits, slim jackets and crisp collared shirts, then head here for the Swedish designer’s more casual men’s and women’s JL Collection. Golfers take note: In addition to scoring threads for the game, perfect your swing using the in-store golf simulator.
WHAT: G-Star
The G-Star team:Taylor Davis, Thu Vo and Eine PanambunanWHERE: 2404 Victory Park Lane, 214-922-9994, http://www.g-star.com/
VIBE: This Dutch line of men’s and women’s denim clothing makes its Texas debut with a freestanding boutique at Victory. Don’t miss the collaborative effort between G Star and designer Marc Newson, inspired by industrial work wear.
WHAT: Quiksilver
WHERE: 3030 Olive St., Ste. 104, 214-999-0092, quiksilver.com
VIBE: True, Dallas is a bit landlocked for any impromptu “let’s catch some waves” adventures, but surf label Quiksilver is more about a laid-back beach lifestyle. Find tons of printed Ts, knit hoodies, denim, board shorts and accessories such as sunglasses, footwear and watches.
WHAT: Haven
Rogan chair and ottoman, $4,000, HavenWHERE: 2416 Victory Park Lane, 214-954-1515, haven-dallas.com
VIBE: Former modeling execs Jon Tutolo and John Bassignani relocated from Manhattan to open Haven, a chic little gift and home shop selling everything from the latest, greatest coffee-table books and cards to an array of exquisite-smelling candles, home furnishings and decorative accessories.
WHAT: Luna de Noche
WHERE: 2300 Victory Park Lane, 214-420-3050, lunadenoche.net
VIBE: It has been voted Best Mexican restaurant by the Dallas Observer and lauded in D and Texas Monthly, so it’s no wonder that this marks Luna de Noche’s seventh local outpost. Try the “gourmet Tex-Mex” restaurant’s spin on good old meatloaf, with shell macaroni and Chipotle cheese sauce. You’ll forget Grandma’s.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
WHAT: House of Blues
WHERE: 2200 N. Lamar, hob.com
VIBE: Most people know House of Blues as a great live-music venue. But we’re equally pumped about Sunday’s Gospel Brunch, which offers Southern soul food (shrimp jambalaya, cornbread muffins with maple butter, fried chicken and waffles) spiced with live, soul-shaking music. Good to know: On concert nights, diners are automatically granted “pass the line” privileges for first access to the music hall after dinner.
WHAT: Bella Flora
WHERE: 2424 Victory Park Lane, bellafloraofdallas.com
VIBE: Bella Flora (official florist for W Hotel) will offer complete flower and table design services, but it’ll also be a great spot to pick up blooms to go. Think single stems placed in clear glass vessels or bunches of glorious tulips arranged in recycled-paper vases.
WHAT: Gachet Coffee Lounge
WHERE: 2336 Victory Park Lane, gachetcoffee.com
VIBE: Up until now, it has been an insider coffee shop on lower Greenville Avenue, outfitted with a rooftop patio and stellar menu of coffees, teas, wines and pastries. The Victory outpost will still have the same atmosphere (and free WiFi access), but won’t be so off-the-beaten path. We can’t wait for Reel Mondays, Gachet’s weekly al fresco classic-movie screenings.
WHAT: Kenichi
WHERE: 2400 Victory Park Lane, kenichiaustin.com
VIBE: Known for its beautiful, artful food presentation, Austin-based Kenichi will serve up traditional rolls and sashimi, as well as special regional offerings such as Texas-raised organic beef and venison. For rice-wine lovers, Kenichi also promises the largest selection of rare sakes in Texas.
WHAT: Jolie Boutique
WHERE: 2316 Victory Park Lane, 214-821-8669
VIBE: Gladys Contreras, owner of Mockingbird Station’s Movida, sets her sights south with a new, higher-end contemporary women’s clothing boutique. A soft slate, gray and sage color palette will play backdrop to high ceilings with an oversized crystal chandelier highlighting frocks by Rachel Pally and Voom.
WHAT: Habana Room Social Club
WHERE: 3030 Olive St., Ste. 103
VIBE: Cuban-born Ernesto Velez is known for his City Cigars hot spot on Knox Street. Now, the puff- master will bring his vision for “a real cigar bar” to Dallas in the form of a Deco-inspired lounge. Expect a wide selection of premium cigars, more than 50 brands of imported rums, and live Latin jazz. If you’re lucky, Velez may even grant you entrance to the second floor VIP club.