Sophisticated with a dash of swagger— these local trendsetters prove that style is indeed a state of mind.
PHOTO BY JAMES KUNG
As deputy director for Dallas Contemporary, Carolina Alvarez-Mathies (@calvarezmathies) is constantly surrounded by creativity. Whether dashing to meet friends around town or gearing up for a new exhibition at DC, this style maven describes her approach to fashion as utilitarian-couture. Throw in a splash of streetwear and voila—she’s ready to go.
What has your position as deputy director at Dallas Contemporary entailed? The role has allowed me to delve into my areas of expertise and enact real change while also expanding my knowledge into exhibition planning and other areas. My initiatives to date have mainly focused on amplifying our mission through enhanced digital programming and diversifying the institution’s revenue streams—such as securing new long-term partners and opening retail concepts in the museum as well as online.
Tell us about your philanthropic involvement. As a Salvadoran woman living in diaspora, nurturing and highlighting my country’s immense talent has always been a crucial part of my personal mission. I am incredibly proud of my heritage. Since its founding, I have sat on the advisory board of Y.ES Contemporary, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for contemporary artists working in El Salvador and beyond.
What is your go-to style when meeting clients? Always a blazer and denim paired with a T-shirt or button-up. If it’s more formal, I’ll swap out the denim for a skirt.
Favorite designer? Cristóbal Balenciaga
A trend you cannot live without? Carolina Herrera’s white blouses.
Secret fashion weapon? To feel good in my own skin and always have a safety pin on hand.
The most cherished piece in your closet? A gold charm bracelet my grandmother received as a young woman and that has now been gifted to me. It has these gorgeous vintage Cartier and Van Cleef charms that tell her story, from her zodiac sign to her travels, wedding and more.
PHOTO BY STEVE WRUBEL PHOTOGRAPHY
New Zealand native Deborah Scott never shies away from a fashion statement. Just take a scroll through her Instagram @jumpsuitfetish, where you will become privy to her colorful closet as well as her true sense of wanderlust. Before settling down in Dallas, where she and her husband John now live, she spent time trotting around the globe to exotic places including Australia, Bali and Guam. Scott can often be spotted donning a cheeky ensemble at ultrachic private members social club Park House, where she is a co-founder. Her storied selection of jumpsuits are merely a start to her undeniably fun approach to fashion. Now, if only these fabulous suits could talk...
Favorite accomplishment? I am extremely proud of how my Kids have grown up to be amazing young adults pursuing their dreams.
What is on the horizon at Park House? We have recently initiated two outreach programs at Park House with the goal of giving back to the community. We launched our Culture Member a few months back with a focus on getting more working artists into the fold.
What is the first fashion memory you have that stands out? My first purple jumpsuit, a patterned stretchy number I bought in NYC while staying at The Carlyle for the first time.
Ultimate fashion splurge? A bright bag.
What would you pinpoint as the most cherished piece in your closet? My collection of jumpsuits (which is in the 100s). But the most gorgeous have to be the four from Halpern in London, all various sequined numbers, including one from his first collection after he left Versace!
Best style advice you have received? Dress for yourself.
Favorite designer of all time? Pucci
If you could swap wardrobes with anyone, who would it be? Jennifer Lopez. She has some amazing jumpsuits!
Why is fashion an important part of your life? You can have fun with it and not take yourself too seriously.
PHOTO BY JUDSON BAKER
Karen Boulle’s style is more casual chic than trendy, yet she is also a firm believer that rules are meant to be broken. As the founder of luxury boutique de Boulle (@deboulle), which she started with husband Denis in 1983, she is constantly inspired by the beauty that surrounds her. With sparkle and grace, Boulle personifies classic elegance. Her key source for inspiration? The ladies of Dallas. “Every time I go out, I see beautiful women with amazing style and great ideas,” shares Boulle. “The ladies of Dallas set the bar so high that you can go anywhere in the world and feel comfortable.” Whether spending time with her beloved white Lab, Oliver, working on the relocation of the family’s Houston store to more than double the square footage, or making wedding plans for son Nick, who just proposed to longtime girlfriend, Boulle’s future holds much excitement.
I know you and de Boulle are incredibly involved with the community. Can you expand? Animals have always held such a soft spot in my heart, so I am involved with SPCA, Operation Kindness and Houston PetSet. De Boulle is a proud supporter of Camp Sweeney, a program for children with Type 1 diabetes. Camp Sweeney is regarded as one of the largest and most effective diabetes education facilities in the world and serves over 1,000 children every summer.
In regard to jewelry, what is your go-to? Any piece from the de Boulle collection. I have always been attracted to colored gemstones such as turquoise, but I often find myself wearing our B Link collection toggle necklace in yellow gold. Pieces that are classic and timeless—I love how these pieces can easily be dressed up or dressed down. Jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry!
How else do you accessorize? Scarves! From bold prints to more subdued hues, scarves are my go-to accessory. A scarf provides the ideal accent and touch of color. The possibilities are endless.
Ultimate splurge? Boots. I have an enormous collection of boots and booties. Tall boots, short boots, leather boots, suede. However, I do not own a real pair of cowboy boots. My cowboy boots are Italian and came from Harrods 32 years ago—definitely not the authentic Western boot!
The one trend you can’t live without? Leopard print. The animal print adds the perfect pop to clothing. They are undeniably glamorous and sophisticated.
PHOTO BY STEVE WRUBEL PHOTOGRAPHY
“Comfortable and unexpected” is Tracy Cheatham’s (@texas_tracy) style mantra. Viewing fashion as an art form, Cheatham’s creativity and effortlessly chic look are synonymous with her selfexpression. Prior to starting a family, Cheatham was a partner at a marketing firm. “Once our children grew up a bit, I remodeled homes. I just started a new project in University Park,” she shares. “A few years ago, I partnered with a friend to start a custom draperies workshop in the Design District.” With a knack for keeping her finger on the pulse and a zest for new adventures and experiences, this style savant is always striving to try something new. Recently, she’s been working on becoming ranked as a Life Master bridge player and is also in the early stages of creating a retail store in Dallas with a friend. In the meantime, she is working on her kiteboarding skills. Let’s take a note from Cheatham’s book to keep things interesting!
What would you say is the most rewarding thing you do? I have been a CASA advocate for over eight years.
Why is fashion an important part of your life? It is my art form.
Favorite designers? Junya Watanabe, Dusan, Chloé and Gaultier
Approach to style? Comfortable and unexpected.
Splurge? I love anything Hermès.
Jewelry staples? I opt for Sue Gragg, Petra and Madison McKinley designs.
Where do you shop in Dallas? 4510, Stanley Korshak and The Conservatory
Most cherished piece in your closet? A pair of cowboy boots from M.L. Leddy’s!
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