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Big-deal designer brings Southern style to Fort Worth's Shops at Clearfork
After quietly opening to customers in early November, Billy Reid's first Fort Worth boutique officially flings open the doors in grand, Southern style November 15.
Lucky for Fort Worth fans of the Alabama-based fashion designer, Reid chose The Shops at Clearfork for the second Texas location of his eponymous store. It is open now at 5254 Monahans Ave., Ste. J250, between Climate and Tumi.
“There are so many great things happening in Fort Worth right now, which is why we wanted to open our doors here," Reid says in a release. "We had a store in Dallas in the past, and always had a loyal Fort Worth following there. When we were looking into opening a new store, we knew we had fans of what we’re doing right here, so it made perfect sense."
The brand is known for high-quality seasonal clothing that exudes Southern sophistication. Reid calls his style “lived-in luxury” and "broken-in luxury” — classic styles made from premium fabrics, with unique accents and Southern influence. Think: quilted jackets, cashmere tees and sweaters, plaid shirts, peacoats, corduroys, and more. Prices range from about $58 for a signature stripe bandana to $2,500 for a moto jacket made of leather dyed in Italy.
The new 1,200-square-foot Clearfork boutique offers women's and men's apparel, as well as accessories, bags, and leather shoes. The pretty space features reclaimed wood on the walls and floors, accents of brass in the fixtures and clothing rails, and art handpicked by the designer that nods to his love for music.
Billy Reid showrooms are also known as social places, often extending Southern hospitality for VIP dinner parties and tastings. The Clearfork store does not have a restaurant attached, but customers can expect some special events to take place there.
"The space will figure into many of Billy Reid’s spirited gatherings and parties," the release says of the Fort Worth store. "These unique gatherings celebrate both brand’s passion for craftsmanship, while enjoying great food and conversation."
Reid has been making clothes for more than 20 years from his home in Florence, Alabama and drawing inspiration from his childhood growing up in Amite, Louisiana, where his mother's retail shop was a town gathering place.
In two decades, Billy Reid has become a major American fashion brand, with celebrity fans that include Ethan Hawke, Idris Elba, and Daniel Craig. Craig was such a fan of the brand's "Bond" coat, in fact, that he asked to wear it onscreen in Skyfall.
The first Billy Reid shops opened in Dallas, Houston, and Florence. The Dallas and Houston stores have since closed; the only other Texas shop is in Austin.
The Fort Worth showroom is Reid’s 14th freestanding boutique in the United States. According to Forbes, it is one of five new shops the brand plans to open and part of a larger expansion of its retail footprint this year.
Reid, who is one of just four designers to have received three prestigious CFDA Awards, also has collaborated with brands like Levi's, J. Crew, Coach, Neiman Marcus, K-Swiss The Balvenie, and KREWE.
In 2009, Reid extended his brand into the music world, creating a fashion and music festival called “Shindig." Now in its 11th year, the Florence, Alabama festival attracts James Beard Award-winning chefs and Grammy Award-winning musicians from around the country.
Reid, himself, will attend the Fort Worth store's grand opening to meet and greet customers. The celebration will take place from 6 to 8 pm Friday, November 15 and will include light bites from nearby Fixe restaurant and the pouring of a Balvenie single malt scotch whiskey, which which Reid has a partnership.
The evening also will highlight the Billy Reid Community Collection, a limited-edition line of jackets, hoodies, tees, hats, and more, inspired by the cities and states Billy Reid calls home.
The opening party is free to attend, but RSVP here.
“We are thrilled to welcome Billy Reid to our retail mix, just in time for the holiday season,” says Suzanne Paul, general manager of The Shops at Clearfork, in the release. “The store is beautiful and features a selection of clothing, accessories, and gift items the Fort Worth community is going to absolutely love.”
The store is open 10 am-7 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am-8 pm Friday and Saturday, and 12-6 pm Sunday.
Corduroy dresses from Jac & Juju.Facebook/Jac & Juju
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