Forty Five Ten offers an array of high-end designers under one roof. (Courtesy of Forty Five Ten)
Dallas is home to the most elite national brands in the nation, providing Dallasites with access to just about every top designer. But, despite a national reputation, several homegrown boutiques have managed to thrive here.
Forty Five Ten opened its doors in 2000, offering a high-end “family” of designer labels including Givenchy and Celine, just to name a few. With the availability of multiple designers under one roof, Forty Five Ten appeals to Dallasites with its convenience and copious selection. And unlike most stores in the area, Forty Five Ten has its own restaurant – even available for private parties – that accommodates the hungry shopper.
Dareth Trenary, senior buyer at Forty Five Ten, credits the boutique’s true ability to stand out because they buy a certain way.
“When a national brand opens a boutique, we are careful to edit our buy differently… basically having pieces in our stores that the national boutique may not have,” she said.
But it’s not just what is offered that helps this boutique flourish.
Forty Five Ten consistently advertises itself in local publications and even has its own catalogue to keep fresh in their customers’ minds what they have to offer, and to encourage customers to come back time and time again.
Although the typical Forty Five Ten customer is between the ages of 40 and 60, that does not mean SMU students aren’t seen shopping and grabbing a bite to eat at the store.
A frequent Forty Five Ten customer, SMU junior Alex Harvel, says she chooses to shop there over the national boutiques because she can find contemporary brands, and because she has access to multiple great designers in one store. “It makes it easier to shop in one area rather than going to all the different stores that are spread throughout Highland Park Village and NorthPark” Harvel said.
But it’s not just Dallas locals who see what’s so great about this store. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angie Harmon have been spotted shopping here for their favorite labels and one-of-a-kind options that are most likely not offered by their national stores.
Forty Five Ten has opened their doors to designer brands including The Row and Viktor & Rolf to host trunk shows. And, they have established themselves as a Dallas landmark by getting involved in charitable organizations and the art world.
In order to cater to the popularity of shopping via the Internet, Forty Five Ten has recently taken their store online.
Everything in the boutique can be found on www.fortyfiveten.com, available for purchase.
The site also has its own blog by the name of “The Four One On,” which offers fashion inspiration based on items sold in the store.
Named one of the “top ten boutiques in the country” by style publication Lucky Magazine in 2007 and “Dallas’ most fashion forward boutique” by Harper’s Bazaar in 2013, there is no doubt that Forty Five Ten has made a name for itself.
