Proper applause for this Plaza prize. Owner Carla Martinengo, a former international model, sauntered many a runway during her younger years and, accordingly, is now is quite impressively perceptive when it comes to prêt-a-porter. Italian-born Martinengo walked for Valentino Garavani as well as numerous other haute couture heavy-hitters, and cites Roberto Capucci, known as the “Givenchy of Rome”, as one of the most phenomenal designers with whom she has worked. Martinengo opened an appointment-only shop on McKinney Avenue before ultimately relocating to the Preston Center site where she has served an exclusive clientele whilst remaining acutely attentive to the culture of fashion. Her low-key approach and eye for truly great design has allowed for the flourishing of her business for nearly a decade. Martinengo stocks select goods from design masters such as Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Matthew Williamson, among other fabulous fashion stash from Chloe, Jil Sander, Christian Lacroix, and beyond. Bellissimo! Thy shalt find a sinfully splendid bevy of Balenciaga bags and shoes over which to muse, as well as pristine pieces from the house’s ingenious designer, Nicolas Ghesquière. Blessedly behold amazing accessories such as a stingray belt by Emanuel Ungaro and jewelry by Nina Ricci and Valentino, the perfect exclusive accoutrements for Dallas’ style elite. The innately stylish Martinengo and her uniquely chic boutique definitely deserve a peak.

Location: 8300 Preston Road, Suite 360, Dallas, TX 75225
Call: 214.739.7076

Betty Reiter
‘Tis a name synonymous with chic style à la Française, and, for one-of-a-kind exclusives, you can’t fight her…Reiter…Betty Reiter, that is. The namesake boutique of this Parisian-born belle boasts luxurious lines you’ll not elsewhere find, femme, as Reiter’s relationships with private label houses have allowed her to provide a sumptuous stock and a uniquely European experience. The daughter of one of Paris’ leading wedding and fashion photographers at the time, Reiter was privileged to play in the prêt-a-porter playground of the fashion capital during her youth. Quelle vie! Upon moving to New York City to work in sales with Yves Saint Laurent, Reiter met her husband, Bill, and subsequently moved to Texas where she worked with Loretta Blum, a fashion luminary and well-known Dallas retailer.

As Blum’s top sales assistant, Reiter successfully carved her niche with American and international designers whilst accompanying Blum on buying trips to Europe. She now exclusively carries lines such as Krizia, Ter Et Bantine, and other Milan-based labels, as well as Irene Van Ryb, Bernard Zins, and her Private Label imported from France. Reiter maintains a firm belief in the quality of great design and seeks to provide clean, architectural forms in luxurious fabrics for a wide range of clientele. As such, a favorite is YEOHLEE, the eponymous line from New York-based Yeohlee Teng.