Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1493310
ROUND TOP SPONSORED PARTNER INSIDE VIEW: SOHO ENDURING FRENCH GIRL STYLE AT BLUE HILLS MCKINNEY'S A rbiters of art, style, and design know that Paris is the place to be for fashion. But unless you're a frequent flyer, you're probably looking for Parisian influence a little closer to home — a cobblestone's throw, as it were. Luckily, there's no better place than SOHO McKinney to find French-inspired, Texas-made collections. In historic downtown McKinney, you'll enjoy a warm welcome from Robin Cook, designer and curator of the notable French Homespun Linen and Essentials Cotton Shirts & Pants collections. Tucked away in a charming corner of downtown, Cook's studio is accessed via a private gated stairwell that takes you below street level into her atelier. It's as close as you'll get to stumbling upon a hidden gem of a clothing shop in Paris's 1st arrondissement. Keep in mind that Robin's designs have a way of butting up against contemporary fashion. This isn't to say her work lacks modern subtleties, but there's a clear distinction in her creations from fashion du jour. "Many fashion brands today concern themselves with mass marketability and quick profitability, and as a result, much of it looks the same," Cook says. "But I'm in fashion for the art, because the world needs classic, timeless beauty, an aesthetic that can stand on its own, apart from short-term popularity." Robin sources her linens and textiles in France and is endlessly inspired by French culture, which is well-seasoned in artistic expression. When you visit her little shop, you'll find simple, feminine and timeless pieces that transcend popular culture — pieces that reflect a return to classic aesthetics. Nate Wilson Look for SOHO McKinney in Tent 5 at Blue Hills, March 18 through April 1. You can also view Robin Cook's collections at sohomckinney.com. Model: Clea Alavi 46