Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1512213
Letter from the Editor T o quote the always quotable '80s new wave juggernaut New Order: "My life ain't no holiday. I've been through the point of no return." Okay, maybe if you saw my Smythson datebook, you might say it is a holiday — literally. I've been to and covered (over the course of two weeks) 16 events that were the epitome of glamour, from the FGI Night of Stars (which delivered on that title) to an Alexa Hampton illustrated talk during Texas Design Week Dallas and the movie premiere of A24's Iron Claw at the Texas Theatre with an after-shindig at the Longhorn Ballroom. I'm the most thankful that I was able to scrounge up enough ensembles to take me on this whirlwind of happenings. And I'm also thankful that I'm able to curate photographs and not have anyone see that I repeated an outfit — thrice. (But it was a really good Thom Browne one.) In front of you, you'll discover page after page of swoon-worthy gift options that we've carefully selected, as well as jewelry likely to inspire your wish list for Santa. You'll also learn how design darling Cathy Kincaid entertains and decorates for the holiday season — useful if you're mining ideas to add to your quiver of seasonal arrows. My dear friend Kelly Cheeseman said that if I use that sage quote from New Order, I need to pair it with "The cream always rises to the top." Thank you for reminding me that the folks in our town, when invited, RSVP oui and bring it. I've seen it time and again and will only mention baptism names now: Thank you, Nancy, Brian, Moll, Ann, Rajan, Jennifer, Zoe, Jessica, Christen, and Cornelia. All of you make a humble writer like me want to pen a tome that might be our provincial version of The Great Gatsby, which could become the inspiration for a new Ryan Murphy vehicle on Apple+. I'd want a casting agent to sign up Uma Thurman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Julianne Moore, and Kerry Washington to play this Dallas-based ensemble cast. Well, we now must bid adieu to 2023. I can't even wrap my head around the fact that it's nearing the end of this momentous year. Locally, we saw the opening of the Swexan hotel and Loewe boutique, and my new favorite spot for supper, Mister Charles. I count myself fortunate to again and again seek out what Dallas has devised to intrigue, enchant, beguile, and bemuse us. Can't wait to see what 2024 brings. Cheers, Billy Fong Dallas Editor in Chief billy@papercitymag.com 26