Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1529937
Letter from the Editor Billy Fong and Dana Garner. Illustration Peyton Thorp. T is the season of the frenetically fantastic a r r a y o f D a l l a s ' holiday soirées. We're particularly proud of our December issue — our gift to you. It gave us great joy putting it together, and hopefully you'll feel the same after thumbing through the pages. If you somehow missed this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, you'll at least get a glimpse inside by turning to pages 86 through 106 and exploring the creations of the 25 anointed designers. You'll also get a peek inside two of the swellegant show house events, attended by a veritable who's who of the international design set: the glamorous VIP Preview Party and cinematically produced President's Dinner. If you still haven't finished your holiday shopping, you'll find endless inspiration in our Gift Guide (pages 62 to 75). And, if you've been more nice than naughty yourself, you might ask that dashing gent with the platinum beard from the North Pole for something sparkly from the latest Dior high jewelry offering (page 30). Speaking of the season of merriment, for some tips on how to navigate the advent calendar, check out what our favorite bon vivant, Donald Robertson, shares as he lives up to the moniker of "Father Knows Less." His favorite way to enjoy the holidays — walking the dog with a roadie. (Never heard of a Highland Park roadie? It's a monogrammed Styrofoam cup usually filled to the brim with a heavy pour Ranch Water.) With the turning of a year, we often find ourselves revisiting the past and thinking of the future. I did exactly that this past weekend when one of my exes, who evolved into a best friend, came for a visit. We had met in the late '90s in Los Angeles. He was a stand-up comic and part of the Groundlings comedy troupe, and I was getting my footing in the art world. For me, the '90s were the heady — and, might I say, slightly hedonistic — decade. I relish catching up with old friends and reliving that chapter, but this recent visit from an ex made me realize that I shouldn't plan out my next chapter. I guess what I'm getting at is, as I enter 2025, I have vowed to make it a spontaneous and spirited 365 days (these are the roaring '20s). I will throw myself out there and date. I've even talked with some girlfriends about having them vote on potential suitors I meet on various apps — I think dating by jury sounds like it has some credence and will definitely have comic moments. Perhaps it's my attempt to live my own version of the wildly popular new Netflix series Nobody Wants This. And, I promise that if I end up in some absurd yet entertaining dates I'll share them with you via these pages. Cheers, Billy Fong Dallas Editor in Chief billy@papercitymag.com 20