Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/880229
28 D allas designer Tish Cox is having a moment. Throngs of the country's most stylish are obsessed with her namesake fashion label, which is produced in Dallas. Each season, Cox's chic client clique jets from L.A. and New York to snag pieces from her newest collection, which until recently was sold exclusively at Cabana boutique. Now Cox is taking on digital: Natalie Bloomingdale's recently launched e-commerce site The SIL — code for "Stuff I Like" — is the exclusive online retailer for Cox's brand. The SIL is the online shopping destination for hard-to-fi nd collections and has a cult following of discerning, deep-pocketed individualists who prefer one-of- a-kind over mass-produced. Bloomingdale, a former Dallasite, is married to a grandson of the late retail magnate Alfred Bloomingdale and co-owns a fashion PR fi rm in L.A. Unafraid to profess her obsession with Cox, Bloomingdale chats with the designer, giving PaperCity a peek into their designer-devotee relationship. Natalie Bloomingdale: As president of your fan club, I have an idea of how you'll answer this … But, in your words, why are your fans so obsessive about collecting every single piece you design? Tish Cox: It's a combination of how pretty the clothes make her feel, the numerous compliments she receives, and that her Tish Cox pieces are her favorite items in her closet. NB: I love the "Made in DALLAS, TEXAS" tag in all of your garments. TC: I can't imagine designing something and sending it off around the world to have it made, hoping it all goes to plan. NB: Your designs have an architectural component. TC: Where an architect uses a drafting table, I use my iPad and Apple Pencil. I draw and sketch maybe two hours a day and on every fl ight. I need to see it in two dimensions before I ever drape it on a form. It's just the way my mind works. NB: You are always moving 100 miles per hour. How do you unwind? TC: I spend time with my husband and two girls. Nothing makes me happier after 20 years of marriage than to pull into the driveway and see my husband's car at home. I do not "work" without them. NB: Your family goes to Hawaii — and Alys Beach. Safe to say you're a beach bum, not a ski bunny? TC: I'm for sure a beach bum — although I much prefer fall and winter collections. I am always excited to manipulate a beautiful wool into my architectural visions. NB: I'm so excited about your fall collection. TC: The challenge of designing for FRIENDS BENEFITS with B Y L I S A C O L L I N S S H A D D O C K Tish Cox The Natalie coat by Tish Cox BOTTOM RIGHT: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLECTIVE YOU