A Chat with Monique Lhuillier

The designer renowned for her elegant bridal couture and red-carpet gowns talks about her collab with Gwyneth Paltrow for the Goop Dallas pop-up shop.

WELCOME TO DALLAS! HAVE YOU BEEN HERE BEFORE?
I have! Neiman Marcus is one of my oldest supporters.

HOW DID THIS COLLABORATION COME ABOUT?
Gwyneth and I have known each other for three years, and she’s worn my collection before. We are both busy working mothers trying to juggle it all and are very passionate about what we do. I’ve never done a collaboration before, and it just felt like an organic fit.

TELL ME ABOUT THE COLLECTION.
We started with an initial meeting, went through my collection, and she tried on things that she felt represented her taste. We went over silhouettes and refabricated some things as well. What you see here are things that we really designed together. Everything is made in America. The fabrics are a lot of silk faille, silk crepe and lace, and I also created a custom print.

WHY DALLAS?
We were actually already collaborating before we had the idea to launch the collection in the pop-up store. Dallas was the perfect fit because it has been a great market for me. Everyone here is so supportive, and the women here wear such beautiful things. They love to entertain in their homes, and I love the hospitality I’ve experienced through the years. People know how to have fun here.

WHO IS THE WOMAN YOU HAD IN MIND WHILE DESIGNING THESE PIECES?
She’s a girl who’s juggling motherhood and career, has no time and wants options to go the fun holiday events we’re all going to be attending in the next five weeks. This collection is our answer to that.

DESCRIBE A MEMORABLE DRESS YOU’VE MADE FOR A CELEBRITY.
[For the New York premiere of “The Giver” in August] I dressed Taylor Swift in a red and nude cocktail dress. It was very modern, and I thought she looked incredible.