DORÉ

One of the best things about partnering with Women + Whiskies for our Cocktails + Conversation series is getting to meet new people, especially when those people are smart and stylish women doing cool things and getting recognized for their talents.

Our most recent event took us to Dallas where we were able to meet up with the ever-so-classy, Kristen Cole. She is the woman behind cult favorite, Tenoversix, the concept store she launched back in 2008. Earlier this year, they moved into the first floor of Forty Five Ten, as a concept shop within the luxury retailer. It has been an exciting year for Kristen as she was also named President and Chief Creative Officer of Forty Five Ten and Tenoversix (which, as of this week, has a new name…4510/SIX)! The new moniker nods to the Tenoversix brand, but now links it cohesively to Forty Five Ten, as the two continue to evolve and expand together.

We were super excited when Kristen invited us to 4510/SIX and gave us a tour of her office and the wonderland that is Forty Five Ten. Fortunately for us, she was also game to let us shoot her in a few spaces, all while donning some of the amazing ensembles she’s known for tossing together. It was tough to narrow down where to shoot, as the space is a beautiful blend of art and fashion. Ultimately, we think we were able to capture her and her unique style in what can only be described as her natural habitat…

Describe your style in three words:
Artistic, Experimental, Chic.

What’s most important when it comes to style: comfort, beauty, or innovation?
Beauty.

Most valued thing in your closet?
My vintage jewelry.

This has been a big year for you – congrats! You’re evolving your concept store, Tenoversix into 4510/SIX, and were also named the President and Chief Creative Officer of Forty Five Ten, a Dallas staple. What is your preferred outfit for a day full of meetings for both companies?
I love to layer dresses, knits or silk shirting, tees, anything to create pretty color moments. High waist denim with a black bodysuit is my go-to quick outfit. Weather-permitting, always a good coat.

You and your family have been living in Texas the last few years and you’re now based in Dallas. Have you felt your style shift at all since relocating to the south from California?
Yes, for sure. In LA, its perfect weather all of the time, so I dressed pretty casually with little variation. In Austin, I had to deal with the extremely hot temps a bit, which was a challenge. I think I learned to do more with less there. In Dallas, I dress. We have a lot of events and cocktails parties, and overall ladies just wear designer fashion more. I’m wearing more heels than I used to as well. I’ve learned that how I feel in fashion is quite dependent on where I am. Context matters!

Since you travel quite a bit for your work and you’re expanding both Forty Five Ten and 4510/SIX, do you find that you adjust your style to the places you’re traveling to?
I always wear my Chuck Taylors and flats more in New York and Paris. In LA and Miami, I wear more pretty, little heel sandals. In Aspen…lug sole boots. My clothing, jewelry and beauty staples stay the same for all cities at this point, just a sweater here and a coat there.

What are some of the brands or designers you carry at Forty Five Ten and 4510/SIX that you feel perfectly encapsulate your ideal style?
We really have everything I love. The lines I wear the most: Celine, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Sies Marjan, Rosie Assoulin, Molly Goddard (Forty Five Ten); Sandy Liang, Eckhaus Latta, Rachel Comey, Nomia, Maryam Nassir Zadeh (4510/SIX). I could go on…