By Emma Wesel and Emory Parsons
The newest addition to Highland Park Village has officially opened for business.
Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s clothing and accessories store, celebrated their second storefront opening today, Sept. 28th. Witherspoon herself (or should we say Elle Woods) graced Dallas with her presence.
#DallasLove � Had so much fun brunching & celebrating the launch of #DraperJamesDallas with these lovely ladies � @draperjames pic.twitter.com/15h9Wsni0f
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) September 28, 2016
Highland Park Village was quite a scene this morning with passerby and other store employees all hoping for a chance to meet Witherspoon. Two police officers were stationed by the front and back entrances to the store and media were going in and out of the store.
We were able to talk to Draper James CEO, Andrea Hyde, about the culture of the store and why they chose Dallas for the location.
“Dallas was an easy choice. The Dallas woman is smart, witty and stylish, so it was a perfect fit,” Hyde said.
The store opening brought the Today Show and Jenna Bush, who filmed a segment on Reese inside her new store.
Though Hyde is the CEO, she said that Witherspoon has full control over the brand and what they feature.
“Reese is the smartest person I’ve ever met,” Hyde said. “She has such a vision.”
The inspiration of the store came from Witherspoon’s Southern roots. She was born in New Orleans and grew up in Nashville, which is home to the flagship Draper James store.
The store aims to make guests feel alike and offers comfortable and chic clothing with a Southern influence.
Walking into Draper James felt like walking into a charming Nashville home. We could have plopped down on the navy blue and white wicker sofa with a glass of sweet tea if we had been so inclined.
Draper James sells everything from clothing to perfect tailgating accessories and their own Sugarfina candies. You can even purchase charming home décor or a tote bag that reads, “Tote Y’all”. It’s every Southern lady’s dream.
