Photo courtesy of Betty Reiter.
Born in Paris and raised in the world of fashion, Betty Reiter opened her namesake Dallas boutique in 1994. In the decades since, she has established a loyal following, devoted to the international designer treasures that can be found behind her signature red door in the Plaza at Preston Center.
Last month, Reiter hosted artist Tina Ngo for a two-day residency and pop-up shop. The collaborative event combined meaningful influences from both the owner and the artist.
Tina Ngo is a first-generation Vietnamese American, SMU graduate, and multi-disciplinary creative. In addition to interior design and web-based digital design, Ngo is perhaps best known for her “tape art.” Asking, “Why ‘color within the lines’ when you can create them,” she utilizes tape to execute her signature skylines and abstract works.
For this special event, Ngo’s artwork was installed among Reiter’s current collection of designer apparel. The resulting mini-gallery showcased global fashions by the likes of Palmer//Harding from England and DUSAN from Milan, seamlessly alongside the artist’s striking cityscapes and aerial views.
“I like bringing in additional media to merge with fashion. It adds another element,” Reiter says. “Fashion is sometimes thought of as an art, but for me, it is art that inspires fashion. “
Ngo also debuted a trio of custom pieces symbolizing aspects of Reiter’s life story: the Eiffel Tower, the boutique’s facade, and her company logo. Custom t-shirts were screen-printed with these Reiter-inspired motifs. In addition, Ngo’s Tape City Art Kits were available for purchase, inviting shoppers to design, layer, and create their own works of art at home.
Betty Reiter is located at 4030 Villanova St. in the Plaza at Preston Center. The store is currently hosting a 75% off sale to bring in the new year.
