This week, I had the pleasure of shooting one of my closest friends, Kurt Haymond. He stopped by the studio for his new PR shots to promote his amazing new store, The Urban Manor, located in Snider Plaza. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to speak with one of Dallas’ most interesting men about his incredible career in fashion, interior design, and visual merchandising.
Kurt leaped into the fashion and interior furnishings world early on in his life. He says he “accidentally got into the jewelry world at 20,” starting his own business and learning the ins and outs of the industry. He soon after found himself working at Calvin Klein as his first experience in luxury retail. He says he gained an extensive knowledge in window designs and merchandising. By chance, he started designing the windows and he fell in love with the creative process.
In 2000, he began working as the lead visual merchandiser of Tootsie’s. He worked with the company for 11 years, with his last project opening the Houston flagship store. During that time, he was written up twice as being one of the leading window merchandisers in the game. He worked on-and-off for Tootsies and Gregory’s, creating beautiful displays across the country.
In 2009, Kurt left his visual merchandising position at Gregory’s and came back to Dallas dressing a handful of private clients. Before long, he couldn’t escape his need to return to the retail world and opened Assembly, a high-end clothing store, in Dallas’ West Village luxury retail center.
Last year, Kurt followed his heart back to interiors and opened The Urban Manor with his daughter Ariel. They found the perfect space at Snider Plaza, where he and Ariel opened shop and have made their dream a reality. Not only do they feature some of the most extraordinary pieces in Dallas, they’ve expanded and opened a floral shop. Their florals are magnificent and they have some of the most beautiful arrangements in Dallas. They’ve recently added custom invitations with Terry Cummings as their new “king of invitations, stationery and weddings.” Kurt says Terry “ignites that creative spark” in himself and Ariel.
They’ve been featured in D Magazine, Park Cities People, and the Examiner. It seems like every where you go (or any link you click), The Urban Manor appears.
They’re looking to expand even further, opening a digital storefront that features the same array of inventory. Stay tuned for more from Kurt and The Urban Manor!
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