Shopping the Indagare Souk Trunk Show

Want to shop one-of-a-kind pieces from all over the world without leaving the city limits? Check out the Indagare Souk as it makes its stop in Dallas this week, bringing gorgeous artisan made goods from far flung destinations to the Crescent Hotel for a two-day trunk show.

You're sure to find some serious obsessions of your own during the fashionable event, but before the Indagare Souk opened its doors, we were lucky enough to catch up with the company's founder, Melissa Bradley, to find out what her favorite items are for the season ahead.

NBCDFW: There is so much to adore among your artisan made collections, but what are some of your personal picks?
Bradley: "It's nearly impossible to play favorites! I love our pieces from Irving and Fine, and Lisa Fine, one of the co-founders along with Carolina Irving, makes many of my go-to wardrobe staples. The 'Elephant' collection from African maker Shompole are amazing for their natural feel, and a new addition from Italy, Anna Sammarone, is also great. And bags by Atlanta craftsman Bowens Bergeron and Argentinian artist Perez Sanz are beautiful."

NBCDFW: Why do you think fashionistas are gravitating to special, hand made goods so strongly?
Bradley: "I think all women want to own something that's exclusive and one-of-a-kind, but I also think that when you're wearing something that was hand stitched and carefully crafted, there's just a different weight and feeling when you wear it, which women appreciate."

NBCDFW: You're goods featured in the Indagare Souk come from all over the globe, but what's the destination you can never get enough of?
Bradley: "It's always Paris. I've lived in France previously, and I'm forever moved by the Parisian concept of beauty and living well! Their attention to detail, even the way they prepare croissants, is unparalleled. And unlike many cities, New York included, the consistency of Paris and its enduring nature is so appealing; I love it that in some ways it never changes."

NBCDFW: What locales would you love to visit that you haven't previously had the chance to see?
Bradley: "Lebanon, definitely. The cultural Renaissance that's happening in the region is something I'd love to see in person, and closer to home, I really want to make a trip to New Orleans. I can't believe I've never been!"

NBCDFW: Any favorite Dallas hot spots?
Bradley: "The Nasher Sculpture Center is lovely, and I always adore at trip to Cabana. The Mansion hotel is another favorite."

NBCDFW: What's ahead for the Indagare Souk as we approach 2012?
Bradley: "For the Souk, we'll be launching in house capsule collections designed for travelers; our artisans from many diverse regions - like Mexico, India, and Africa - will be helping us create the pieces, We're also looking at putting 'mini Souks' in several hotels in the U.S. and beyond, and finally, Indagare will be debuting an online magazine; digital versions of our 'Mapped Out' series, including a new style-focused version; and adding to our shopping options via the website. I can't wait!"

For the uninitiated, Indagare has its roots in luxury travel, hosting trips and creating exceptional international city maps for its chic membership. According to Bradley, the Indagare Souk resulted from something she calls her "Suitcase Stash," which consisted of covetable goods she snagged overseas while traveling; when friends and fashion editors began to take notice of her fab finds, the Souk concept took off, and Bradley now sells her "Suitcase Stash" pieces purchased abroad alongside the gorgeous items from her artisan makers.

Shop the Indagare Souk this Tuesday and Wednesday at Dallas' Crescent hotel, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a party to fete the opening evening of the trunk show happening Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.; contact Indagare via the company's website to RSVP to the event.

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