Ken Helfman, who owns Ken’s Man’s Shop at the Preston Royal Shopping Center is one of the most gregarious and funny guys I know — his jokes can get bawdy when he’s on a roll, but that only makes him more endearing. He has an uncanny knack for closing clothing deals to boot — I once witnessed him selling a cashmere trench coat to former Mayor Ron Kirk … in mid-August, no lie. It doesn’t hurt that the clothes and accessories he sells are top notch, and possess distinct character that reflects his (and his son Kory Helfman’s) amazing fashion sense. (Full disclosure: I know because I worked there for a year or so).
Anyway, the Helfmans have been forever, a few times a year, hosting at their store these swanky offbeat events, which are usually attended by choice designers and mostly benefit The Texas Scottish Rite hospital — and there’s one noon-5 p.m. on Saturday at the shop. Belt designer and musician Bill Lavin will be in-store all afternoon rockin’ out during a shindig dubbed appropriately "Beltmania". Helfman says this is going to be a swingin’ fun party with music and … well, belts — the fabulous edgy, rustic, rock n’ roll-inspired leathery accessories by Lavin are made for men, but Helfman says the styles are in popular demand with the ladies in town. (Desperate Housewives and fashionistas of Dallas did you hear that?!)
If you know of an event in our neighborhood that benefits a cause, email me at least a month in advance and we might include it in the "What Gives?" section of the Advocate magazine.
