Gen X-Files

The year 1976 showed us the birth of Apple computers, the Eagles’ album Hotel California, Sly Stalone’s Rocky, a peanut farmer elected president, and the formation of Irish rock band U2. Now Dallas looks to the year as the eponymous date of Henderson Avenue’s newest design shop/gallery/workshop: We Are 1976.

Conceived by former sister-in-laws Vynsie and Jully Law (both born that year) and Vynsie’s brother/Jully’s ex-husband, Derek, the eclectically modern boutique pays homage to the family’s past and their Asian heritage, while selling entirely new merchandise. This family run, creative enterprise features a wide range of toys, home goods, art objects, books, jewelry and apparel handpicked from independent designers in Tokyo, San Francisco, NYC, Chicago and Dallas. Think handmade graphic zines, arty toys with a sense of humor and bling fashioned from re-salvaged brass. “We wanted a playful store with a reputation for design,” says Vynsie of the unique goods. The store’s inventory combines influences from Vynsie’s background in graphic design, Jully’s days as a UT Southwestern researcher and Derek’s business savvy accrued from nearly 10 years with Starbucks’ operations and an international business studies stint in China.

Their diversity is what they say helps bring out the best in one another’s imaginations. The trio confides that, so far, the only point of conflict has been selecting what music to play. One likes urban beats, another classic rock and the third, indie folk. Their compromise for different tunes on different days mirrors their commitment to a rolling inventory. “People deserve a different experience every time they come in,” affirms Vynsie of their ever-evolving style.

The store’s stock is not the only noteworthy facet though: The interior furnishings have a story all their own. Throughout the space, various souvenirs from an abandoned DeSoto psychiatric hospital provide ironic art displays—an old straightjacket chair in the window, nurses’ lockers and a 1910 player piano. The cubical display shelves are all custom constructed and graffiti-painted by local artists Matt Brinker, Matt Houk and Brian Kelly. “We want to be and work with people who are respectful of our past and history,” says Vynsie. Additionally, the owners are committed to sourcing only from green-conscious producers. “Everything is new, but the way it’s created is nostalgic and reflective of old practices.”

We are 1976, 1902 N. Henderson Ave., Mon.-Sat. 10:30am-8pm, Sun. 11am-6pm, 214.821.1976 or WeAre1976.com.