World Cup Mania

Superman's cape: The Houston Dynamo's World Cup player designs a unique $52 T-shirt for USA fans

Houston Dynamo captain Brad Davis is known for his prowess on the soccer field. But now the 32-year old player, who is a reserve midfielder on the U.S. World Cup team, can add fashion designer to his resume.

Davis has collaborated with Grungy Gentleman on a limited edition World Cup American Flag Cape T-shirt just in time for the action in Brazil. The shirt, which retails for $52 and is available online, is designed to resemble an American flag worn as a cape.

Just before boarding a plane in Brazil for Sunday night's monster match against Portugal in the remote Amazon city of Manaus, Davis took time out for an email conversation with CultureMap about the new T:

CultureMap: Why did you decide to create the World Cup USA T-shirt?

Brad Davis: I thought it would be a great opportunity for myself as an athlete to unite with my fans and represent the USA together. For me, I have always been someone who believes in strength in numbers. Together I believe we can create a strong buzz around soccer and represent our great country.

CM: How did you come with the design?

BD: It was a great collaboration with Grungy Gentleman. We spoke and threw around a few ideas. With the Cape T we felt the design covered all of the bases. Most of all, when you see it you know it represents the USA.

CM: Is this your first foray into designing clothes?

BD: This is the first time I have designed a T shirt. For those that know me, they know I love the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, the outdoor lifestyle. I have dabbled in designing some hunting and tactical gear and hopefully can continue to do so.

CM: Do you think this is a new career for you?

BD: I would love to be able to continue collaborating and designing. We will just have to see where it goes. I am still focused on being a soccer player for a bit longer. We will take it slow and see what happens.

CM: What is you prediction for the outcome of the USA-Portugal game?

BD: Nothing but a W! One Team One Nation!

Dynamo Brad Davis, right, is branching out from soccer to fashion design.

Photo by Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Dynamo Brad Davis, right, is branching out from soccer to fashion design.

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BOOTS TO THE GROUND

Luxe Houston boot brand sets up court in Hill Country castle

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

This isn't exactly a typical location for a boot store.

When most stores want to expand into a new town, they look at strip malls. Houston-based Republic Boot Company bought an entire castle. The company is turning Johnson City’s famous 290 Wine Castle at 10191 W US-290 into its newest outpost, though exactly what will happen behind the stone walls remains to be seen.

Republic is known for its high-end artisan cowboy boots and celebrity clients like Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and team owner Cal McNair, plus unexpected fans like rapper Paul Wall. Although the flagship is housed in a 100-year-old building in Houston’s hip Heights neighborhood, the branding hasn’t exactly embraced turrets and drawbridges.

“We’ve always said that Republic isn’t just about making boots; it’s about preserving the soul of Texas,” explained Chris Conrad, CEO and Founder of Republic Boot Company, in a release. “Acquiring this castle allows us to create a legendary destination where our customers can immerse themselves in the craft and make bucket-list memories. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it’s exactly where the Republic belongs. We have some wild plans for this property that the world hasn't seen before.”

For now, the company is keeping most details a secret, but Conrad told the Houston Business Journal that the bootmaker plans to continue the winemaking and hotel business on the property. The castle compound has plenty of room to grow with 14 guest rooms, a tasting room, a cigar lounge, a covered deck, and a full commercial kitchen. Oh, it also has a full dungeon.

Republic is no stranger to unique shopping opportunities. Its $6,000 Gator Hunt Experience allows clients to shoot their own alligator hide and make it into a pair of custom boots. Hunters also get a taxidermy mount, 10 pounds of alligator meat, and hopefully a few recipes on how to cook it.

The brand’s expansion comes as the Texas Hill Country transforms from a well-kept secret to an international tourist destination. Among the upcoming attractions are The Meuse, a luxury retail center with a Lucchese store and a Waldorf Astoria hotel with a new restaurant from acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn.

Republic Boot Company hasn’t shared any renovation details for the Medieval-style castle, built in 2019. The brand promises to reveal more details and a grand opening date in the coming weeks.

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