Designer To The Stars

Designer to the stars' back-ups: Galindo carves out second career with eye-catching costumes

Cesar Galindo is always on the move.

Even while preparing to present his spring 2016 Czar by Cesar Galindo collection at the Latinista fashion show during New York Fashion Week, the Houston-raised fashion designer was busy on what's become a second career: Creating eye-catching costumes for back-up dancers to major stars like Justin Timberlake and Adam Lambert.

He also came up with a costume for Madonna's much younger boyfriend and his twin brother for the singer's gypsy-themed 57th birthday bash. "She sent me inspiration books and I mimicked the look on them," he said.

And he has designed custom clothes for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett. "I love her," he says about the rocker. "It will be a lifelong relationship."

Galindo was called upon to quickly create costumes for Lambert's back-up dancers when the singer performed the hit "Ghost Town" and received a top award at Logo TV's second annual Trailblazer Honors in New York. The designer whipped up revealing black and white pants and crop tops for the male and female dancers and band members in a couple of days.

"As a designer, I have to listen, interpret and deliver," Galindo said. "These sidebar assignment take me outside the box. Fashion is such a cookie cutter business. It's exciting but its routine, so when I get these (assignments), I like it."

But his main job remains his Czar collection. For spring 2016, he created a "hippie chic" collection of tie-dye dresses (some with built-in hoodies), colorful gowns dripping with fringe, cute crop tops and shorts in sequins or floral patterns, and boho maxi-dresses with crocheted lace cover-ups.

"I'm channeling Janis Joplin in a modern way," Galindo said. "If Janis were alive today, I think she would be wearing these clothes."

Czar by Cesar Galindo yellow gown is a spring eye-catcher.

Photo by © Froylan Flowers

Czar by Cesar Galindo yellow gown is a spring eye-catcher.

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FASHION FINDS

Japanese casualwear retailer Uniqlo now open in Houston

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo/Instagram

Uniqlo is offering t-shirts and tote bags from Houston artists including Donkee Boy and CapDavJon.

Houstonians can finally get their hands on Uniqlo products, including the viral crescent bag recently dubbed the "Millennial Birkin" as the highly anticipated Japanese clothing store makes its Texas debut on October 11 at Memorial City Mall.

While Memorial City is the first Houston-area store, a Sugar Land location is slated to open on October 18, as well as three more in the Dallas area. The global retailer is expanding its presence in Texas and California due to customer demand, and it chose to open in Memorial City Mall first because of the large retail space and built-in customer base.

"We walked through many different locations, and this store stood out to us," Nicolas Cessot, head of marketing for Uniqlo North America, tells CultureMap. "We had a really strong feeling about starting in Houston at Memorial City,"

The brand is known for high-quality, affordable, and everyday casual wear and differentiates itself from similar retailers like Zara or H&M by offering timeless basics rather than micro-trends.

"Our concept is about life wear. We provide a high-quality product with functional details and design to help people live their lives. We never sacrifice the quality of the product – yes, our price point is very affordable, and that is who we are."

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo/Instagram

Uniqlo is offering t-shirts and tote bags from Houston artists including Donkee Boy and CapDavJon.

In addition to the viral Round Mini Shoulder bags, and rows of gorgeous cashmere sweaters, shoppers can snag merch from Houston artists and businesses, including Donkeeboy and Donkeemom, CapDavJon, as well as restaurants 93' Til and Crawfish and Noodles.

"We want customers to be able to celebrate the artists in their cities, who they are already fans of or follow on social media," says Cessot. "We will continue to work with local artists to make new designs just like we are doing in Los Angeles in New York."

Uniqlo's grand opening celebration at Memorial City Mall on October 11. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo

Customers can expect special services at the Memorial City location, including t-shirt and tote bag customization with Uniqlo's UTme. The service combines photos, images, and text to create a fully personalized product in minutes. Embroidery, repairs, and upcycling are also available through the brand's exclusive Re.Uniqlo service.

"Every state has a unique style, and Texas definitely does. The reason you see certain things in this store is because of what trends we see people from Texas buying online," said Cessot. "With time, we will see what people love and get their feedback. Uniqlo is about listening to the consumer's voice, so we will see what people are gravitating to and change accordingly."

Located in the former Forever 21 location, Uniqlo's first Houston outpost is massive. Great lighting and wide rows make for an easy shopping experience with distinct men's, women's, and kid's sections with cashiers and self-serve checkout stations.

During opening weekend, there will be food, drinks, a Taiko drum performance, personalized Japanese calligraphy, giveaways, and gifts with purchase. More information about grand opening specials is available here.

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