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Louis Vuitton's exhibit at the Galleria transforms the everyday into art

Why should a chair just be a chair — when it can be a work of art? Everyday utilitarian pieces take on a fresh, fanciful view at the Objets Nomades exhibition at Louis Vuitton at The Galleria through March 7. Created by an international cast of artists and architects, the household items reflect beauty, whimsy, and the undeniable luxe of Louis Vuitton.

Launched in 2012, the limited-edition Objets Nomades collection pays homage to the LV spirit of travel found in objects that have the ability to get-up-and-go. Tables and chairs fold up or be dismantled and the Talisman Table by India Mahdavi has a sense of motion embedded in its blue hues. Atelier Oi’s curved swing boat encourages gentle motion, while the softly curved Blossom Stool by Tokujin Yoshioka blooms eternal.

The bulbous but modular Bomboca Sofa, created by Fernando and Humberto Campana, mimics sweets served at weddings and children’s parties in Brazil, and is a treat for the senses.

The Houston exhibition includes pieces by Atelier Oi, Raw Edges, the Campana brothers, Mahdavi, Damien Langlois, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby and Yoshioka. The designers cite nature, the power of luck, beauty and a desire to explore as inspirations for their pieces, and are always mindful of the LV legacy in their hands.

Objets Nomades was originally scheduled for Houston in September of 2017, but in light of Hurricane Harvey, LV officials chose to reschedule. While these collectible, limited-edition items are works of art, they are also usable and available for purchase at the LV store. The collection stops at just a handful of locations throughout the world every year and Houston, with its appetite for new, now and what's next, made the short list.

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Objets Nomades is on exhibit through March 7 at Louis Vutton in the Galleria, 5015 Westheimer Rd., The Galleria, Level 1; 713-960-0707.

Bomboca Sofa by the Campana Brothers.

Photo Courtesy Louis Vuitton

Bomboca Sofa by the Campana Brothers.

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GUCCI GRANDEUR

Gucci unveils a new 2-story store with VIP lounge at the Houston Galleria

Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Gucci's newest boutique recently opened and boasts two floors to offer a wider selection of the brand's luxury goods.

Gucci is expanding its footprint in Texas with a posh new boutique in the Galleria. The renowned Italian brand has cemented its luxury status in the Bayou City with a first-of-its-kind, two-story, 11,000-square-foot outpost that replaces a 4,100-square-foot boutique that opened in 2018.

On the ground floor, shoppers will be greeted with ready-to-wear women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. A custom-made Gucci Rossi Ancora staircase will lead customers to the upper floor, where they can pursue menswear, shoes, and the brand's Valigeria travel collection. The spacious upper floor also allows for displays of the coveted Gucci Blondie line and Gucci B bag presented with the current Fall-Winter and Cruise collections.

Gucci store Houston Galleria A staircase in Gucci's signature Rosso Ancora leads shoppers to the second floor. Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

The store's minimalistic decor further highlights the fashion house's collections. Nevertheless, there is no mistaking the Gucci aesthetic. Marble floors and acid green and yellow carpeting distinguish individual spaces, while furnishings by B&B Italia, Cassina, and Minotti paired with brushed steel countertops reflect the sleek, modern vision of Gucci's creative director, Sabato De Sarno.

One distinctive feature that sets this boutique apart from its predecessor is a VIP lounge for more private and personalized shopping. The boutique also showcases eco-friendly initiatives that follow LEED guidelines to promote energy efficiency.

Gucci store Houston Galleria Houston Galleria will be one of the first boutiques to open with Gucci’s latest store window concept, Endless Narratives.Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Right now, the Houston store is one of the first to open with Gucci's latest window concept, Endless Narratives, a collaboration with renowned Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. The window display showcases the interplay between light, mirrors, and everyday objects, encouraging audiences to look deeper. On mirrored shelves, books, miniature statues, and replicas of Gucci's archival bookends, the curated design encourages audiences to see the objects and their reflections as a representation of Gucci's creative universe.

Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Gucci's newest boutique recently opened and boasts two floors to offer a wider selection of the brand's luxury goods.

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