From Harajuku to Houston

Japan's version of H&M eyes a Houston location: Are you ready for Uniqlo and itsfast fashion?

Uniqlo's stores are meant to be colorful — and well, unique.
Tennis great Novak Djokovic is the new face of Uniqlo.
Photo by Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images

Houston’s international cheap chic retail brigade may be getting bigger. We’ve been spoiled by Spain’s Zara, are just a week away from the first of two H&M’s based out of Sweden, and now there are rumblings that Uniqlo, a fast fashion import from Japan has its eye on Houston.

The company is putting its feelers out in Houston, looking for potential Manager-In-Training candidates for its immersive job training program. The position requires a six-month stint in Japan to learn the “Uniqlo way” of running a store.

The franchise is built on basics, but focuses on exclusive in-house collections and the wildly popular UT Collection of T-shirts by sought-after designers.

Uniqlo’s take on fashion is cleaner and less fussy than that of its counterparts, but prices are just as affordable. The franchise is built on basics, but focuses on exclusive in-house collections and the wildly popular UT Collection of T-shirts by sought-after designers.

Continued expansion wouldn’t be a surprise, especially since the chain just announced the introduction of children’s and youth clothing — as Women’s Wear Daily first reported Wednesday — and a huge new store in the Garden State Plaza Mall in northern New Jersey. Overall, the company plans to add 20 to 30 new U.S. stores in the next eight years, according to the New York Times.

And, in a bid to further raise its profile, the company nabbed Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked male tennis player, as its global brand ambassador in a five-year deal. He will wear wear Uniqlo clothing at the French Open tournament, which kicks off Sunday.

Uniqlo didn’t have a comment regarding the possible expansion into Houston.

At best it would early 2013 before Uniqlo’s presence became a reality in H-Town, but it’s good to know the city is being considered.

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GOLD RUSH

Houston designer Christina Greene unveils rodeo-ready new collection

Photo courtesy of Christina Greene Jewelry

Christina Greene McAllen just unveiled her latest collection just in time for rodeo shopping.

Giddy up Western wear aficionados! Houston-based jewelry brand Christina Greene just rolled out its latest collection, and it's ready to rope in some rodeo style. Founder Christina Greene McAllen's Western-inspired designs have become Houston's go-to for crafting head-turning rodeo looks.

The new collection, Eternal Desert, is available online and in the brand's Tanglewood boutique; it features unisex bolo ties, necklaces, bracelets, and more, all decked out in Christina Greene's signature gold and turquoise palette. Crafted with Kingman turquoise, hypoallergenic nickel-free 18K gold-plated brass, and premium leather, each piece features old-world craftsmanship with modern design.

Christina Greene eternal desert The Eternal Desert Collection features unisex bolo ties. Photo by Paige Beitler Photography

"This collection is really exciting for me, because it's the first time I've designed unisex pieces," McAllen tells CultureMap. "The Western trend continues to be at the forefront of fashion, as we're seeing this past week at New York Fashion Week and expect to see at London and Milan Fashion Week soon. While designing Eternal Desert, I took inspiration from an array of things that piqued personal interest, from vintage fashion to my family's ranch.

In addition to her latest drop, McAllen teamed up with Saturday Silks for a rodeo-ready scarf collection. Leaning into the unisex vibe, the collection includes a pocket scarf perfect for suits, plus traditional and skinny scarves that can be styled in multiple ways.

Christina Greene eternal desert scarf The Christina Greene x Saturday Silks collection includes three unique designs. Photo courtesy of Christina Greene

"Over the years, I've become known for my jewelry, especially statement pieces like my squash blossom necklaces, and it truly resonates with rodeo," said McAllen. "It's important to me to always have a presence at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo because the mission behind the organization is critical for the next generation of supporting Texas youth."

In addition to Eternal Desert and the Saturday Silks collab, Christina Greene's Galleria-area shop has everything needed to complete a rodeo look – from tops, jackets, jeans, dresses, skirts, and more.

Christina Greene Jewelry; 1317 S Voss Rd, 77057; 832-803-9152

Photo courtesy of Christina Greene Jewelry

Christina Greene McAllen just unveiled her latest collection just in time for rodeo shopping.

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