The finer things

The cheetah of fashion: This designing woman is on the prowl in Houston

After being raised in a world of design and establishing a successful career in luxury fashion, Deborah Sawaf stepped away from the industry to get married and have kids. But she is back in the game now.

Two and a half years ago Sawaf launched Thalé Blanc, a collection that includes clutches, day bags and jewelry of treated exotic skins adorned with exquisite and unique custom hardware, with an aim to take the company global.

"That's what the Thalé Blanc women should be — the cheetah in the desert taking away everyone’s attention.”

The brand can be recognized because of the distinct logo: A cheetah. It sits atop bracelets and on the front of purses.

“When you see a cheetah in the desert among a bunch of different animals, she always stands out; it is all eyes on the cheetah,” Sawaf told CultureMap in a recent Houston visit. “That is what I think of when I think of the Thalé Blanc women; that’s what she should be — the cheetah in the desert taking away everyone’s attention.”

Sawaf crafted the pieces to be timeless and exclusive. “Everything we do, everything we make, everything you see on our bags is made from scratch,” she said. “We do a mold for all of our hardware so they’re exclusively for us, exclusively Thalé Blanc designs.”

Detail is key for each of the designs, whether it is simple bag for the more conservative woman or something a little more over-the-top. The bags are handmade in Beirut and Milan; Sawaf describes the process as "a labor of love."

The collection also includes bracelets and necklaces.

Having sold the line in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Sawaf is now taking on the United States. She kicked off a five-city U.S. tour in Houston with a trunk show at a private residence at the Villa D'este high-rise in Uptown Park.

“We have a lot of family in Houston,” Sawaf said about her reason for launching her tour in the Bayou City. “My husband lived here before he moved to LA so this is a second home for me.”

Sawaf is also on the prowl for a charity to partner with in Houston to collaborate with on her upcoming fall line.

Thalé Blanc is currently featured at Stanley Korshak in Dallas. Sloan/Hall and Gregory's plan to carry the collection this fall, Sawaf said.

Thalé Blanc kicked off their five-city tour for their new spring summer '14 line with a trunk show in Uptown Park.

Photo courtesy of Thale Blanc

Thalé Blanc kicked off their five-city tour for their new spring summer '14 line with a trunk show in Uptown Park.

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RODEO ROYALTY

Bun B debuts exclusive Western streetwear collab at RodeoHouston

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

Houston's rodeo scene got a hefty dose of Western-meets-streetwear flair as Bun B took the RodeoHouston stage in style during his highly anticipated concert on March 7. Since 2022, the rap icon has been turning heads with custom outfits styled by Luke Cosby, co-founder of Purple Brand. But this year, some of Bun B's looks weren't just exclusive; they inspired his capsule collection with Purple Brand and Crown Royal, making his performance a combination of music, fashion, and culture.

"Performing at the Rodeo is an honor, and I love every aspect of creating that show. I look forward to my on-stage look every year, and trust Purple will create something that I love," Bun B shared in a statement. "Being able to bring two brands I respect together to form this unique look and create a collection inspired by those looks, made this Rodeo even more special."

The capsule collection, available at Purple Brand's Galleria boutique and online, consists of three pieces, including the Crown Royal x Purple Brand Jeff Hamilton Varsity Jacket, Crown Royal x Purple Brand Bun B Signature Poncho, and Crown Royal x Purple Brand Graphic Tee. According to Cosby, every detail was carefully curated for a one-of-a-kind look. Premium wool, leather accents, and bold embellishments blend rich texture with modern streetwear elements.

The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"The collection was heavily inspired by Crown Royal and Bun B himself, his dynamic stage presence, his legacy in Houston, and the Western aesthetic that defines the Rodeo," Cosby tells CultureMap. "We took cues from classic rodeo fashion, Crown Royal branding and colors. The poncho, for example, is a recreation of the standout piece Bun wore on stage last year, blending tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects Houston's culture while feeling fresh and elevated."

Net proceeds from the collection and other events in the Crown Royal Saloon & Showroom during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be donated to Soldiers' Angels' LA Wildfire Relief Fund, supporting fire relief efforts for veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"As a long-time sponsor of the RodeoHouston, it was important to elevate our presence by extending our partnership to leaders in the community. Bun B is a Houston legend. His presence at RodeoHouston and annual Birthday Bonanza is a highly anticipated moment that unites the city," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, tells CultureMap." In our second year partnering with Bun B, we are thrilled to evolve our partnership in a way that pays homage to rodeo tradition and the Houston community."

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

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