Vibin' On Houston

Stylish Austin boutique kicks off Houston location with big celebration

Wendi Martin’s Kick Pleat Boutique may be the new kid on the block, but she was right at home in her Upper Kirby neighborhood Thursday. The store’s private opening party was loaded with local favorites from the Armando’s food truck, chilled margaritas and a selection of clothing and accessories ideal for Houston’s summer months.

Martin’s vision was born in Austin where she opened Kick Pleat in 2003, offering a different take on fashion with pieces that are timeless and interesting. The combination was a hit with Houston shoppers who routinely shopped the Kick Pleat website and begged for a Houston store every trip to Austin.

Since opening at the end of April, Martin has received a warm welcome from shoppers and she’s developing her own crush on the city.

“I love it. I love the people. I love the food. I love the vibes,” Martin said.

The Kick Pleat vibe is definitely earthy and sophisticated, modern, without being trendy. There are familiar labels such as Rachel Comey and Mr. larkin, but Martin said 80 percent of the store is new and specific to Kick Pleat. Horses Atelier, Base Range and Isa Arfen are in the mix.

The opening night party was a breath of fresh air on an otherwise steamy Houston night, and the more than 100 guests were only too happy to linger over icy drinks and spicy tacos.

Those spotted in the stylish crowd included Elizabeth Petersen, Suzanne Duin, Ceron, Ben Johnston, Jennifer Ellzey, Meg Lonergan, Sylvie Christophe; Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, Michelle Fuller-Wigg Marks, Julie Warenoff, Dr. Matthew Galfione and wife Sarah, Sarah Cox, Jessica Barkley, Frances Chenne and Rin Willis.

Kelsey Havelka, Jennifer Koletar.

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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.