Houston may be in the midst of scorching heat, but the style savvy are staying cool with sustainable fabrics, multipurpose and antioxidant-rich skincare products, and are already eyeing their fall must-haves.
With that in mind, here’s our guide to the latest on new brands, collection releases, and superb sales to look and feel your very best (and coolest).
BIDA
Two months backpacking throughout Southeast Asia was all it took for Bianca Dabney’s mindset to shift from “over-consuming to living consciously.” The Canadian-born athlete and model founded BIDA, a contemporary womenswear line for socially conscious shoppers.
A muted blue shirt dress made from bamboo, featuring an asymmetrical hem; a pair of sporty wide-leg, high-waisted pants with front seam and side piping details; and minimal bracelets and jewelry are in the lineup of BIDA’s newest arrivals.
Brahmin
The handbag and accessories brand is opening its first Houston boutique at CityCentre this fall, adjacent to Hemline and Sephora. Largely identified by its exotic embossing, textures, and luxury leather sourced from Italy, the Massachusetts-based brand has an It-bag for fall and revealed a campaign featuring the four local bloggers behind Influencing In Color. Featuring an adjustable wristlet strap and a detachable crossbody strap, The Faith is stylish, functional, and versatile.
Charming Charlie
The Houston-based accessory retailer is set to close all of its stores August 31, and while the brand is not accepting online orders, all merchandise is 25 to 50 percent off with an extra 20 percent off clearance. As CultureMap previously reported, Charming Charlie (via Charming Charlie Holdings Inc.) filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware with plans for going-out-of-business sales at all 261 stores.
Chasity Sereal
Recognized in Houston for her couture-inspired bridal wear, Chasity Sereal hosted a solo runway show featuring a 30-piece collection for the bride looking to create her own memories. Filled with color, textured lace, jumpsuits with dramatic sleeves, and two-piece sets, Sereal is pushing the boundaries for the non-traditional bride. “Jumpsuits are perfect for destination weddings or vow renewals,” Sereal tells CultureMap.
Cotidié
Cotidié, founded by Houston native Kristina Haag, recently launched its first-ever collection, available exclusively online. Inspired by the city’s heat and humidity, the clothing brand is dedicated to classic styles, clean lines, and tailored silhouettes. “You don’t want to wear your workout clothes to work,” says Haag in a statement. “This collection achieves that same level of comfort without compromising an elevated look and professional appearance.”
cuteheads
Inspired by her two daughters, Esther Freedman designs sustainable, quality garments for the little adventurer. “They can be cherished forever,” Freedman tells CultureMap. Meant to be worn year-round, cuteheads is a play-friendly modern line of childrenswear with a commitment to employing local seamstresses and factories. Freedman shares with CultureMap that she is launching matching mother-daughter dresses this fall.
Lonez Scents x dom
Occasional CultureMap style and food contributor, Dominique McGhee, collaborated with Houston-based couple Malik and Daneille on two custom candles. “They are conversation starters,” McGhee tells CultureMap. The Lonez Scents x dom candles are made from 100 percent soy wax (grown in the U.S.) and do not include added dyes or phthalate, ensuring a clean and environmentally friendly burn.
Choose between Suede; Tabac; and Vanilla, inspired by a Tom Ford fragrance, or Cedar; Saffron; and Smoked Vanilla, a luxurious blend with notes of clove, jasmine, and musk.
LORR
A Jamaican dressmaker laid the groundwork for her son’s career as a designer. Boston native Lorrell Gold tells CultureMap about the time she asked him why he was determined to wear another man’s name — Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren — when he could wear his own. LORR is “crafted with the purpose to challenge traditional ideas,” Gold tells CultureMap.
Monochromatic neoprene sets highlight the uniqueness of the fabric, while unisex carrier chest bags are ultra-lightweight, made from waterproof nylon. Highsnobiety recently placed LORR third on its list of the Top 50 Greatest Menswear Designers of All Time.
MAITETXU
An emerging designer from Houston Community College, Maite Bradford launched MAITETXU and showcased her ready-to-wear (RTW) collection earlier this year at the Designers’ Platform Houston, a runway event produced by Project Runway winner Chloe Dao and seasoned fashion editor Joy Sewing.
Featuring silk and satin in bold hues, including magenta and cobalt, the RTW collection was inspired by a dragonfly. For custom pieces, the designer can be contacted through Instagram while the brand’s online store prepares to launch.
Switch2Pure
The River Oaks District pop-up has become a destination for non-toxic, organic, natural, cruelty-free and vegan makeup, skincare, and wellness. Recently, founder Estela Cockrell announced she is adding three products to the brand’s namesake collection.
Through the end of August, purchase Bright + Shine, a daily cleanser infused with cannabidiol (CBD), or Be Glowy, hyaluronic acid and CBD-infused mist, and receive 25 percent off Well & Glow, a full-spectrum rejuvenating CBD serum.
Get hot and haute with BIDA.
Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
