Kate Spade Saturday, the newest brand from Kate Spade, has just opened its first Texas store in Rice Village — and only its third in the United States.
"Texas, and Houston in particular, are very strong markets for Kate Spade New York and since we have Kate Spade in our name we thought it would be a great place (to open a store)," said Kyle Andrew, senior vice president of marketing for Kate Spade Saturday.
The brand has six stores in Japan, one in New York City and one in Los Angeles, with another New York store planned to open next month.
What's the difference between the new brand and Kate Spade New York? "Probably the price (and) that we're much more casual," Andrew said. Kate Spade Saturday is priced about 50 percent less than Kate Spade New York.
While the brands are separate, Kate Spade Saturday has the "same spirit of color and patterns" that are featured by Kate Spade New York.
While the Kate Spade New York consumer is looking to buy pricier dresses and leather handbags, Kate Spade Saturday is targeted to a younger consumer, usually in her twenties or thirties, who has less disposable income to spend on clothing, Andrew said. But younger consumers are more likely to purchase versatile pieces, as they don't have time to change outfits between their work and post-work activities and want items that can be used to create a variety of outfits.
While the brands are separate, Kate Spade Saturday has the "same spirit of color and patterns" that are featured by Kate Spade New York, Andrew said. Kate Spade Saturday is a slight departure from Kate Spade New York as the styles are quite a bit more modern, yet maintain the effortless simplicity that Kate Spade is so well-known for. Although the Kate Spade Saturday line includes leather items, the brand's primary materials are less expensive canvas and cotton.
The design of the Rice Village store, in the space that Mint previously occupied, is in keeping with the Kate Spade Saturday aesthetic, focusing on bright colors and clean lines, making the space inviting and festive.
Like the Kate Spade New York brand, Kate Spade Saturday features apparel, jewelry, accessories and housewares, including adorable coffee mugs and dinnerware, and small furnishings. The merchandise reflects the latest fall fashion trends, including patterns, leather and ombré, which are featured prominently on handbags, jeans and sweaters.
The store's opening celebration featuring free ice cream and a DJ will take place on Saturday (Sept. 28) —naturally — from 3 to 5 pm. The store is located at 2513 University Boulevard.
The company is also building a big Kate Spade New York flagship store in Highland Village, scheduled to open next spring. There is currently a Kate Spade New York store in The Galleria, with one headed to The Woodlands in November.
Bright colors and patterns abound in the new Kate Spade Saturday store in Rice Village.
The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram