New kid on the block
A sleek new fashion boutique for sophisticated women opens in River OaksShopping Center
- Linda Cunningham, left, and Julie O'Neal have transformed the River OaksShopping Center store into a resource for contemporary sophistication.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
- The new digs are spacious and on the glamorous side.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
- Cunningham & Co. brings a new sophistication to River Oaks Shopping Centerfashion.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
- Daphne Barrica checks out the Catherine Malandrino dress.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
- Cunningham & Co. includes fashions from designer David Peck's collection.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
- Aubree Nichols and David White were among guests at the store opening.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
If change is good, then fashion retailer Linda Cunningham is taking a step in the right direction. She has just rebranded her high-profile corner space in River Oaks Shopping Center, bidding adieu to Haut Chocolat while embracing a fresh concept aimed at a new customer — one with "River Oaks sophistication, cultured interests and a well-defined sense of style."
Hello, Cunningham & Co.
The sleek boutique opened Wednesday with labels that include David Peck (he was there for the opening), Alice by Temperley, Z Spoke by Zac Posen, C by Chloe and Issa.
Customers will be able to arrange private shopping appointments, in-home shopping previews and schedule after-hours appointments and personal styling.
Cunningham brought in Julie O'Neal, a recent New York transplant with fashion (Christian Dior) and design (Parsons) creds, to serve as general manager and buyer. Beyond securing the fresh labels, O'Neal intends to build the boutique around what she calls "white glove service."
Customers will be able to arrange private shopping appointments, in-home shopping previews and schedule after-hours appointments and personal styling. And, of course, there will be wine, bottled water and other refreshments to further enhance the shopping experience.
"Basically, we want our customers to feel better when they leave than when they came in," she said.