Despite continuing construction of the new River Oaks District along Westheimer, 14 fashion houses at the $550 million mixed-use center are open for business.
And there’s more to come.
Diptyque, Bonobos, a 10,000-square-foot Hermés store, Kiton and Planet Blue are opening within the next week at the 14-acre development. And the iPic Entertainment movie complex is scheduled to open the first week of November with the premiere of the latest James Bond movie, Spectre.
Future additions include Baanou (opening in December), Anne Fontaine, Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911, L’Occitane, Patek Philippe at Deboulle, Alice + Olivia, Harry Winston, St. Nicola, Akris, Van Cleef & Arpels, Les Copains and Vilebrequin.
Also on tap: the Equinox fitness club and restaurants such as Le Colonial, Steak 44, Austin-import and burger joint Hopdoddy, American Food and Beverage, Taverna, Thirteen Pies and Toulouse Cafe and Bar, along with 92,000 square feet of office space and 279 contemporary residential units.
But for now, here's an insider's guide to where to shop at the new center, which is chock full of some of fashion's biggest names.
Brunello Cucinelli
The first storefront you see upon entering the complex from Westheimer Road is the Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli. The rustic yet chic flagship boutique boasts luxurious handmade and hand-stitched cashmere clothing in neutral tones, plus plush mink and fox fur trimmed coats.
If that doesn’t get your attention, glimmering Monili beading, found in several items from shirts with sparkling collar detailing to flashy high-heeled sandals and men’s Monili cap-toe Oxfords, is sure to catch your eye.
Etro
Adjacent to Brunello Cucinelli is another upscale Italian import, Etro. The brand, which fittingly began as a textile company, is recognizable for its eclectic and bold patterns, including paisley and bold prints with lots of color.
The swank Houston 2,200-square-foot shop has two main rooms, one showcasing women’s apparel and the other menswear. Each room is decked out with a sparkling chandelier and furniture from the Etro home line, a tease since it’s available overseas only.
Shopping highlights include pre-fall fashions and Indian-inspired jewelry for women, the men's runway collection available for the first time in Houston and the full line of 25 fragrances, exclusive to the River Oaks District store.
Vince
The Los Angeles-based company has opened its first Houston store, featuring modern essentials with a timeless aesthetic for men's and women's everyday wear. A personal shopper is one hand to help with shopping needs and have items delivered directly to your front door.
And the River Oaks District shop will match prices on Vince items at other Houston stores that carry the brand if you find an item elsewhere for less.
Intermix
The seasonal inventory at the multi-brand women’s boutique out of New York skews on the youthful, trendy side. Count on finding labels like Rag & Bone, Elizabeth & James, Derek Lam and Helmut Lang on the racks. The charming space is highlighted by curated art pieces from Texas artist Mark Lovejoy.
Tom Ford
Add haute name Tom Ford to the list of stellar fashion labels at River Oaks District. We’re fairly sure the words, “I wish this was my closet,” are frequently uttered by all those who enter the nearly 5,000 square foot boutique. The ultra chic spot, outfitted with killer art, including a Calder mobile from Ford’s own collection, swank private fitting rooms, a marble powder room and glass and chrome fireplace, feels more like a personal residence than a store.
In addition to apparel and accessories, the boutique features luggage, perfume and makeup.
Tip: On the men’s side, look for the exclusive James Bond collection, modeled after the clothing worn by Daniel Craig in the new movie. And for women, head to the beauty bar and get your makeup done by a consultant.
Moncler
Stay warm this winter in the brand’s signature quilted outerwear, from lightweight (55 grams of down) to heavy (200 grams), for all seasons. Moncler also boasts accessories, including a hip sunglass collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musician, Pharrell Williams.
Giuseppe Zanotti
The Italian designer, who counts Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus among his impressive clientele, is known for his bold women’s and men’s shoes with an evening wear focus.
Exclusive to the 1,110-square-foot Houston boutique is a small line of apparel, featuring matching black leather pants, shirt and jacket for men and similar black leather shirt and skirt for women, with more options coming soon. Rock out while you shop: A cool mix of Top 40, pop and hip-hop is piped in.
Chopard
Fine Swiss watches and glittering jewelry are the highlights at the French luxury brand's first store in Texas (and fifth in the nation). Items range from iconic collections like “Floating Diamonds” to the "Happy Texas" watch, with the state of Texas etched on the back of the face.
Dior
The French luxury fashion house has returned to Houston with a spacious two-story retail store in the middle of the complex. It features the full Dior collection, including women’s ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, shoes, a dozen couture perfumes and fine jewelry. VIP’s can head upstairs to a swank lounge for private shopping.
John Lobb
You know the shoes at this 150-year-old English company are top quality upon learning that the parent company is none other than Hermés. While it has a small women’s line, John Lobb is mostly known for its men’s collection, which is what you’ll find at the Houston store, only the third locale in the U.S.
Shop ready-to-wear and stylish made-to-measure footwear handcrafted via a 190-step process. Socks and leather goods such as belts are also available.
Canali
Dapper gentlemen will appreciate the family-owned Italian menswear brand’s well-cut clothing and accessories. The first store in Texas, and ninth in the U.S., offers made-to-measure suits, custom tuxedos and an in-house tailor.
Stella McCartney
Hot British fashion designer Stella McCartney has set up shop with high fashion but wearable apparel, plus accessories, shoes, handbags and a small collection of children's clothing. The DNA of the lifestyle brand is creations made without fur, leather and PVC (synthetic plastic polymer).
Cartier
The fist boutique to open in River Oaks District, Cartier offers megawatt merchandise, from one-of-a-kind vintage pieces to a large selection of engagement and wedding rings, watches and more.
Roberto Cavalli
The Italian luxury label is known for sexy, fashion-forward animalistic prints and conceptual silhouettes with an edge. The 4,200-square-foot Houston boutique, the second largest Cavalli store in the U.S. next to Las Vegas, features a large collection of clothing for men, women and children.
Haute designer Tom Ford is on the list of stellar fashion labels at River Oaks District.
From handcrafted ornaments and artisan pottery to permanent jewelry and luxury candles, this year's 29 new Nutcracker Market vendors offer plenty of fresh finds for holiday shoppersPhoto by Melissa Taylor
