Retail Therapy

Linda Cunningham unwraps new fashion candy River Oaks locale

Haut Chocolat offers items for day-to-night.
Photo by Bruce Bennett
Don't just window shop. Come inside!
Photo by Bruce Bennett
Linda Cunningham's new Haut Chocolat has a can't-miss location.
Photo by Bruce Bennett
Spacious and design-smart inside
Photo by Bruce Bennett

Houston, it seems, is Linda Cunningham’s sweet spot. After successfully opening her luxury enclave on Edloe 2006, Cunningham is branching out once again in Houston with Haut Chocolat boutique in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

This time, Cunningham is dressing customers from day-to-night, office-to-cocktail and adding little extras like couture dark chocolate candy bars with a spicy kick upon checkout and highly personalized service.

After looking at various spots around town, Cunningham was lucky to nab a highly visible corner spot. The fashion designer turned her talents toward the interior, painstakingly creating an open and bright store, that’s heavy on a spherical theme. If it’s a subliminal message to shoppers encouraging them to keep coming back, Cunningham is on track.

The store skews younger and more daring than her custom designs and other luxury labels at her first location and that’s on purpose. It’s very clear that while Haut Chocolat is part of the Cunningham family, it is a distant cousin at best and that’s a good thing.

Standouts like An Ren, an eye-catching line that expertly mixes patterns and colors would work for girls in their 20s and beyond. There’s color, flounce, denim and accessories but Cunningham’s outerwear selection is stellar. Coats, jackets and other toppers are the perfect weight for our fickle climate and the styles are modern and exciting. Prices range from $250 to $600 and can be special ordered.

In the “do unto others” vein, Cunningham’s vision for Haut Chocolate rotates around the entire experience.

“It’s not all about the clothes. I like shopping at stores where people know my name. I’m a relationship person and this is just not a mall store. I want to invest in my clients and the community,” Cunningham says.

This is a slight and spunky woman with a definite Southern air and you get the idea Cunningham is sincere about her goal for the boutique. She flies in from Florida every four weeks and did say she will introduce a very limited collection in the new year she designed just for the Haut Chocolate customer.

Despite the dour economy, Cunningham has seen just a little dip at her Edloe atelier and admits that opening a boutique may seem a little crazy, but she believes in local shoppers.

“I love Houston and the southern demographic," Cunningham says. "It’s very social and there’s always a reason to get dressed and go out. This is a good place to embrace a new brand."

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RODEO ROYALTY

Bun B debuts exclusive Western streetwear collab at RodeoHouston

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

Houston's rodeo scene got a hefty dose of Western-meets-streetwear flair as Bun B took the RodeoHouston stage in style during his highly anticipated concert on March 7. Since 2022, the rap icon has been turning heads with custom outfits styled by Luke Cosby, co-founder of Purple Brand. But this year, some of Bun B's looks weren't just exclusive; they inspired his capsule collection with Purple Brand and Crown Royal, making his performance a combination of music, fashion, and culture.

"Performing at the Rodeo is an honor, and I love every aspect of creating that show. I look forward to my on-stage look every year, and trust Purple will create something that I love," Bun B shared in a statement. "Being able to bring two brands I respect together to form this unique look and create a collection inspired by those looks, made this Rodeo even more special."

The capsule collection, available at Purple Brand's Galleria boutique and online, consists of three pieces, including the Crown Royal x Purple Brand Jeff Hamilton Varsity Jacket, Crown Royal x Purple Brand Bun B Signature Poncho, and Crown Royal x Purple Brand Graphic Tee. According to Cosby, every detail was carefully curated for a one-of-a-kind look. Premium wool, leather accents, and bold embellishments blend rich texture with modern streetwear elements.

The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"The collection was heavily inspired by Crown Royal and Bun B himself, his dynamic stage presence, his legacy in Houston, and the Western aesthetic that defines the Rodeo," Cosby tells CultureMap. "We took cues from classic rodeo fashion, Crown Royal branding and colors. The poncho, for example, is a recreation of the standout piece Bun wore on stage last year, blending tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects Houston's culture while feeling fresh and elevated."

Net proceeds from the collection and other events in the Crown Royal Saloon & Showroom during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be donated to Soldiers' Angels' LA Wildfire Relief Fund, supporting fire relief efforts for veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"As a long-time sponsor of the RodeoHouston, it was important to elevate our presence by extending our partnership to leaders in the community. Bun B is a Houston legend. His presence at RodeoHouston and annual Birthday Bonanza is a highly anticipated moment that unites the city," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, tells CultureMap." In our second year partnering with Bun B, we are thrilled to evolve our partnership in a way that pays homage to rodeo tradition and the Houston community."

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

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