Blinded by the bling

Launch of new charming charlie in CityCentre reveals a dazzling new look andplans for expansion

Charlie Chanaratsopon, Judi Langley, Suchit Majmudar.
Photo by William Yao
The new charming charlie store at CityCentre features a fresh blue and whitestripe color scheme played against swaths of green — sophisticated and stylish.
Photo by William Yao
A partnership with Houston Ballet brings a community quotient to the charmingcharlie concept.
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Items are arranged by color resulting in banks of red or green, navy blue orpurple.
Photo by William Yao
Photo by William Yao
Headpieces for Houston Ballet are made from charming charlie jewelry, part of acollaboration between the retailer and the ballet.
Photo by William Yao
Gift bags for those attending the grand opening included several pieces of fabdesigner-inspired jewelry.
Photo by William Yao

"A designer image with value pricing"— We love charming charlie's fresh focus, a brilliant marketing effort that launched last month with the inauguration of a chic advertising campaign and a new store look. Nowhere was this re-branding more evident than at the grand opening of the new charming charlie in CityCentre.

And we do mean "new."

Cyrstal chandeliers blazing, showcase after showcase of yummy baubles and beads arranged by color, stacks of bling — the setting was just right for the eager shoppers who poured in, scooping up sparkling items that looked far pricier than the average $10 and $20 price tags.

In the works are plans for 50 new branches based on the stunning design of the CityCentre location.

A new color scheme of navy and white stripes, played against swaths of bright green, set off the displays of enticing accessories. This was not your original charming charlie. Think high-style. Think sophistication.

And that is exactly the point according to charming charlie founder and CEO Charlie Chanaratsopon.

"No one else is doing what we are doing," he said as the sounds of the DJ cheerfully blasted through the sparkling emporium. "We are upping the fashion quality, the design and the scale. We want to do for accessories what H&M and Forever 21 have done for clothing."

Chanaratsopon founded the company in Houston in 2004 and has grown the boutique of fabulous interpretations of high-priced goods into a nationwide business with more than 230 stores. In the works are plans for 50 new branches based on the stunning design of the CityCentre location.

That fresh look, created by interior designer Blair Gordon, who last year relocated from New York to Houston, will serve as inspiration for the stores to come. The sophisticated design should make even the most monied shopper feel comfortable.

Beyond the must-have costume jewelry, charming charlie is upping its line of handbags and clothing giving shoppers more reasons than one to check out the new store.

As part of a community involvement effort, the company has forged a partnership with Houston Ballet, providing thousands of dollars a year in merchandise for ballet costuming.

Houston Ballet's wardrobe manager Laura Lynch selects the jewelry pieces that are dismantled and used in headpieces, rings and decorative patterns on tutus. (And anyone who knows charming charlie knows that even $1,000 would pay for a boatload of those baubles and beads.)

The store opening served as a fundraiser for Houston Ballet.

unspecified

UNIFORM UTOPIA

Luxury scrubs brand FIGS opens first Texas location in Rice Village

Photo courtesy of FIGS

FIGS will open its new Rice Village Community Hub on December 6.

Healthcare apparel company FIGS is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Texas with a new Community Hub in Rice Village. The retail space is designed to serve both as a store and a gathering spot for the city's healthcare community.

The Rice Village location opens this Saturday, December 6, with a public grand opening event on December 13 from 6 to 8 pm featuring giveaways, music, food, and drinks from local vendors. Joining outposts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Houston location is the fourth Community Hub for the company and the only location in the South.

The store will carry the full range of FIGS products, including scrubwear, loungewear, and accessories. It will also host events and programming focused on healthcare topics, offering visitors opportunities to meet and share experiences.

At the new FIGS boutique, shoppers will find the Color Clinic, offering scrubwear in core colors with rotating seasonal options. The store also has a Customization Station, which provides embroidery for names, titles, practice or hospital logos, and local icon options available only at Community Hubs. Personalization is also available for scrub caps, outerwear, and accessories.

FiGS The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram

The brand, founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, is known for fashion-forward medical uniforms made from a proprietary fabric with four-way stretch, antimicrobial technology, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. Hasson and Spear began selling directly to healthcare workers in Los Angeles-area hospital parking lots before growing their presence as an online retailer.

CEO and co-founder Trina Spear believes Rice Village was the perfect choice due to its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. She said the company wanted a space that supports Houston healthcare professionals and gives them a place to shop and connect.

"Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, and we are honored to bring a FIGS Community Hub to this city. This space is designed to serve and celebrate Houston healthcare professionals," said Spear. "Our Community Hubs create opportunities for customers to not only shop in a way that never previously existed, but to connect with each other and with FIGS on a deeper level."

FIGS Community Hub, 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite 130, 77005

figs scrubs figs rice village figs houston