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.

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GUCCI GRANDEUR

Gucci unveils a new 2-story store with VIP lounge at the Houston Galleria

Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Gucci's newest boutique recently opened and boasts two floors to offer a wider selection of the brand's luxury goods.

Gucci is expanding its footprint in Texas with a posh new boutique in the Galleria. The renowned Italian brand has cemented its luxury status in the Bayou City with a first-of-its-kind, two-story, 11,000-square-foot outpost that replaces a 4,100-square-foot boutique that opened in 2018.

On the ground floor, shoppers will be greeted with ready-to-wear women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. A custom-made Gucci Rossi Ancora staircase will lead customers to the upper floor, where they can pursue menswear, shoes, and the brand's Valigeria travel collection. The spacious upper floor also allows for displays of the coveted Gucci Blondie line and Gucci B bag presented with the current Fall-Winter and Cruise collections.

Gucci store Houston Galleria A staircase in Gucci's signature Rosso Ancora leads shoppers to the second floor. Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

The store's minimalistic decor further highlights the fashion house's collections. Nevertheless, there is no mistaking the Gucci aesthetic. Marble floors and acid green and yellow carpeting distinguish individual spaces, while furnishings by B&B Italia, Cassina, and Minotti paired with brushed steel countertops reflect the sleek, modern vision of Gucci's creative director, Sabato De Sarno.

One distinctive feature that sets this boutique apart from its predecessor is a VIP lounge for more private and personalized shopping. The boutique also showcases eco-friendly initiatives that follow LEED guidelines to promote energy efficiency.

Gucci store Houston Galleria Houston Galleria will be one of the first boutiques to open with Gucci’s latest store window concept, Endless Narratives.Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Right now, the Houston store is one of the first to open with Gucci's latest window concept, Endless Narratives, a collaboration with renowned Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. The window display showcases the interplay between light, mirrors, and everyday objects, encouraging audiences to look deeper. On mirrored shelves, books, miniature statues, and replicas of Gucci's archival bookends, the curated design encourages audiences to see the objects and their reflections as a representation of Gucci's creative universe.

Photo by Pablo Enriquez for Gucci

Gucci's newest boutique recently opened and boasts two floors to offer a wider selection of the brand's luxury goods.

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