Founders tout Web site in Houston

Gilt by association

Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, left, and Alexis Maybank co-founders of Gilt Groupe
Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson

Gilt Groupe founders Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson recently breezed through town to meet and mingle with their Houston members at a private screening of The Young Victoria at the Angelika and a party at the Hotel ZaZa. I chatted with the duo, who met at Harvard where they both earned bachelor's and business degrees. As veteran shoppers who braved the sample sales in Manhattan, the longtime friends got the idea to bring the thrill online two years ago. Maybank has a background in e-commerce, having been an executive at eBay in its early days, while Wilson worked for Louis Vuitton and Bulgari.

I asked them about the prevalence and recent success of private sales sites like Gilt, Rue La La and One Kings Lane, and they agreed that it boils down to simple American appreciation for value. Department stores simply aren't as strong as they once were. Outlets like Gilt Groupe are an accessible and effective new distribution format, they said.

Gilt members from the early days remember when a call to customer service was answered by a person, and probably one familiar with your order and e-mail address. Those days are gone; the company has expanded to include home goods, travel deals and, most (pleasantly) surprising to its founders, a successful men's business offering everything from sports memorabilia to wine. Callers are now guided with voice mail prompts.

But Maybank and Wilson believe the company is staying accessible by hosting national mix 'n' mingle events with devoted followers, like the one in Houston.

What's the greatest steal they've seen on the site? Hervé Léger sold out fastest (those bandage dresses are like wearable Spanx!) but both women indulge most personally on Alexander McQueen.

I'll be logging onto the site today for the J Brand jeans sale. You can too. Register for a Gilt membership through Dec. 21 and you'll be entered in a contest to win a swag bag including a $50 gift card to Hotel ZaZa, lip glosses by Smashbox, perfume by BCBG, and $100 gift card to gilt.com.

unspecified

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.

bun b bun b and purple brand bun b and crown royal bun b rodeo style western streetwear bun b houston rodeo