OUI OUI, AU LUXURY

Powerhouse French luxury brand Balmain marches into River Oaks for grand Houston flagship debut

Shoppers have yet another haute reason to shop River Oaks District. French fashion powerhouseBalmain has made its debut, opening its first flagship boutique in Houston at the ultra-luxe shopping destination.

This Houston addition marks a milestone for Balmain, as it joins iconic U.S. destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas for 50 global flagship boutiques.

The grand unveiling of this boutique celebrates Balmain's fusion of couture heritage and 21st-century fashion — a combination that resonates perfectly with the diverse community of the Bayou City. Balmain's popularity lies in its ability to harmonize edgy, youth-infused ready-to-wear pieces with timeless classics that are the staples of a well-curated wardrobe.

At the new boutique, the brand's fans, often called the Balmain Army, will find men's and women's apparel collections, along with its signature line of handbags, shoes, and sunglasses.

Balmain's Houston boutique is lavish at more than 1,700 square feet and includes design elements such as parquet flooring, marble shelves, and antique furnishings. There are also elements exclusive to the River Oaks District location, crafting an unmistakably Balmain ambiance.

Balmain Houston The 1,708-square-foot boutique showcases the brand’s global store concept with elegant design features.Photo by Balmain

"We are thrilled to be expanding in Houston, a city many of our esteemed clients call home. Houston's international flair and reputation as a shopping destination align seamlessly with Balmain's ethos. This first-to-market boutique is a significant step as we establish a stronger presence in Texas," Emily Vannucci George, Balmain's President of the Americas, shared in a statement.

Balmain's roots go back over 75 years when young designer Pierre Balmain deviated from established norms, instantly establishing his eponymous house as a trailblazer in haute couture. Balmain's trajectory continued to grow, adding to the resurgence of Paris as the world's fashion epicenter.

Fast forward to 2011, and the torch of innovation was passed to creative director Olivier Rousteing, who continues to build upon Balmain's storied legacy — one that continues to Houston.

Photo courtesy of Balmain/Facebook

Fans, often referred to as the Balmain Army, can look forward to both men’s and women’s apparel collections, as well as signature handbags, shoes and sunglasses.

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boots with a story

Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

Houston bootmaker, Republic Boot Company, turns gator hunts into a custom pair of boots.

In Houston, where custom boots are a source of great pride and style, one local brand is taking the bespoke boot experience to a new level. Republic Boot Company, known for its elevated, hand-crafted creations, just launched a Gator Hunt Experiencewhere customers can source an alligator hide, which will be transformed into a pair of cowboy boots.

Part adventure and part traditional craftsmanship, the experience begins with a hunt in the marshlands near Anahuac, about an hour from Houston, and ends with a custom-made pair of alligator-skin cowboy boots tailored to the client's vision by a Republic Boot Company boot specialist.

"At Republic Boot Company, we pride ourselves on crafting boots that are not just footwear, but a legacy," said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. "This new Gator Hunt Experience takes that commitment to personalization to an unprecedented level, offering our customers a unique and memorable journey taking them from the bayou to the heart of the Bayou City."

The gator hunt is $5,000 per person and includes an 8.5-foot alligator (larger alligators incur extra costs). Individuals of all experience levels can participate, and all necessary permits and equipment are provided to ensure a safe adventure. After the hunt, the hide will be tanned during an eight-month process to ensure a one-of-a-kind pair of boots. Just in case the kicks aren't enough of a conversation starter, participants will also receive a professional mount of the alligator head.

Alligator hunting season runs from September 11 to September 30, so the boots won't be ready for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Once they are complete, however, they will be wearable pieces of art with a memorable story behind them. Those interested in extending their only-in-Texas half-day hunt into an overnight experience can book overnight accommodations through Republic Boot Company.

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