New Year, New Boots

Fabulously femme Texas boot brand kicks up first Houston boutique with posh pop-up in River Oaks

Just in time for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, City Boots, the Texas-based handmade, top-shelf boots, is opening its first store in Houston. The brand's posh River Oaks District pop-up will open from February 16 through May 15.

Known for her iconic, limited-edition Heart Boot and Lightning Boots, Amarillo native and founder Lizzy Chesnut Bentley’s designs boast an elevated, feminine, and flattering fit made with premium materials that have garnered the brand a legion of loyal customers.

The Houston store will be the third for City Boots – their first opened in 2019 in Fort Worth, and their second in Dallas’ Deep Ellum opened in spring 2022.

“Our styles are perfect for any look, whether dressing up or everyday casual,” City Boots founder and CEO Lizzy Chesnut Bentley tells CultureMap in an exclusive chat. “The interior design elements Wills Design Associates curated from Round Top and beyond capture the essence of City Boots and the classic simplicity of the new Houston line.”

“We are also partnering with a local nonprofit, Sandal Gap Studio to showcase artwork throughout the store. We know our City Boots customers will love our new store in River Oaks District, and we can’t wait to dress them in our classic Texas footwear.”

For the store, Bentley turned to Lauren Wills Grover of Wills Design Associates to bring her vision of South Texas meets River Oaks District to life. The 30-plus styles of boots will be complemented by vintage wood and leather pieces, pops of color, and cactus. The space will center around ranch house-style and a living room area with leather couches so customers can slip on boots while admiring floating shelves along the walls showcasing the iconic collections.

“I have roots in Houston and the first steps of bringing City Boots to life happened in this city,” Bentley adds in a statement. “After graduating college, I began my oil and gas career in Houston and this opportunity to launch the new Houston Collection in its namesake city right before the Houston Rodeo was the perfect fit.”

Six new styles, dubbed the Houston Collection, will launch at the opening and will be exclusive to the Houston store for the first week before being available online. Notably, Houston Ballet dancers served as models for the collection's debut photography.

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The City Boots pop-up runs February 16 - May 15; Monday through Saturday 11 am – 7 pm; and Sunday 12 – 6 pm; River Oaks District – 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite E130.

Photo by Hannah Dimmitt

Dallas-based City Boots will be in River Oaks District through May 15.

HAUTE HOUSTON

High fashion label Sachin & Babi makes rare Houston appearance

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi is hosting an exclusive shopping event so Houstonians can snag pieces from their Resort Collection on November 12 from 5 to 8 pm at Avant Art Gallery.

Having dressed the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Mindy Kaling, and Octavia Spencer, high fashion label Sachin & Babiis known for its attention to embellishment, color, and silhouette. Ahead of the sold-out Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, where the New York-based brand will be headlining with ready-to-wear looks from their fall collection, Sachin Ahluwalia, one-half of the high fashion duo is making a rare in-person appearance in the Bayou City.

"We are thrilled to see what Sachin & Babi will bring to our Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon," Angie Lane, Houston Ballet's chief development officer, tells CultureMap. "Saks Fifth Avenue has been an invaluable partner over the years, consistently creating an engaging and dynamic show for Nutcracker Market luncheon guests."

The brand, which has a large customer base in Texas, has its sights set on more permanent digs and retail expansion in the Lone Star State.

"In Texas, fashion is embraced in the truest sense. There's a celebratory spirit and full-of-life energy that aligns with our brand ethos," said Ahluwalia. "Our goal in everything we create is to celebrate the women who inspire us and remind us why we do what we do. I have always believed that the most important component of a woman's wardrobe is her smile, and Houston has that joyfulness so ingrained in its culture."

We sat down with Sachin Ahluwalia to discuss the brand's fall collection and what we can look forward to from the label in 2025.

CultureMap: How would you describe your fall collection?
Sachin Ahluwalia: Each season, we're inspired by the nature surrounding us, but this fall, we were particularly struck by the captivating beauty of botanical flowers. We referenced some of our favorite photographers who have captured striking macro shots of oversized blooms, and from this, we focused on the romantic allure of a 'White Rose in Moonlight.' While we often envision roses bathed in sunlight, a rose is equally enchanting beneath the moon's glow. There's a subtle message there — a reminder that beauty can thrive even in the quiet of night.

CultureMap: What colors and fabrics are you leaning towards for fall and winter?
SA: This fall, we focused on deep floral contrasts on luxurious viscose chiffon, faille, and Mikado. As fall also welcomes the return to the social calendar and gala season, we emphasized intricate beading and embroidery, creating unique, wearable pieces that make her feel her best for all the celebrations ahead.

CultureMap: When you create a collection, who are you designing for?
SA: For the past decade, Sachin & Babi has been redefining what it means to dress for life's most memorable moments. We design to a level of sophistication rather than any particular demographic. Aiming to offer more than just a garment, we want to give our customers a transformative experience that celebrates each person's unique style and story. We dress her for her most special occasions because she deserves to feel extraordinary without compromise.

CultureMap: What has been inspiring you for your 2025 collections?
SA: We are inspired by the incredible women in our country. She continues to marvel and inspire us with her confidence, elegance, and beauty. We're committed to helping her feel her most beautiful for all of her special moments, big and small.

CultureMap: Do you think you will ever move away from your east-meets-west aesthetic?
SA: It's hard to divorce ourselves from our natural inclinations and DNA. Babi and I spent our first 20 years in India, but we've spent the last 30 years building our home in New York City. We embrace our natural propensity for color, craftsmanship, and embroidery from India and marry it to the lifestyle of the women we know and adore in the US. Our goal is to converge traditional Indian techniques with a modern sensibility to create ready-to-wear that feels made for you.

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi held an exclusive shopping event in Houston.