TEXAS TREASURES

Iconic Texas brands James Avery and Consuela unveil handcrafted collab

Two of Texas's most popular lifestyle brands have teamed up for a new collaboration that combines fashion, art, and craftsmanship. Consuela and James Avery Artisan Jewelry have joined forces for the first time to create a collection of jewelry charms, handbags, and accessories.

Both brands share storied roots in handcrafted design and a focus on personal expression. The collaboration shows their dedication to creating pieces that inspire self-expression, while also carrying a personal meaning.

Consuela founder, CEO, and chief creative officer Conni Reed says the brand's designs always begin with art rather than trends or themes. "Through our Art of the Unmatched design philosophy, we create layered stories of texture, color, pattern, and iconography shaped by curiosity, craft, and soul. Growing up in Texas, James Avery has always been close to my heart and part of my life story. Collaborating with a brand that shares our love for meaningful, handcrafted design and seeing Consuela's spirit captured in James Avery jewelry is truly an honor and a dream come true."

Consuela x James Avery The jewelry collection includes sterling silver and enamel charms featuring Consuela’s signature motifs.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The James Avery x Consuela jewelry collection reinterprets Consuela's signature designs as detailed sterling silver and enamel charms. The pieces include a miniature version of the bestselling Consuela Classic Tote, complete with a tiny sunflower bag charm, and an alphabet of letter charms inspired by Consuela's embroidered felt bag charms. Reed also curated a selection of her favorite James Avery pieces, which will be available alongside the collection at all Consuela retail stores and online.

The handbag and accessories line introduces new designs featuring Consuela's signature ConsuelaCloth, known for its durability and bold colors. A signature "Avery" print appears on Consuela's Classic Tote, Downtown and Uptown Crossbody bags, and Jewelry Keeper.

Karina Dolgin, James Avery's chief product and revenue officer, says the collaboration represents shared values. "James Avery and Consuela are rooted in community, craft, and respect for the artisans who bring our visions to life. We're united by our commitment to thoughtful design and authentic storytelling."

Consuela x James Avery The collection also includes James Avery’s popular motifs, including the Wild Sunflower and Mariposa, are reimagined as handcrafted handbag charms.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Some of James Avery's most popular jewelry styles, including the Wild Sunflower, Festive Turtle, Mariposa, and Margarita Cross, have also been transformed into handcrafted handbag charms made in Mexico from wood, papier-mâché, and textiles.

The Consuela x James Avery collaboration launches October 6, online at consuelastyle.com and jamesavery.com, as well as in Consuela's three boutiques and select James Avery retail locations. Prices range from $19 to $175 for Consuela handbags and bag charms, and $79 to $89 for James Avery jewelry charms.

Photo courtesy of Consuela

The Consuela x James Avery collection features jewelry, handbags, and accessories inspired by creativity and craftsmanship.

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LEATHER & LUXE

Heritage leather brand opens appointment-only boutique in River Oaks

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

The heritage leather brand Ghurka recently opened a River Oaks boutique that offers custom clothing for men and women, a rare find in Houston’s luxury market.

For more than 50 years, Ghurka has built a reputation for beautifully crafted leather goods. Now, Houstonians have a new way to experience its collections.

Its new River Oaks boutique, one of only two brick-and-mortar outposts in the country, brings the label’s signature leather collection together with custom clothing and private styling, creating a personal shopping experience.

At the appointment-only store, clients can shop for leather bags and accessories while also working one-on-one with an advisor to create custom tailoring, shirting, knitwear, and other pieces curated to their specific needs and lifestyle. Houstonians will also be among the first to see Ghurka's expanded clothing offering with the debut of the Fall/Winter 2026 custom collection.

“For us, the decision to open in Houston really came down to people and relationships,” Glenn Pollack, chairman and CEO of Ghurka, tells CultureMap. “Ghurka has a meaningful history here and longstanding relationships with people who know the brand and what it stands for. As we considered returning to physical retail, we wanted to start in markets where we had the right talent, the right relationships, and a strong foundation to build on. Houston gave us all three.”

Ghurka Ghurka's appointment-only River Oaks boutique is located at 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 185. Appointments are available online. Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Founded in Connecticut in 1975, Ghurka's main focus is on leather goods designed to improve with time and wear. Its product range run the gamut from bags and backpacks to wallets, belts, and accessories. The brand is now applying that successful philosophy to clothing, with a focus on premium materials, durable construction, and pieces designed around the individual rather than trends.

Clients can work with a Gurkha advisor to decide what they need from their wardrobes before choosing fabrics, silhouettes, proportions, and bespoke details. Each piece is fully custom and finished by hand and according to Pollack, the goal of the appointment-only Houston boutique is to provide shoppers with a complete experience and a personalized level of attention.

“For us, custom clothing is ultimately about the individual rather than a particular gender,” Pollack said. “The same principles that have guided Ghurka for more than fifty years translate naturally into clothing. Offering custom for both men and women allows us to create a much more complete and personal relationship with our clients.”

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Ghurka Houston, 3701 W. Alabama St., Suite 185. Appointments are available through ghurka.com.

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

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LEATHER & LUXE

Heritage leather brand opens appointment-only boutique in River Oaks