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Gucci's new après-ski line carves into Houston with piste-perfect looks for chalet day

As every seasoned skier knows, the time spent après-ski (a French word that literally means after ski) lounging next to a warm fire with friends, telling the tales of moguls and black diamond runs is just as important as the act of skiing itself. Wind-tousled hair, rosy cheeks, and the perfect sweater are the accessories for an excellent après-ski afternoon.

Now, Gucci's latest Après-Ski Collection makes it easier than ever to get the flawless look without visiting a mountaintop chalet, buying a lift ticket, or carving down fresh powder. The eponymous luxury brand recently dropped its latest capsule collection with a selection of pieces "envisioned for mountain leisure and beyond."

Now, locals can shop the latest collection, available at Gucci's Houston boutique, which encompasses everything from the ultimate puffers to cardigans and updated bags, drawing from alpine inspiration in bright yellow, deep red, and rich blues.

Highlights of Gucci Après-Ski include an assortment of skiwear-inspired coordinated sets and updated styles of its signature handbag lines, including the Gucci Horsebit 1955, Gucci Diana, and GG Marmont.

Lug-soled boots inspired by cold-weather footwear are having a moment with the fluffiest wool Women's Interlocking G Web Boot, Women's Maxi GG Boot, and the colorful Men's GG Boot. The lineup also includes ski mask silhouettes from Gucci Eyewear, among other styles.

The capsule collection also introduces a special preview of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories from their latest collaboration, Adidas x Gucci. Evoking '80s culture, the collaboration is bright and colorful, where the GG Trefoil reigns supreme. Aluminum hard-sided suitcases, created in partnership with the Italian luxury luggage maker FPM Milano are also available for the ultimate winter vacation.

$Gucci Apr\u00e8s-Ski$

Photo courtesy of Gucci

The collection includes aluminum hard-sided trolleys, created in collaboration with the Italian luxury luggage maker FPM Milano

BOOTS TO THE GROUND

Luxe Houston boot brand sets up court in Hill Country castle

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

This isn't exactly a typical location for a boot store.

When most stores want to expand into a new town, they look at strip malls. Houston-based Republic Boot Company bought an entire castle. The company is turning Johnson City’s famous 290 Wine Castle at 10191 W US-290 into its newest outpost, though exactly what will happen behind the stone walls remains to be seen.

Republic is known for its high-end artisan cowboy boots and celebrity clients like Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and team owner Cal McNair, plus unexpected fans like rapper Paul Wall. Although the flagship is housed in a 100-year-old building in Houston’s hip Heights neighborhood, the branding hasn’t exactly embraced turrets and drawbridges.

“We’ve always said that Republic isn’t just about making boots; it’s about preserving the soul of Texas,” explained Chris Conrad, CEO and Founder of Republic Boot Company, in a release. “Acquiring this castle allows us to create a legendary destination where our customers can immerse themselves in the craft and make bucket-list memories. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it’s exactly where the Republic belongs. We have some wild plans for this property that the world hasn't seen before.”

For now, the company is keeping most details a secret, but Conrad told the Houston Business Journal that the bootmaker plans to continue the winemaking and hotel business on the property. The castle compound has plenty of room to grow with 14 guest rooms, a tasting room, a cigar lounge, a covered deck, and a full commercial kitchen. Oh, it also has a full dungeon.

Republic is no stranger to unique shopping opportunities. Its $6,000 Gator Hunt Experience allows clients to shoot their own alligator hide and make it into a pair of custom boots. Hunters also get a taxidermy mount, 10 pounds of alligator meat, and hopefully a few recipes on how to cook it.

The brand’s expansion comes as the Texas Hill Country transforms from a well-kept secret to an international tourist destination. Among the upcoming attractions are The Meuse, a luxury retail center with a Lucchese store and a Waldorf Astoria hotel with a new restaurant from acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn.

Republic Boot Company hasn’t shared any renovation details for the Medieval-style castle, built in 2019. The brand promises to reveal more details and a grand opening date in the coming weeks.

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