SPRING FLING

Gucci's Houston boutique saddles up for coveted Horsebit 1955 handbags

Photo by Mert&Marcus

The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Handbag campaign features Halle Bailey, Hanni, and Julia Garner as the fresh faces of its latest launch.

Aside from Gucci's iconic double monogram, the Italian luxury brand's most recognizable emblem is the horsebit. The double ring and bar debuted in 1955, two years after the original hardware appeared on a pair of the fashion house’s signature loafers.

Over the past 70 years, it has become an iconic brand symbol – linking it to the equestrian world, where it has long drawn inspiration for its luxury leather goods.

Following the success of the Jackie 1961 handbag campaign featuring Dakota Johnson, Gucci rolled out the Horsebit 1955 Handbag campaign featuring Halle Bailey, Hanni, and Julia Garner as the fresh faces of its latest launch.

Houston shoppers can visit Gucci boutiques to get their hands on the Gucci Horsebit 1955 GG Crystal Mini Bag in dark red and black and the Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag in black and red.

As for those stars: Bailey is the star of the highly anticipated live-action Disney film The Little Mermaid, which will hit theaters in May, and is half of the singing group Chloe x Hallie with her older sister Chloe. Hailing from Atlanta, the duo sings pop, contemporary, R&B, and neo-soul music and have earned five Grammy Award nominations since 2018.

Halle Bailey is one of the artists highlighted in Gucci's new Horsebit 1955 handbag campaign. Photo courtesy of Gucci

Hanni is pulling double duty for Gucci as its global brand ambassador and the face of its latest campaign. The 18-year-old is the lead singer for the chart-topping five-member girl group NewJeans. The K-pop singer is Vietnamese-Australian, seemingly becoming an overnight sensation after the group released its debut album Bluebook in 2022.

Hanni is the 18-year-old is the lead singer for the chart-topping five-member girl group NewJeans.Photo courtesy of Gucci

Garner, who also appears in Gucci's Guilty campaign, is best known for her role as Ruth Langmore in Ozark. Her performance in the hit crime drama has earned her multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and three Primetime Emmy Awards. Garner also earned critical acclaim for her role in the Netflix miniseries Inventing Anna for portraying con artist Anna Sorokin.

Julia Garner, who also appears in Gucci's Guilty campaign, is best known for her role as Ruth Langmore in "Ozark".Photo courtesy of Gucci

The Horsebit 1955 campaign is beautifully captured by renowned photographers and directors Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, who artfully showcase the bag while highlighting the personalities of each artist.

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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.

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