SPRING FORWARD

3 Houston designers unveil bold looks and colorful collections for spring

Although the official start of spring is still a few weeks away, Houston designers have been busy creating their latest collections. Available now, these seasonal debuts feature bold designs, saturated colors, and an interplay between elegance and playful charm. In Houston, where dressing for the spring season is practically a sport, these statement skirts, flowing dresses, and eye-catching jewelry are not just wardrobe updates; they are a part of what makes the city come alive with seasonal style.

Hunter Bell

Houston designer Hunter Bell commemorates her 20th anniversary with a Spring 2026 debut that feels both celebratory and personal. She tapped fellow Houston creative, Isabel Wilson, for an exclusive painting for this collection. The painting isn't featured in just one print; its element are layered throughout the collection's key pieces.

Alongside Hunter Bell's signature bold prints that feature floral motifs and bright spring colors, customers will also find hidden quotes woven into select pieces. They're inspired by the cities and spaces that have shaped the designer's two-decade journey. The brand will be celebrating its 20th anniversary all year long, making this launch the first of many to come.

Hidden quotes and signature floral prints define Hunter Bell’s anniversary collection, marking the first of several releases planned for the year.Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Christy Lynn Collection

On the heels of opening her first boutique outside Houston in Healdsburg, California, Christy Lynn Lee unveils her Spring 2026 collection, Aurielle. Inspired by California, where she was married and began dreaming of launching her own brand, the collection channels California vibes filtered through Lee's romantic lens.

Aurielle features warm hues alongside pops of color and doesn't stray from the hand-painted floral motifs that are the brand's cornerstone. In addition to flowing dresses, the new collection offers lightweight layering pieces and several two-piece sets that easily mix and match with other prints and silhouettes.

Christy Lynn Spring 2026 Flowing dresses, lightweight layers, and mix-and-match sets highlight the romantic direction of Christy Lynn’s latest seasonal launch.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn Collection

Susana Vega

Jewelry designer Susana Vega is once again moving her label forward with surprising materials and innovation in her latest collection, Soto. Known best for her elegant sculpted beadwork designs, Vega most recently launched her first collection of mixed metals and has now unveiled organic designs made from reclaimed cedar wood sourced from Petén, Guatemala.

The Soto collection consists of earrings, ear cuffs, and bracelets, each hand-carved to preserve the integrity of the wood's grain. The pieces are then inlaid with either silver or gold elements and finished with beeswax for a lived-in, natural look.

Susana Vega/Soto Hand-carved cedar earrings and cuffs are inlaid with silver or gold and finished with beeswax in Susana Vega’s newest collection.Photo courtesy of Susana Vega

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell celebrates 20 years with a Spring 2026 collection featuring exclusive artwork by Isabel Wislon woven throughout key pieces.

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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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