PLAYFUL PRINTS

Houston designer makes a splash with new swim, kidswear, and chic hats

Houston-based designer, entrepreneur, and mom of three, Hunter Bell, is turning up the heat this spring with her brand's biggest expansion this year. Known for her eye-catching prints and effortlessly cool designs, Bell is taking her signature charm to the water with a stunning collection of swimsuits, sarongs, and the long-awaited return of Hunter Bell Kids. She also launched a hat collab with Freya to complete any spring or summer look.

Bell's journey into the fashion world started in 2006 when she launched Hunter Bell out of her Manhattan apartment. After interning and working as a design assistant for contemporary brands including Nanette Lepore and Rebecca Taylor, she knew she wanted to start her own line. Fast forward to today, and she's built a brand known for its whimsical elegance, bold prints, and sophisticated designs.

Hunter Bell Swim

Bell's swimwear line is making waves for a stylish summer. The collection, inspired by the Gasparilla Inn in Florida, includes eight beautifully crafted pieces, ranging from one-pieces to bikinis, rashguards, and sarongs. Each piece boasts vibrant prints and intricate details.

This swimwear drop follows Bell's successful collaboration with Marysia in 2024, which brought together two powerhouse brands known for their impeccable craftsmanship. Now, Bell is bringing that same dedication to artistry and playful spirit to her solo swim line — and we're here for it.

Hunter Bell Spring 2025 Featuring vibrant prints and thoughtful details, the collection brings the brand’s signature whimsical charm to swimwear with beautifully designed swimsuits and sarongs. Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell Kids

Back by popular demand, Hunter Bell Kids is making a much-anticipated return, and this time, it's extra special because it is inspired by Bell's daughter, Harrison. The collection is packed with adorable Mommy & Me matching options so moms and their little ones can coordinate in style. Whether for spring holidays, birthday parties, or everyday adventures, these pint-sized versions of HB classics are perfect for budding fashionistas.

Top It Off with the Freya Collab

A day spent poolside isn't complete without a hat, and Bell teamed up with fellow Houston-based brand Freya to bring two exclusive styles. Ideal for beach strolls and hot-girl walks, the Trucker hat has a sporty, laid-back vibe, while the Lifeguard hat offers chic sun protection with a cool silhouette.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Hunter Bell introduces its debut Swim collection, inspired by the intricate elegance of Gasparilla Inn and infused with architectural influences.

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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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