SCENTS OF PLACE

Celebrity-loved perfume house builds posh new salon in Houston hotel

In the same way many enduring dynasties begin, the House of Krigler was founded in 1904 by Albert Krigler based on a perfume he created to woo a love interest. Since then, the sought-after perfume house has been a favorite of English royalty and coveted by celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Ernest Hemmingway. Although today's celebrity clientele is a closely guarded secret, the brand is still a favorite of perfume connoisseurs worldwide.

Houston has been chosen as the exclusive location for the only Le Salon Krigler in the world. Adjacent to the brand's jewel box perfume store inside the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Le Salon Krigler is a 300-square-foot VIP lounge where guests can experience the brand's legacy firsthand in a private setting.

For the first time since the 1970s in Monaco, Krigler offers Le Salon Krigler, where guests and collectors can come to experience the brand in a uniquely private setting. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Available by appointment only, the Krigler Collection Experience is the epitome of luxury. Guests can try their hand at candle making, host private parties, and gain access to the exclusive Krigler archives. For the ultimate indulgence, guests can even create their own bespoke perfume, a luxurious experience starting at $80,000. All this while nibbling on petit fours and sipping champagne or a signature Krigler cocktail from the hotel's speakeasy-style bar, Bandista.

Le Salon Krigler in Four Seasons Hotel Houston marks the first new salon since the 1970s in Monaco. As a nod to its Art Deco roots, the salon is decorated in black and gold with mirrored accents. Guests will find French sculptures, collectible books from the Krigler Mansion in Germany, crystal bottles from Baccarat and Lalique, and framed mementos from its most famous customers, including royal families from around the world.

The new space is filled with collectables, French scupltures, and mementos of the brand's most famous clientele. Photo courtesy of Krigler/Instagram

The partnership between Krigler and Four Seasons Hotel Houston is a natural one. With its storied history and modern appeal, the perfumery offers a range of classic and new scents on its dazzling shelves. Both elevated brands are optimistic that collectors, athletes, celebrities, and other high-end clientele will seek out the new bespoke perfume experience; they are trying to make it easier than ever to smell like royalty.

"We are absolutely thrilled to expand our partnership with Krigler," saysTom Segesta, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. "The addition of Le Salon Krigler will attract collectors from around the world to H-Town for a truly bespoke VIP experience."

Right now, the hotel is offering anAdvance Purchase offer. Guests can save up to 25 percent off published rates when booking at least three days in advance.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Le Salon Krigler is now open inside Four Seasons Hotel Houston.

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ELEGANT EVOLUTION

Houston designer Christy Lynn celebrates 5 years with River Oaks pop-up

Photo by Quy Tran

The designer opened her new space with a Spring 2025 Collection fashion show.

Houston designer Christy Lynn Lee has had a whirlwind five years and is celebrating with a pop-up store in River Oaks District and a new Resort 2025 Collection. The pop-up boutique will be open through the end of February, offering shoppers curated picks from the designer's Fall/Winter 2024, Resort 2025, and the first drop of Spring 2025 on February 1.

"I wasn't looking for a pop-up during the holiday season, but the opportunity presented itself, and I made the decision within two weeks," Lee tells CultureMap. "I have a beautiful store in Memorial, and being there for over a year has taught me a lot about that part of the city. There are a lot of people that shop in River Oaks District from out of town and even internationally, and we felt we could learn a lot about those customers just by being there for the next four months."

Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee and her husband Christophe Chung.Photo by Quy Tran

After founding her ready-to-wear label in 2019, Lee became known for her romantic and ephemeral dresses with hand-painted floral motifs and exquisite fabrics from Italy, France, and China. In the past year, Lee has focused on evolving her brand to include more separates, knitwear, and suiting. The Resort 2025 Collection will showcase these efforts with a capsule wardrobe that is ready for holiday travel with beautiful skirts, cashmere, and embroidered treatments on leather and suede.

"The collection is available now through January, and it is holiday-inspired," said Lee. "I wanted it to feel like a transitional capsule collection, so if you are traveling for the holidays to somewhere warm or skiing, it is easy to take it away with you."

Shoppers can peruse the ready-to-wear Resort 2025 Collection at the River Oaks District pop-up. Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

In addition to the new pop-up boutique and launch of her latest collection, Lee is celebrating five years of her eponymous brand. The designer says the first three years were the honeymoon phase, while the last two dealt with trials and tribulations. She and her business partner and husband, Christophe Chung, have been focused on sustaining the business's progress.

"The first three years we had a lot of growth. I have a store, a team here in Houston, and a team in New York, so now it is about planning for the next five years.," said Lee. "I am fortunate that I have built a really good production and design group. It is very small, but it allows me to concentrate more on the outward-facing parts of the fashion business."

Christy Lynn Lee celebrated her 5 year anniversary with a fashion show and the debut of her River Oaks District pop-up. Photo by Quy Tran

While Lee has focused on expanding nationwide and globally (she began international shipping in the last six months), she says Houston will remain her home base. The designer's atelier, warehouse, and flagship store are all in Houston, and over the past several years, Lee and her husband have built a welcoming community around them.

"We couldn't have grown so much without the support from Houston. I feel like it is my home," said Lee. "Houston embodies diversity, creativity, and opportunity. It is an international hub that offers access to a global audience while still having a fantastic local community."

Photo by Quy Tran

The designer opened her new space with a Spring 2025 Collection fashion show.

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