Shop Talk

2 new clothing boutiques and a safe ear piercing studio sign on to CityCentre

With three new tenants set to open this summer, CityCentre continues cementing its reputation as a shopping destination. That news comes on the heels of last week's opening of Star Cinema Grill, which revamped the space originally operated by Studio Movie Grill.

American Threads, Rowan and Southern Tide join the retail lineup in the 47-acre shopping district. Together, the three new stores have transformed the former H&M location.

American Threads, a fashion brand that touts itself as offering California cool-girl style with a coastal cowgirl twist, will make its Houston debut with an 1,800-square-foot space next to Starbucks. Shoppers can expect a mix of chic and classic pieces from the Georgia-born clothing brand.

"We are delighted to finally establish roots in the city of Houston,” Nicole Gutjahr, director of retail operations at American Threads, said in a statement. “The overwhelming enthusiasm and unwavering support from our online community, combined with Houston's undeniable allure, highlighted the city as the quintessential locale for our newest location. We eagerly anticipate introducing our thoughtfully curated selection of emerging trends and timeless pieces to the Houston community."

Ear piercing specialist Rowan will open nearby. The 1,000-square-foot boutique is unique among similar spots because licensed nurses perform the piercing procedure. Rowan offers shoppers an extensive collection of hypoallergenic jewelry, ranging from hoops to studs and 14K gold. CityCentre will be the brand's second location in Texas.

“My search for a safe and celebratory space for my daughter's first piercing inspired the creation of Rowan," said founder and CEO Louisa Schneider. "We're eager to expand our presence in Houston and bring the safest and most celebratory ear-piercing experience to all.”

Rowan's next-door neighbor will be Southern Tides, a Coastal lifestyle apparel brand occupying 1,500-square-feet in between Rowan and American Threads. Known for styles that easily go from ocean to office, the brand carries an array of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children featuring original Southern Tide prints, which are known for their soft texture, according to press materials.

Courtesy of Midway

The new stores are opening in the former H&M location.

"We are proud to provide the curated, dynamic and amenity-rich environment that tenants continue to want and need for their business to thrive, and we look forward to introducing these unique concepts to the surrounding community," said Lacee Jacobs, senior managing director of retail leasing at Parkway, which manages CityCentre.

While shoppers will still have to wait a few months for the new spots to open, they should find plenty to enjoy when they do.

openings shopping

VAULT VIBES

Houston fashion star Chloe Dao marks 25 years with epic clean-out sale

Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

From January 24- 31 Chloe Dao will open her personal design archives to mark 25 years with a rare boutique vault sale.

For Houston fashion devotees, this is the kind of news that prompts a calendar alert and a group chat with the besties. Chloe Dao is celebrating 25 years in fashion by doing something she has never done before: opening the vault.

From January 24 through January 31, the Chloe Dao boutique will host a 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, releasing pieces from Dao’s personal design archives alongside curated boutique items that have been held back for years. Once they are gone, they are gone for good.

“This is not a typical sale; this is an anniversary moment,” Dao says. “It’s an intentional release, a moment of reflection and gratitude, and a way to make space for what’s next. Once these pieces are gone, they’re truly gone."

For the first time ever, shoppers will be able to snag select designs from past collections and limited production runs, and Dao has confirmed she will be parting with some of her couture designs. Shoppers can expect more than 300 items, with more than half of the boutique included in the sale event.

Chloe Dao design Select runway couture and past collection pieces headline Chloe Dao’s 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Event.Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

Everything in the anniversary sale will be discounted 65 percent or more. Fan favorites, including the Houston T-shirt and Aya scarf, will be priced at $15 to $20, down from $42 to $68. None of the released pieces will be reproduced or restocked.

There is also a very personal moment behind this big event. Dao shared that she is planning for the future, including her eventual retirement in about 5 years, making this the right time for a shift.

“It is bittersweet, and I’m still torn about letting go of some of my archive pieces. But a close friend stopped by the boutique this past Saturday and reminded me that I can always create more. That really stayed with me. I’ve missed designing for my store, and this sale feels like a reset — a chance to return to what I love most: designing eveningwear," Dao tells CultureMap. "The past six years, especially post-COVID, were very much about survival mode. Now, if I’m going to truly survive and thrive in today’s retail landscape, my focus is shifting back to my own line and less on curation.”

Following her Project Runway Season Two win and decades of success, Dao says the milestone is also about gratitude for the city that supported her from the start.

“Think of it as an archive release and a chance to own a piece of my history as I celebrate 25 years in fashion. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m so excited to share this moment, and this milestone, with you."

25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, January 24 - January 31, Chloe Dao Boutique, 600 N Shepherd Dr #115, in M-K-T Heights.

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