Retail Roundup: Luxury Is Bigger and Better in Houston This Spring
Support Gucci Changemakers recipients through a "VS Everybody" T-shirt.
Image: Courtesy of Gucci
Gucci Changemakers
Local upcycling nonprofit Magpies & Peacocks—which works with local artists, designers, and students to create collections that raise money for other local organizations—has been named a 2021 Gucci Changemaker Impact Fund recipient. What’s that, you ask? Each year the Italian brand selects nonprofits in 11 different “Changemaker” cities (including Houston) that are “focused on key social impact areas including social justice and equity; arts and culture; health equity and wellness; and education,” according to its website. Those nonprofits receive $10,000 to $50,000. Writers in the Schools, a local nonprofit that promotes creative writing in schools, was Houston’s 2020 Changemaker award recipient.
Houstonians can support this project by purchasing a $390 “VS Everybody” T-shirt, part of a capsule collection collab with Detroit designer Tommey Walker, in stores or online.
The new Valentino store in the Galleria.
Image: Courtesy of Valentino
Valentino in the Galleria
As part of its worldwide expansion efforts, high fashion juggernaut Valentino has moved to a bigger location in the Galleria. Find all of the brand’s womenswear and menswear product categories, like ready-to-wear, fragrances, and accessories, in the new 4,000-square-foot store on Level 1 near Neiman Marcus. The spot includes lush design features, like grey Venetian terrazzo floors, LED-light displays, black metal fixtures, and green and blush velvet accents, which create a romantic and intimate fitting room-inspired experience.
Reception at ThrIVe Drip Spa's newest location.
Image: Courtesy of ThrIVe Drip Spa
Another ThrIVe Spa Spot
ThrIVe Drip Spa is opening its fourth Houston location later this spring at Memorial Green (12505 Memorial Dr, Suite 120). Since April 2016, registered nurses at the intravenous vitamin (IV) therapy spot have been providing Houstonians with hydration, detoxes, hangover fixes, and more through 12 different customized drip formulas, 18 boosters, and nine shots. The spa also offers cryotherapy, Emsculpt, blood testing, and other treatments. Oh, and did we mention house calls?
To celebrate the new opening, ThrIVe is giving out a one-year premium membership to one very lucky (and soon to be very hydrated) Houstonian. The $2,950 package includes 12 premium IV drips and 12 lipo B/C shots, plus an extra birthday month drip and membership pricing for all other services. Register to win (and learn more) here.
Hazel Smyth jewelry.
Image: Courtesy of Lerant
Trunk Show at Lerant
Uptown’s high-end home décor and tableware spot, Lerant, is flipping its script a bit. Everyone's favorite bougie spot, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is hosting a Hazel Smyth trunk show March 25–27. The San Antonio-based jewelry brand features hand-cast pieces that cost $100–$975.
OKA Lands in Houston (and the U.S.)
Posh British home goods and furniture brand OKA is opening its first Houston location next month in Upper Kirby 3461 W Alabama St. The 9,000-square-foot interiors store will celebrate British sophistication, featuring hand-crafted rattan accessories, beautiful china (for that fancy dinner party you’ll throw when Covid’s over), home fragrances, and so much more. While OKA has been operating as an online shop stateside since 2019, this is its first-ever brick-and-mortar location in the U.S.
