Introduction to Luxury Shopping in Houston
High-end shopping at posh River Oaks District has just gotten a whole lot better with the opening of two legendary brands: Italian menswear fashion store Brioni and Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe. For what feels like an eternity, fans of these iconic brands have been waiting for them to arrive in Houston.
Brioni: A Taste of Italy in Houston
Brioni brings its unique Italian-centric fashion and design to River Oaks District, marking its second store in Texas after a recent opening in Dallas. The swanky emporium, located next to Van Cleef & Arpels, features the brand’s signature ready-to-wear fashions and bespoke service. The store’s design aims to make customers feel like they’re in a home away from home, with graphic elements in a wall of tapestry and a rug that references the iconic Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. This collaboration is a testament to Brioni’s long-standing partnership with the Genoese textile manufacturer, MITA (Manifattura Italiana Tappeti Artistici).
A Curated Collection of Vintage Furnishings
The menswear shop boasts a curated collection of vintage Italian furnishings, including a Dud Duc sofa by Mario Bellini and an Artona table from Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto. These design notes add to the store’s ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Italian fashion and design.
Loewe: Artful Intelligence
The Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe has also opened its doors in River Oaks District, anchoring itself between Hermès and Harry Winston. The 2,000-plus square foot boutique follows creative director Jonathan Anderson’s Casa Loewe concept, elevating the retail experience to feel like an art collector’s home. The full range of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, sunglasses, home scents, and other accessories are available in this homelike setting.
Art Pieces and Furnishings
Loewe’s art collection is on display, featuring ceramics from British master potter Edmund de Waal, oils on linen by Iranian-born, German-based painter Behrang Karimi, and two botanical pencil sketches by British painter Eliot Hodgkin. The store’s furnishings, including Utrecht armchairs, marble podiums, and wooden Nakashima chairs, are placed alongside an Axel Vervoordt table, creating a unique and sophisticated atmosphere.
Conclusion
The arrival of Brioni and Loewe in River Oaks District marks a new era in luxury shopping in Houston. With their unique designs, high-end products, and sophisticated atmospheres, these two legendary brands are sure to become favorites among fashion enthusiasts in the city. Whether you’re a fan of Italian menswear or Spanish luxury fashion, these stores are definitely worth a visit. And, for those who may be wondering, the correct pronunciation of Loewe is "loo-eh-vay," with an accent on the "eh" – a useful tip for Houstonians looking to sound like seasoned fashion experts.
