This was the fashion scene when a select group of Houston’s VIP Bloggers/Influencers gathered at the Galleria VI wing for a preview of many of the newly opened and very unique specialty retailers during a private shopping spree!
photos by David Rossman
It’s official….the Galleria has now opened its newest wing, Galleria VI, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. This final stage of the much anticipated multi-million dollar redevelopment project which began in 2015 will see total completion by the end of this year. This wing, which formerly housed Saks, has been the subject of much speculation as to just what stores and restaurants were being planned for this 110,000 sq. ft. space.
For many of us that live a digital life, we were lucky to take part in the fun preview which gave us first-hand photos for all of our social media outlets. We were able to do this while brunching on mimosas and the ever special sugary sweets from the Galleria’s Yauatcha Patisserie. We were able to mingle, view and take photos of the newly upgraded boutiques, all to ourselves, prior to the mall opening to the public, it was definitely a special gathering.
This new wing will feature 35 new and unique retailers and several new restaurant to come, including for a first time in Houston, some favorites of mine…..Nobu, Fig & Olive and Spice Route. The stores that are now open that we viewed were Ted Baker, Lacoste, St. John, Cole Haan, Tumi, Coach, Kate Spade New York, True Religion, AG Adriano Goldschmied and Peter Lik Gallery. There are a few more still to open. I have a few of my own photos inserted of some of the shops that I visited that morning but this new Galleria venture should be seen to be most appreciated.
Ashlee Frazier, Dede Radd, Rio Wade
Shelbi Adams and Chiara Casiraghi-Brody
Taylor Mallot, Kara Smith and Jailyn Marcel
Yours truly, Issa Chou and Monica Abney
Ashley Lopez showing her monogramed Houston Skyline on her giveaway Coach Luggage Tags….Coach gifted all of us with a luggage tag that could be personally monogrammed with either your own initials or the Houston skyline, which was part of a special 8 city exclusive that Coach is offering its customers! (Skyline was my choice as well…loved it!)
One of many ‘live’ models scattered throughout this wing of Galleria, was Lacoste male model; also shown are several influencers….Lara Bell, her intern Cate and Monica Abney, that are waiting in line for yet another store giveaway …..from Lacoste it was a classic polo of our choice!
Interior shot of newest Lacoste store, featuring all categories from basic polos to tennis, golf and other sport categories
Kate Spade, a tenured resident of the Galleria Mall, upgraded to a brand new store in VI that was chocked full of clever, unique items that their management tell me will have new themes and change-out monthly.
Some of my favorite product categories at Kate Spade that have legs to take you into Fall…..certainly the mules and backless loafers make a strong fashion trend statement.
Model Brooke Adams and Suzie Ford, representing Yauatcha, surround Chris Lane, Director of Marketing at the Galleria after he addressed the crowd; Also, as I am such a fan of sous chef, Karla Espinosa, whose pastries were beyond divine and all the buzz at the gathering!
Exterior Westheimer entrance to the new Galleria VI wing