LAUNCH brings Designers Together for Holiday Shoppers
Small Business Saturday gets a boost with veteran lineup offering holiday gifts
Dao Chloe Dao Sameerah Dress
LAUNCH, a retail platform for Houston-based designers as well as a place for community development and business education, returns with a star-studded lineup of 19 designers and artists to bring Houstonians unique gifts for this holiday season.
The 2017 Holiday LAUNCH gift guide –www.shopvisithouston.com – will include art, home goods, apparel and accessories available online and at the downtown pop-up boutique.
Diversity Crush City Astronaut Baseball Tee
“The returning designers offer unique goods that are unlike anything that can be found in Houston, and we’re excited that they will be back to celebrate our first year and the holiday season,” said Sydney Dao, Director of Retail, Houston First and Curator. “Our goal for the holiday list is to alleviate the hassle of finding that one-of-a-kind gift for friends and family, while simultaneously supporting Houston artists.”
The returning 19 designers that will be featured include:
- Dao Chloe Dao– Project Runway season 2 winner
- RongRong Devoe– International fashion illustrator
- Brenda Grands– Contemporary jewelry
- Diverscity Clothing Co.– Stylish and educational clothing
- Simple Nut Organics– Organic handmade soaps
- Anvil– Houston-inspired greeting cards and t-shirts
- Modern Artifacts– Handmade jewelry brand blending ancient textures with contemporary design
- Edwidge Pierre– Sleek and modern menswear
- Jamel Hawk– Athleisure luxurywear for men
- Bug in a Box– Insect art
- Venom– Exotic handbags
- Mair Fragrances– Fine fragrances
- Onata Fragrances– All-natural soy candles and scented reed diffusers
- Kari Breitigam– Multidisciplinary artist, dyer, and jeweler
- Rosehip Essential Skin Care– Organic skincare line
- Kimono Zulu– Re-imagined vintage kimonos with collaborations with local artist
- Ceibo– Modern vegan handbags
- StepCol– Handcrafted leather shoes
- VCheri– Emerging women’s apparel brand
Venom Dania Wristlet
Temple Street Maya Ring
Must-have items in the guide include pieces from designers Dao Chloe Dao, Rong Rong Devoe, Brenda Grands, Diverscity Clothing, Simple Nut Organics, Anvil, Modern Artifacts, Jamel Hawk, Bug in a Box, Venom, Mair Fragrances, Onata Fragrances, Kari Breitigam, Rosehips Essential Skin Care, Kimono Zulu, Ceibo, Step Col and V. Cheri.
LAUNCH is located in the Houston Partnership Tower on the ground floor at 701 Avenida De Las Americas. The hours are: Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Shoppers can access the store by parking in Avenida North Parking Garage or take the Green Line on the Metro Rail to the Convention District.
Follow LAUNCH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @launchHTX to learn more about the designers, artists and news.
FEATURED PHOTO: Simple Nut Organic Red Merlot Soap
By Evie Sweeten