Houston First reopens LAUNCH pop-up shop with new emerging designers
LAUNCH will remain open thru the end of the year and rotate a group of new, local designers each month.
Long-term pop-up shop will continue to promote Houston’s thriving fashion and design community while elevating downtown Houston’s retail scene
LAUNCH is back! Due to the success and positive feedback from the designers and visitors, Houston First Corporation (HFC) and seasoned fashion influencer, Sydney Dao are relaunching the extremely popular pop-up shop and will remain open thru the end of 2017. LAUNCH will showcase 10-12 new local designers and will rotate a group of new designers each month.
LAUNCH became not only a space for local, independent designers, but also a destination for visitors looking for recommendations on where to visit in Houston said Dawn Ullrich, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation.
“We are excited about this next step and LAUNCHING more careers of local makers and giving downtown Houston a truly unique retail brand,” said Ullrich.
Kimono Zulu creation
Venom design
The 2,000 square-foot space on the ground floor of the Partnership Tower has been completely transformed and will feature 11 Houston-based designers and artisans.
The eclectic interior provides a natural backdrop for a diverse group offering designer items ranging from apparel, accessories to home goods. Gift items include handmade beauty products and greeting cards.
This month’s featured designers and artisans include:
- Anvil – Houston-inspired greeting cards and t-shirts
- Kimono Zulu – Re-imagined vintage kimonos with collaborations w/local artists
- Venom – Exotic handbags
- Kooth Brand – Timeless menswear
- Purple Cactus – Handmade string art
- Monica Charles – Handmade bath & body products including men’s products
- Steve Guthrie – Women’s apparel
- Community Cloth –Microenterprise of refugee women-handmade scarves, throws & bags
- Katherine Zeren – Men’s ties and bowties
- Moo-chila – Men’s shoes and bags
- Olmox – Handmade filigree jewelry
Products by Monica Charles
“I’m excited to continue this opportunity with Houston First as there are a significant number of great designers and talent in Houston that could benefit from the networking and showcasing their products from the epicenter of Houston.,” said Sydney Dao, LAUNCH Curator. “This month, shoppers will notice more of a men’s theme with men’s apparel, shoes and men’s beauty products. We encourage Houstonians and visitors to stop by every month to see what’s new.”
Avenida Houston is the perfect place to host LAUNCH said David Mincberg, board chairman of Houston First.
By Purple Cactus
“Avenida Houston serves as a springboard for visitors to experience a taste of Houston, and the continuation of LAUNCH does just that, creating an epicenter of talented designers where visitors can experience Houston’s diverse community and leave a lasting and positive impression,” Mincberg said.
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.
Moo-Chila
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 @launchtx to learn more about the designers, artists and news.
photos courtesy of LAUNCH