FOX HOLT
Fox-holt.com
@fox_holt
Founded in 2019 by fashion industry mavens Dale Volpe and Katy Rowley, FOX HOLT was born from the idea that we can live beautifully while still taking proper care of our planet and its inhabitants. Both women came from executive positions with well-known fashion and designer labels but found a space lacking in the ethical market. Mothers first, they wanted to create a new label that would help educate consumers about the benefits of sustainability in fashion while inspiring a movement toward thoughtful purchasing to leave a better world for their children.
FOX HOLT responded to the demand for well-crafted, luxurious products made consciously and sustainably. They created a community of designers, artists, and specialists who are passionate about change and impact. The Houston-based brand will have a pop-up in River Oaks District beginning in October.
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity. Providing Houstonites with the chance to experience our e-commerce marketplace in such a personalized way is exciting," stated FOX HOLT's co-founders, Katy Rowley and Dale Volpe. "We love our new community and have quickly learned that there is an established network of conscious shoppers who are eager to explore this rapidly evolving industry. Our goal in partnering with River Oaks District is to marry our mission-driven programming with their refined retail and lifestyle landscape. We can't wait to join forces and bring FOX HOLT to life in a fun, stylish, and educational way."
SCENERY
Scenerybags.com
@scenerybags
Jen Khan, former New Yorker and Broadway stage manager turned Houstonian is on a mission to save theater waste into upcycled accessories. She creates bags from used theatrical materials like backdrops and upcycles them into one-of-a-kind accessories. Her product line gives theater enthusiasts a piece of the show to keep as a souvenir while helping to reduce the carbon footprint of theatrical productions.
SCENERY's products are made in the United States, and ten percent of profits are given to the Theater Development Fund. "We've collected almost 30,000 pounds of theatrical waste and sponsored over 1,100 students through TDF Introduction to Theatre Program and Accessibility program," says Khan.
Although SCENERY started with bags, the company keeps evolving. Khan has added jewelry and, most recently, home decor. "After four years in business, starting in handbags, and launching a jewelry line two years ago, at the end of August, SCENERY launched the first product of their home line, with Bookends made from the set of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Freestyle Love Supreme. The perfect addition to any theatre lover's home."
Christy Lynn
Christylynn.com
@christylynncollection.com
Founded in 2019, The Christy Lynn brand provides luxury, ready-to-wear fashion for the modern yet romantic woman. The Fall 2021 Collection, 'Le Voyage Botanique', was inspired by the 19th-century French botanist Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Featuring several restored vintage floral prints from France, the brand is excited to include original artwork from Lynn's sister, a designer in New York. The ready-to-wear capsule introduces vegan leather separates, wool capes, and tissue cashmere to the roster of ethereal silk chiffon and organza. Dresses are where Lynn continues to excel; her classic silhouettes are fall wedding sophisticated yet easy enough for a Sunday brunch.
Lynn holds a BFA in Fashion and Fine arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and over a decade of experience as a fashion designer in New York City with Catherine Malandrino and Elie Tahari. In two short years, the refined collection has amassed a steady following and can now be found in over 40 retailers across the United States. The fall collection is available in Houston at Tootsies, Golden, and the Christy Lynn Showroom in Montrose. "Our clothes are an extension of who we are, so take us with you with an intent to love and to inspire."
GRIFFY
Shopgriffy.com
@shopgriffy
GRIFFY hit the Houston scene during the pandemic when owner and designer Ellie Austin started making jewelry in the summer of 2020. She felt isolated from friends and family and decided to make jewelry to feel connected to others. "The pandemic shifted so many things for all of us. I think there has been a movement towards nostalgia, and the times that we remember feeling safe and comfortable and happy," she says. "The seed bead bracelets remind me of sitting on the floor in the art shed at camp making best friend bracelets with my buddies. I wanted to elevate that nostalgic, happy feeling and put a modern twist on traditional crafts. I believe that idea has resonated with a lot of people."
Clients can choose from customizable totes, jewelry, mugs, and embroidered items. Although GRIFFY provides phrases, Austin encourages clients to personalize their items to make them memorable. "I believe that in the age of having everything everyone else does at a simple "swipe up," there has been a return to wanting things to feel a bit more grounded and personal. Everything I sell can be customized, whether it's a bracelet, necklace, market tote, or hand-embroidered baby onesie. I want people to believe that what matters to them matters to me. And I LOVE helping people think up their ideas."
Exiza
shopexiza.com
@shopexiza
Exiza, the brainchild of Houston native Regan Bregman, has been in the works for over one year. Ethical athleisure wear promotes activity to feel good, sustain mental health, and live a happy life. "At Exiza, we believe in activity as a form of self-care. I wanted to create a line of athleisure wear that makes women feel great inside and out. My goal is to remove the pressure of an aesthetic outcome, so women are free to be confident in themselves and move for the love of our bodies." she says.
The initial launch consists of biker shorts, leggings, a strappy bra, a ribbed tank, and a limited edition "Love Yourself" hoodie, all manufactured in the United States.
Mysterious By NPN
Nicholas Phat Nguyen
Mysteriousbynpn.com
@mysteriousbynpn
Born in Vietnam, Nicholas Phat Nguyen moved to the United States when he was 15. Without much family support, Nicholas finished high school and pursued a degree in international business in college. Nguyen's foray into fashion began during his last year of college in 2014 when one of his friends, who knew of his love for design, applied him to Fashion X Austin. Within one week, Nguyen created a small 12 piece collection and finished it by hand sewing a garment during the car ride from Houston to Austin. Although entering the show was a risk, he won the Critics' Choice Award and began his career as a fashion designer.
Since then, the couture designer has shared several collections featuring beautiful fabrics and a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. "My style reflects what I am feeling at the time," says Nguyen. "They are my creative outlet - I consider them more than fashion; I consider them to be art."