give 'em the boot

San Antonio-born bootmaker Lucchese kicks up ultra-exclusive, $16K anniversary boots

Nationally celebrated cowboy culture brand Lucchese has Texas in its DNA. In 1883, Salvatore Lucchese reportedly arrived in Galveston by ship from Palermo, Italy with his brother Joseph Lucchese. The Lucchese brothers then quickly set up shop in San Antonio, creating a bootmaking brand that is now 140 years old.

Now headquartered in Dallas with its factory in the heart of El Paso (known as the cowboy boot capital of the world), the legendary brand has marked its 140th anniversary birthday on November 9 with an exclusive collector's edition of the 140th Anniversary Boot — with an equally exclusive price tag.

The limited-edition Bluebonnet Boots (for men and women) sell for $15,995. Their design pays homage to Lucchese's history and the iconic symbols of the Lone Star State on hand-tooled leather. Playing to the anniversary theme, only 140 pairs are available, each with a commemorative boot bag.

Only 140 pairs of the 140th Anniversary Bluebonnet Boots are available. Photo courtesy of Lucchese Bootmaker

The 140th Anniversary Boot, just like all Lucchese products, speaks to the brand's old-school craftsmanship, the company touts in a release. When customers slip on a pair of Lucchese boots, they say, they're actually wearing a piece of hand-crafted art: each boot passes through the hands of about 180 to 200 skilled artisans before it's ready to hit the streets. Most of the boot-making changes have been unchanged since 1883.

Lucchese has now evolved into a lifestyle brand that offers everything from accessories to travel gear and apparel in handcrafted leather.

Lucchese has evolved into a lifestyle brand that offers something for everyone beyond just boots.Photo courtesy of Lucchese Bootmaker/Instagram

Lucchese has a bustling location at Alamo Quarry Market in San Antonio, and several standalone stores across Texas.

"Lucchese's expansion of its retail arm has been an exciting priority this year, but what is more exciting is the opportunity to connect with existing brand fans and engage with new and curious ones in a market that feels like home," Doug Kindy, president of Lucchese Bootmaker, said in a statement.

Photo courtesy of Lucchese Bootmaker

Lucchese is releasing 140 pairs of an exclusive collector’s edition 140th Anniversary Boot along with a commemorative boot bag.

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cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

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