I could have my Gucci on

Luxe Italian designer Gucci debuts first San Antonio boutique at La Cantera

Gucci will open its first directly operated store at the Shops at La Cantera on December 9.

Courtesy of Gucci

Italian luxury designer Gucci is opening its first directly operated store in San Antonio on Friday, December 9. The new outpost will be located in The Shops at La Cantera, marking the brand's eighth boutique in Texas.

Founded in Florence, Italy, in 1921, the luxury brand is known for its creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. The new store will represent those three pillars: Spanning over 4,400 feet, its interior will be both elevated and discreet, weaving beautiful and distinct materials with an elegant and modern minimalist touch.

Design highlights include rich fabrics (sage green wall finishes with complementary pink, gray, and moss green velvets on upholstery and in fitting rooms); custom geometric painted wood floors with marble polychrome inlays for a three-dimensional effect; sumptuous chairs; and vintage oriental rugs.

The overall effect will speak to the brand's combination of elegant and contemporary, traditional and modern, industrial and romantic — all working to create a space that sparks curiosity and yet feels both familiar and personal to Gucci.

In support of the brand's sustainability targets in its stores worldwide, the new store will also feature LED lighting1 to guarantee lower energy consumption, cut down managing costs, and promote longer-lasting lighting. In addition, a Building Management System (BMS)2 will monitor and promote energy efficiency by measuring and controlling heating, ventilation, cooling, hot water and lighting in buildings.

As for products, San Antonio shoppers will suffer no lack of inspiration. The La Cantera location will carry a wide selection of men's and women's shoes, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, jewelry, watches, eyewear, and Gucci Beauty products.

The new store will be open Monday through Thursday 11am to 7pm; Friday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm; and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

handbag

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.

hello kitty desserts kids families