SHOPPING NEWS

Trendy fashion giant SHEIN pops up at San Antonio’s North Star Mall

SHEIN will pop up at North Star Mall on September 5-8.

Photo courtesy of SHEIN

Teenage social life may no longer revolve around food courts, but one San Antonio shopping center has found a way to attract Alamo City youth. North Star Mall is hosting a weekend pop-up from massively popular fast fashion brand SHEIN from September 5-8.

As an online retailer, SHEIN rarely gives its fans a chance to see its merchandise first-hand. But the Chinese apparel giant does occasionally stage pop-ups internationally, last stopping by San Antonio in 2022.

SHEIN released few details about the shopping event, but did release a TikTok preview. Fashionistas can expect budget-priced clothing, accessories, makeup, and likely some chaos. While the brand does offer men's clothing, children's wear, and home goods, the pop-up seems primarily targeted to young women.

Entrepreneur Xu Yangtian launched the brand in 2008, primarily selling wedding dresses. It became a global fashion behemoth in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the viral #BamaRush craze of 2021, it was rare to find a sorority hopeful who did not list at least one SHEIN item as part of their daily fit.

That meteoric rise also spelled trouble for American fast-fashion brands. Los Angeles-based Forever 21, one of Gen X's most popular spots for on-trend clothes, particularly felt the brunt of the whiplash. In March, the once-mighty chain declared bankruptcy and shuttered all of its U.S. stores.

The SHEIN pop-up will take place across from Victoria's Secret at North Star Mall at 7400 San Pedro Ave. Hours are noon-8:30 pm, September 5 and 6; noon-5:30 pm, September 7; and noon-7:30 pm, September 8.

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HAUTE OPPORTUNITIES

Texas Fashion Week seeks new designers for 2026 San Antonio showcase

Photo courtesy of Texas Fashion Week

A model walks the runway during Texas Fashion Week.

Texas Fashion Week is ready to strut into 2026. Organizers say designer applications are now open for the seven-day event, set to showcase Lone Star style at downtown’s Frost Tower, June 1-7, 2026.

Billed as Texas’ official fashion week, Texas Fashion Week is both a cultural showcase and an economic engine. It officially debuted in 2021 after six years of research and a pilot launch in 2019 under the temporary name Fashion Week SATX. The chic programming falls under the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative, the state’s official nonprofit dedicated to the Texas fashion industry.

Since then, the week has become a San Antonio tradition with various designer spotlights, panels, and themed nights coalescing in an annual red-carpet gala, the Texas Fashion Awards.

The spring 2026 talent call is open to apparel, accessory, footwear, and couture designers. In addition to prestigious runway exposure, selected designers are slated to receive support from professional producers, industry media, buyer engagement, and business development opportunities.

Eligibility is open to Texas-based and national designers, with limited international spots available. Previously, Texas Fashion Week has showcased creators from Mexico, Dubai, Zimbabwe, and England, but the focus remains on the local scene.

“The growth of fashion in San Antonio and across Texas is just getting started,” said Saige Thomas, President of TFII and Cofounder of Texas Fashion Week, in a release. “Our designers, our creative workforce, and our industry partners continue to prove that Texas is a powerful fashion hub with its own voice.”

Additional details are available online, and the designer application can be found here. Entries must be filed by February 1, 2026.

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