Sporting Fashion

Former Texas Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin

Guests can browse a curated selection of shoes, apparel, exclusive vintage tees, and more from designer brands.

Photo by Joseph Johnson

University of Texas at Austin alum and former Longhorn football player Kenny Vaccaro is launching a new fashion boutique on South Congress. Celebrating its grand opening between 10 am and 8 pm on Saturday, June 18, Konnect features a variety of designer collections and is located inside Vaccaro’s social performance club, The Kollective, right off of Music Lane on South Congress Avenue.

The former All-American strong safety, who went on to play in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans, has pursued an entrepreneurial career since his retirement from football in 2021. In December 2021, he co-founded Gamers First, an esports organization, where he serves as CEO and focuses on business development and talent.

Both of Vaccaro’s ventures, Gamers First and Konnect, share space in the Kollective, a 22,000-square-foot gym and 5,000-square-foot facility where his businesses sit at the intersection of fashion, gaming, and fitness.

Konnect will rotate several designer brands where guests can browse a curated selection of shoes, apparel, exclusive vintage tees, hats, accessories, and more.

Featured luxury brands include Louis Vuitton, Dior, OFF-WHITE, Fear of God, Amiri, Rhude, and Just Don. Shoes for sale include Jordans, Nike Dunks, and OFF-WHITE collabs, ranges of Travis Scott sneaker collabs, Yeezy’s, and more limited edition footwear. In addition, Vaccaro will be designing custom apparel for Konnect and the Kollective called “By Kenny.” Fans of Gamers First will also now be able to find branded merchandise that represents Austin’s esports organization.

“Fashion has always coincided with my love for both gaming and football – since these industries are all interconnected,” said Vaccaro in a release. “I’m excited to introduce Austin to the designer wear that I’ve always been a fan of and offer customers one place to explore a variety of luxury brands.”

Vaccaro’s partners for Konnect include local and upcoming entrepreneurs Gino Silvas, Will Harper, Jake White, and Rafael Mercardo; his executive assistant, Miranda Paige Klaproth, will be managing operations.

The new store features a custom, hand-painted sign by local artist Andrew Manning, who uses traditional techniques including hand lettering, glass gliding, and custom mural painting. Located at 200 Academy Drive, Konnect joins other high-end retail neighbors, like the new Hermes store, which opened in April 2021.

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Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

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