COOL COLLABS

Top Texas brands Consuela and James Avery issue colorful collab

The collection includes both jewelry and handbags with cross-influence.

Photo courtesy of Consuela and James Avery

Two of Texas’ most coveted lifestyle brands are joining forces for the first time ever. Austin handbag maker Consuela and Kerrville's James Avery Artisan Jewelry have teamed up on a limited-edition collection of jewelry, charms, handbags, and accessories that the brands say celebrate artistry, individuality, and deep personal meaning.

“At Consuela, our inspiration isn’t a trend, forecast or passing theme — we begin with art, always," explains says Consuela founder, Conni Reed, via a release. "Through our Art of the Unmatched design philosophy, we create layered stories of texture, color, pattern and iconography shaped by curiosity, craft and soul."

Consuela x James Avery collaboration A collection of James Avery X Consuela charms.Photo courtesy of Consuela and James Avery

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the collaboration captures both brands’ mutual dedication to creating pieces that tell a story, reimagining signature Consuela motifs through the lens of James Avery craftsmanship. The collection includes sterling silver and enameled charms, including a miniature replica of Consuela’s best-selling Classic Tote.

The lineup also includes Consuela’s colorfully hand-embroidered felt letter charms, reinterpreted as an alphabet of jewelry charms. In addition to the collaboration pieces, Reed has handpicked some of her favorite James Avery classics and introduced a new handbag print — a take on the brand's signature rose motif in James Avery coral.

Consuela x James Avery collaboration Consuela's brand-new handbag print.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The Consuela x James Avery collaboration launched Monday, October 6, online at consuelastyle.com and jamesavery.com, in three Consuela stores, and at select James Avery retail locations.

Prices range from $19 to $175 for Consuela handbags and bag charms, and $79 to $89 for James Avery jewelry charms. All Consuela handbags in the line are made from the brand’s proprietary ConsuelaCloth, a durable, wipeable material.

Consuela x James Avery collaboration Consuela's classic tote was reimagined as a James Avery charm. Photo courtesy of Consuela and James Avery

“This collaboration is more than a partnership — it’s a celebration of shared values," Karina Dolgin, chief product & revenue officer of James Avery Artisan Jewelry, said in a press release. "James Avery and Consuela are rooted in community, craft, and respect for the artisans who bring our visions to life. We’re united by our commitment to thoughtful design and authentic storytelling.”

jewelry handbags kerrville austin fashion accessories collabs

RETAIL WATCH

Texas Attorney General investigating fast-fashion giant Shein

Photo courtesy of SHEIN

Shein is now under investigation from the Texas Attorney General.

Critics of fast fashion have found a strange bedfellow in Ken Paxton. On December 1, the Texas Attorney General announced he was investigating online retailer Shein for alleged unethical labor practices and unsafe consumer products.

According to a release from Paxton’s office, the inquiry aims to find out if Shein’s “supply chain and manufacturing practices violate Texas law by using toxic or hazardous materials, misleading consumers about product safety, and misleading consumers about ethical sourcing.” The probe will also look into the corporation’s data collection and privacy practices.

In a statement, Paxton put a partisan spin on the investigation.

“Safe, non-toxic material and products are another key ingredient to [Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s] Make America Healthy Again movement,” said Paxton in the release. “Any company that cuts corners on labor standards or product safety, especially those operating in foreign nations like China, will be held accountable.”

Paxton’s move unexpectedly aligns the AG with environmental watchdogs. Nonprofit Yale Climate Connections has long sounded the alarm about the Singapore-based e-tailer, calling it one of the world’s biggest polluters. Paxton has long railed against climate change regulations and sued the Biden administration several times to block emissions rules.

The investigation is part of a larger Republican crackdown on Chinese consumer products. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are debating new restrictions on Shenzhen-based aerial drone maker DJI, and Senator Tom Cotton has called for investigations of “Communist Chinese” companies SHEIN and Temu. The September Texas vape ban specifically banned disposable e-cigarettes manufactured in the country.

In a statement emailed to multiple media outlets, Shein said it would comply with Paxton’s investigation.

“SHEIN takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to cooperating,” a spokesperson said. “Our mission — to provide affordable, fashionable products to customers around the world — is underpinned by a dedication to safety, compliance, and respect for human rights.”

The controversy will likely have little effect on Shein’s popularity with Zoomers. The company snagged an estimated $38 billion in sales in 2024 and has an average of 24.7 million active app users each month.

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