give 'em the boot

Texas 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 The Domain in Austin, 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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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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