Irreverent men's retailer is packing up its short-shorts and relocating to Austin

business move

Quirky fashion brand Chubbies Shorts is moving its headquarters to Austin by the end of the year, the company announced in a September email to customers.

Known for its stylish short-shorts for men, Chubbies is an online clothing brand founded in 2011. The San Francisco-based company is in the process of moving most of its 65 employees at headquarters to the Capital City.

In an interview with the San Francisco Business Times, Chubbies co-founder Kyle Hency explained that the team still loves San Francisco, but it didn't see a future in which employees could start families, buy homes, and live comfortably in the Bay Area.

"We decided it was best to move the company to a city that was very entrepreneurial, business-friendly, and that employees would really like," he told the, adding that most of the 65 employees at headquarters are between 25 and 30 years old.

The company isn't alone in that realization. In recent years, Bay Area companies have either moved services or expanded to other parts of the country, with Austin being chief among them. Cupertino-based Apple built a billion-dollar campus in North Austin, bringing 5,000 jobs on top of the thousands of others already based in the Capital City. And Menlo Park-based Google has already bought up all the office space in a new high-rise opening downtown in 2022.

Hency and three friends from Stanford University founded Chubbies in 2011. On campus, the men would sport retro short-shorts they had picked up from thrift stores and were handed down from their fathers and uncles, turning it into a business a few years after graduation and looking for a way to leave behind their day jobs, according to Business Insider.

In the years since, Chubbies has captivated the so-called frat bro, from the sassy language it uses to its irreverent marketing techniques. (Check out their prank videos and sketches here).

Once a way for its founders to avoid a typical 9-to-5, Chubbies has raised $16 million in four funding rounds since 2012.

Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images

Austin influencers toast to Teen Vogue's 16th anniversary with sweet hotel party

Sugar and Spice

What:Teen Vogue'sSweet 16

Where: P6 at The Line

The lowdown: Teen Vogue ditched its New York City offices in favor of balmy (like, very balmy) Austin to celebrate the magazine's 16th anniversary with a sweet fête on June 18. Held at P6 at The Line, Teen Vogue editor in chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner played host to a mix of influencers, media types, and the like on the hotel's expansive patio.

The Sweet 16 theme was taken quite literally, with a pink candy bar, cake stands brimming with pink-frosted cupcakes, and a machine spinning out picture-perfect tufts of cotton candy. (Even the air smelled like sugar, which can be a jarring sensory experience in a city that perpetually smells like Santal 33.)

Massive pink balloon installations and celebratory light installations proved festive backdrops for photos, as did the epic view overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue Bridge.

As the sun set on one of summer's first swelteringly hot days, attendees headed into the air-conditioned bar area to try on jewelry from Lightbox, the party's presenting sponsor. Servers milled about with light bites from P6, including Campari tomato bruschetta, Creekstone Farm beef tartar, and lump crab bites, as well as trays of wine.

With just a few minutes left, Peoples Wagner gathered the crowd together for a celebratory toast and thank you. The crowd cheered — with glasses of pink rosé, of course.

Who:Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Sally Morrison, LindseySokol, ClaireZinnecker, SofiaSokolove, ChelseaLaineFrancis, ChrisRhodes, MadilynBiscoe, TiffanyBaker, LaoluOnabanje, ChelseaMcCullough, BonnieBarton, Melat, and ZoeAnnetteBaker.

Laolu Onabanje, Teen Vogue editor in chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner, and Oyin Edogi.

Laolu Onabanje, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Oyin Edogi

Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images

Laolu Onabanje, Teen Vogue editor in chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner, and Oyin Edogi.

Photo by Shelley Neuman

This raw, inclusive show is transforming Austin's fashion underground

Moving fashion forward

On May 5, hundreds of people gathered to witness part two of a runway series put on by local indie designers Samantha Fabry, Ida Béhjat, and Melissa Taylor in collaboration with Hyperreal Film Club and sponsored by Co-Lab Projects.

On May 5, in a warehouse space located behind the Austin School of Film, hundreds of people gathered to witness part two of a runway series put on by local indie designers Samantha Fabry, Ida Béhjat, and Melissa Taylor in collaboration with Hyperreal Film Club and sponsored by Co-Lab Projects. This raw, inclusive showcase has become Austin's new fashion underground, taking the boring and uninspiring runway shows that have become all too commonplace across the city and throwing them aside. These young emerging designers (and the show's creatively dressed attendees) gave us a fresh reminder that fashion is equal parts art and self-expression. --- Design by Melissa Taylor.

Photo by Shelley Neuman

On May 5, in a warehouse space located behind the Austin School of Film, hundreds of people gathered to witness part two of a runway series put on by local indie designers Samantha Fabry, Ida Béhjat, and Melissa Taylor in collaboration with Hyperreal Film Club and sponsored by Co-Lab Projects. This raw, inclusive showcase has become Austin's new fashion underground, taking the boring and uninspiring runway shows that have become all too commonplace across the city and throwing them aside. These young emerging designers (and the show's creatively dressed attendees) gave us a fresh reminder that fashion is equal parts art and self-expression. --- Design by Melissa Taylor.

Photo by Shelley Neuman

Austin Fashion Week mesmerizes with first show of its kind

International Appeal

For the first time, Austin Fashion Week dedicated an entire showcase to international talent. Five luxury designers and nine jewelry and accessories designers from Mexico came together to showcase their talents at Moda X Mexico, held May 13 at the Driskill Hotel. Attendees all enjoyed front-row seats at this runway event, which mesmerized their senses with cultural and artistic phenomena from our neighbors to the south.

Fashion X Austin Moda X Mexico Fashion Show

Photo by Shelley Neuman

Photo by Hoyoung Lee

Texas Stylemaker launches sweet new subscription art service

Mail-Order Art

Monthly subscription services are hardly novel, but the latest iteration from Russian-born Dallasite (and 2016 CultureMap Dallas Stylemaker finalist) Ekaterina Kouznetsova shows promise. ArtMail is built on Kouznetsova’s desire to “make it effortless to buy incredible art and discover international artists.”

Like a personal curator, the service scouts exclusive museum-quality prints from a variety of international artists and then ships them to members’ doors.

Kouznetsova — a recent University of Texas at Dallas grad with bachelor’s degrees in marketing, global business, and art history — first had the idea after realizing the intimidation factor that often comes with shopping for original art.

“I noticed many of my friends outside of the art world felt intimidated by art, wanting to explore it and collect, but not knowing where to begin.”

To bridge the gap, she spent more than a year developing ArtMail, culminating with the website’s launch earlier this month.

“Placing art in a comfortable setting allows the art-curious to learn and grow at their own pace without pressure or inconvenience,” she says. “I included curated preferences, making it easy for [people] to discover great art from around the world.”

A resource for “the culturally curious, the unorthodox art collector” and “interior designers” alike, ArtMail relies on “art-watchers” in cities — Moscow; Paris; and Glasgow, Scotland, to name a few — across the globe. The goal is to create a “diverse and dynamic” selection of prints that can’t be found anywhere else.

Featured artists hail from more than 20 countries, with styles ranging from impressionistic to abstract. Artists receive a commission on every print sold, along with “increased awareness and promotion of their work, especially in the U.S. market.”

ArtMail members receive an exclusive 8-by-10-inch art print either once a month, once every two months, or once every three months, and prices start at $54. Pieces can be professionally framed for an additional charge and always come matted. To ensure each piece is in keeping with their aesthetic, members are asked to set preferences at sign-up. Not in love with the print you receive? Return it within two weeks for a full refund.

In mid-2017, Kouznetsova plans to hold an ArtMail Masters show, where art can be purchased directly from the artists.

"We're continuously working to expand our selection of sizes, frames, and artists," she says. “ArtMail has the potential to become a household name, to bring art and joy into everyday life while supporting talented artists."

Ekaterina Kouznetsova is the founder of ArtMail.

Photo by Hoyoung Lee

Ekaterina Kouznetsova is the founder of ArtMail.

Photo by Jessica Pages

Austin's most stylish man and woman revealed: Meet the 2016 Stylemaker winners

Meet the Stylemakers

The time has come to reveal the winners of our second annual CultureMap Stylemaker Awards, celebrating the most stylish people in Austin.

In September, we introduced you to the 12 semifinalists, nominated by our savvy readers and selected by a panel featuring CultureMap editors and 2015 readers' choice winner Shelley Neuman. From those semifinalists, six finalists emerged: Gillian Driscoll, Brittany Merida, Viraj Patel, Megan Runser, Lamar Sanchez, and Carly Uson.

Before they moved on to the final round of public voting, we treated each to a photo shoot with Austin photographer Jessica Pages. We also scooped up some style secrets from the bunch that you can read here — but now onto the reveal.

Who's the most stylish of them all? Meet the 2016 CultureMap Stylemaker winners, chosen by our readers and panel, below.

Readers' choice winner: Lamar Sanchez
There's no denying that this Austin entertainer has eye-catching style. He received an overwhelming 60 percent of the vote to be named the 2016 readers' choice winner.

Born in Belize City but raised in Austin, Lamar says his idiosyncratic style has developed naturally. He effortlessly blends tailored Ralph Lauren suits with Dr. Martens for what can only be described as a standout, trendsetting look. "He's not afraid to push boundaries and definitely has the modern dandy look down," says 2015 readers' choice winner Shelley Neuman.

Editors' choice winner: Megan Runser
Megan's fashion story is an inspirational one. Her love of fashion continued to shine even as she battled and beat Hodgkin's lymphoma. In 2014, she partnered with BaubleBar on the As Good As Gold collection, which benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Kendra Scott brand manager's secret to being stylish? "Wear what makes you happy, regardless of what a magazine or a blog says is 'cool' to wear," she says. "I proudly rocked a ridiculous(ly awesome) sequin kimono jacket over my hospital gown with my chemo machine dragging behind me while in isolation for my bone marrow transplant. Having my inner style shine through helped me feel more like me during a time when I barely recognized or felt like myself."

Readers' choice winner Lamar Sanchez.

Austin Stylemakers Finalists 2016 Lamar Sanchez

Photo by Jessica Pages

Readers' choice winner Lamar Sanchez.

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Kendra Scott teams up with Texan style influencer for milestone breast cancer awareness collection

Wear for a cure

Kendra Scott is already basically the mayor of Austin, but for a new collection the lifestyle brand is kicking its philanthropy up a notch. This will be the first time an entire collection will give back, and the focus is turned to an indisputably important cause: breast cancer research.

Kendra Scott — who loves a Texas connection — is joining native Houston fashion influencer Nasreen Shahi (@heynasreen), for a limited-edition jewelry collection. It will include two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, and a bracelet, all named after Shahi's mother.

Although Shahi's mother is the muse, it is her own experience with breast cancer that ties the collection to the cause. The fashion maven was diagnosed in 2021, and it's the outpouring of community support that the collection celebrates.

"This is a difficult month for most survivors because you reflect on so much of your own journey," wrote Shahi on Instagram on October 1, commemorating the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

See on Instagram

The pieces are gold (with some silver options) and very simple, setting stones in abstract patterns meant to be layered. The centerpiece is an emerald eye of protection, a classic Middle Eastern motif. A release states that avoiding pink was intentional, but does not share why. From a wearer's perspective, it may feel refreshing to wear a breast cancer collection that isn't so literal, and doesn't invite questions about the wearer's intent or connection.

Kendra Scott x Nasreen Shahi from @heynasreen collection necklace Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott and Shahi have been "close partners" in previous years (the influencer has been featured on the Kendra Scott blog), but this is the first collaborative collection. All pieces will result in a 20 percent donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

The Kendra Scott x Nasreen Shahi from @heynasreen collection ($55-85) is available at kendrascott.com and in Kendra Scott retail stores.

8 immersive art exhibits to get lost in this October in Austin

state of the arts

From immersive worlds to thought-provoking themes, a series of captivating art shows invite you to embark on eye-opening journeys this October in Austin.

At Wonderspaces, step into fantastical worlds during a month-long showcase. Get immersed in stories like “Gloomy Eyes,” a poignant VR experience narrated by Academy Award winner Colin Farrell.

Meanwhile, renowned abstract artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks draw inspiration from color theory legend Josef Albers in their joint exhibition “Chroma+Lux” at Link & Pin; At the Dougherty Arts Center, explore nostalgia, violence, and contemporary culture through Neil Flynn’s thought-provoking assemblages in his solo exhibition “Access"; and across town, Swiss artist Simon Berger makes his Texas debut at West Chelsea Contemporary.

Cloud Tree Studios

Valerie Fowler: “Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds” — through October 14
Experience the contemplative reveries of Valerie Fowler's latest exhibition, "Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds," at Austin's Cloud Tree Gallery. Fowler's 17 oil paintings, including four large diptychs, offer a poignant meditation on nature's imperfect symmetries, the human body's vulnerabilities, and our fragile bond with Earth. Enter worlds both familiar and reimagined as Fowler explores themes of broken patterns, generational pain, death, rebirth, and sacrifice. Feel the raw power and delicate beauty of the mostly female forms that inhabit these winding landscapes. Let Fowler be your guide through alarming yet captivating vistas that illuminate our imperative to cherish and protect our shared home in this era of climate catastrophe.

West Chelsea Contemporary

Simon Berger: “Beauty in Destruction” — through October 15
Berger, an acclaimed Swiss artist, transforms reinforced safety glass into stunning portraits with a hammer, challenging traditional norms about glass as an artistic medium. With more than 40 new works exclusively for West Chelsea Contemporary, this exhibition marks Berger’s Texas debut. Berger's work resonates globally, as the artist has exhibited worldwide and collaborated with prestigious institutions. Through his lens, he invites viewers to perceive the world differently and discover beauty in unexpected places.

Link & Pin

Larry Akers and Janet Brooks: “Chroma+Lux: Abstractions in Color and Light” — October 5-29
Renowned artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks invite viewers to dive into a vibrant world of color and illumination through “Chroma+Lux.” Akers' mathematically intricate sculptural designs and Brooks' visually striking abstract paintings draw inspiration from color theory visionary Josef Albers. Experience geometric patterns transformed into thought-provoking abstract artworks that engage the senses. See how light interacts with color to produce visually enthralling sculptures and paintings. Ignite your curiosity and imagination at this can't-miss showcase melding science, math and art.

Wally Workman Gallery

Sarah Ferguson: “Continuum” — October 7-29
This Austin-based artist, known for her brilliant exploration of light, color, and perception, presents a vibrant and immersive experience that encourages viewers to contemplate life, death, and the mysteries beyond through meditation and self-discovery. Each painting in the exhibition acts as a beacon, enticing viewers into a hypnotic shift where chaos morphs into geometric harmony, guiding them towards a deeper, more insightful, and healed space. Drawing inspiration from the Light and Space art movement, minimalism, hard-edge painting, and geometric abstraction, Ferguson's work promises a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Wonderspaces

Fernando Maldonado and Jorge Tereso: “Gloomy Eyes” — October 8, 15, 22, and 29
Step into a world of wonder this October at Wonderspaces Austin. Journey alongside Gloomy, a zombie boy, as Colin Farrell narrates his touching 50-minute VR voyage from despair to hope in the award-winning "Gloomy Eyes." This exclusive presentation immerses viewers in an imaginative new world. Beyond this exclusive presentation, Wonderspaces hosts 17 interactive installations year-round, including "Human Study #1," where guests become the subject of robot-made portraits, and "RULES," a collaborative evolving artwork.

Photo courtesy of Virginia L. Montgomery

Virginia L. Montgomery explores native Texas luna moths.

Dougherty Arts Center

Neil Flynn: “Access” — through November 25
Flynn's work, primarily featuring new assemblage, collage, and site-specific interventions, delves deeply into themes of nostalgia, loss, violence, ownership, and aspects of contemporary Western culture. His artistic process is characterized by collecting, journaling, photographing, researching, and reacting to the rapid societal changes we face. Like any artist, Flynn is influenced by his personal experiences; he interrogates them as a "young, white, cisgender male, gay artist, arts professional, and learner/educator." The materials and imagery he employs are reflective of a restless "Americentric culture," characterized by relentless progression and a tendency to forget the past.

Women and their Work

Virginia L. Montgomery: “Eye Moon Cocoon” — through November 30
Enter a dream world of symbols and sounds in Virginia L. Montgomery's "Eye Moon Cocoon" exhibit. This multimedia journey explores native Texas luna moths, the moon, and their intricate connections, creating a space for hope and healing. Drawing on science, mythology, and ecofeminist thought, it highlights the interconnectedness of all things and challenges oppressive hierarchies. Experience synesthesia as natural and manufactured textures coexist. Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and our shared agency in an era of climate change. This is an artistic testament to collaboration and collective healing.

Mexic-Arte Museum

Mexic-Arte Museum: "40 Years of Día de los Muertos" — through January 7, 2024
Experience the poignant beauty of honoring those we've lost at Mexic-Arte Museum's 40th annual Día de los Muertos exhibition. This year's showcase, "40 Years of Día de los Muertos," reflects on four decades of celebrating the dearly departed. Contribute a photo of a cherished loved one or admired person who has passed for the communal ofrenda. Your contribution will transform the gallery into a shared space of collective remembrance, where each photograph becomes part of a communal tapestry of stories.

Austin 'Top Chef' winner emerges after controversy to open upscale Mexican restaurant, plus more top stories

hot headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From cross-country tours to best-in-state colleges and snacks, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Austin 'Top Chef' winner emerges after controversy to open upscale Mexican restaurant. Bacalar has opened after years of preparation and controversy surrounding the chef's departure from his last role.

2. Nebraska Furniture Mart to bring massive new store and 700 jobs to Austin suburb. NFM will anchor a development that will include a 250-room hotel and 30,000-square-foot convention center.

3. Hello Kitty Cafe Truck says hi to Austin on cross-country tour. Among the new items is a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, and an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods.

4. UT Austin rises to the top in new list of best Texas schools for 2024. UT Austin claimed No. 2 in Texas, and ranked No. 32 nationally. It fared similarly in Niche's list of top public universities.

5. How to get every possible discount at the 2023 State Fair of Texas. The fair starts its 24-day run at Fair Park in Dallas on September 29, bringing with it music, games, food, and more.

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