Consuela, a fashion and lifestyle brand with headquarters in Austin and Mexico, will unveil its new flagship store design at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Katy.

The details

Consuela is known for its textural, handcrafted handbags and accessories that include bag straps, wallets, bag charms and cosmetic cases, per its website.
Consuela sells seasonal collections of handcrafted handbags and accessories, including bag straps, wallets, bag charms and cosmetic cases. (Courtesy Andrea Calo)
The brand has expanded into Katy's LaCenterra retail center with a 4,157-square-foot shop. The store features a pink tile exterior, custom iron fixtures, handcrafted wooden displays and elements sourced from artisans in Leon, Mexico, according to a March 24 news release.

The new store design, trademarked "The Art of the Unmatched," is described in the release as the basis, foundation and inspiration for each collection. Its collage of colors, textures and patterns are purposefully "unmatched" to mirror the brand's representation of life's journey.
The 4,157-square-foot shop's eclectic store design is described as the basis, foundation and inspiration for each collection. (Courtesy Andrea Calo)


What's in a name?


Founder Conni Reed, originally from the Houston area, started the brand in 2005, per the release. Reed said in a statement the Katy expansion strengthens Consuela's ties to the Greater Houston community, while helping usher in the next iteration of the brand as Consuela prepares to expand beyond accessories and handbags.

The name "Consuela" is derived from the Spanish verb "consolar," which means to console, comfort and uplift, according to the release. This is reflected in Consuela's mission and inspired by Reed's childhood trips to Mexico.
Conni Reed founded Consuela in 2005, per the release. (Courtesy Andrea Calo)
The inspiration

Consuela's bags and accessories are produced by Mexican-owned factories and influenced by Mexican artists and their communities, Reed said in the release. Mexican artists' time-honored techniques are reflected in the weaving, embroidery, bead work and papier-mache influences of Consuela's products.
Consuela's designs utilize textures, embroidery, bead work and papier-mache inspired by Mexican artisans. (Courtesy Consuelo)
Quote of note

"As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we reflect on the love, support and partnerships we have nurtured with our spirited customer communities, retailers, artisans and team members who have stood by our side in our purposeful mission to ‘Make Today Ridiculously Awesome,'" Reed said in the release.