naeem's first rodeo

Globally renowned fashion designer Naeem Khan stops by Houston for exclusive show and his first rodeo

Susan Plank and Naeem Khan.

Photo by Johnny Than

Few designers have amassed the sort of following as has Naeem Khan. Besides passionately loyal Texas devotees, Khan, who was born in Mumbai, counts Michelle Obama and countless Hollywood celebrities as fans.

So it was little wonder that his exclusive luncheon at Neiman Marcus was the talk of Houston’s society and fashion set. In town for a sneak peek of his new fall 2022 collection, Khan hosted a who’s-who of stylish locals at Neiman Marcus’s second floor Couture department, where models strutted in his signature looks and designs.

Fittingly for rodeo season, Khan sat with Champagne Cowgirls Kristina Somerville and Hallie Vanderhider. (The Cowgirls are a group of 20 leading local ladies who support the rodeo and are usually the highest bidders at the Junior Market Steer Auction.)

For literally his first rodeo, Khan was gifted front-row rodeo tickets — a generous offering Somerville personally presented to the grateful designer.

Fans of Khan also gathered for looks from a special Naeem Khan Trunk Show that included a curated selection from the spring, pre-fall, and fall 2022 collections.

Truly an American — and worldwide — success story, Khan has made it his mission to ensure his clothes make women look what he describes as “elegantly sexy.” The humble Khan once told CultureMap that’s he’s only truly been successful in the last decade of his storied, 30-year career.

Indeed, the future is as bright for him as one of his shimmering evening gowns.

Seen in the elegant crowd: Kristina Somerville, Hallie Vanderhider, Lesha Elsenbrook, Susan Plank, Leticia & Stephen Trauber, Elia Gabbanelli, Tara Martin, Ceron, Zinat Ahmed, Vicki West, Jennifer Torres, Kathy McCord, and Sarah McCord.

Khan's vibrant designs wowed the crowd.

Photo by Johnny Than

Khan's vibrant designs wowed the crowd.

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Young Voices

Salvation Army celebrates bright futures and big dreams in Houston

Salvation Army Brighter Future Awards Banquest 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Many of the students are first-generation college attendees.

Hope shone bright at the River Oaks Country Club, where more than 60 high school students gathered for the Brighter Futures Awards Banquet, each vying for scholarship support through The Salvation Army’s Youth of the Year Scholarship Program.

Chaired by Youth of the Year Ambassador Merele Yarborough, the March 6 evening honored student achievement and community generosity in equal measure. Yarborough extended thanks to H-E-B for serving as the evening’s presenting sponsor, and a round of applause went to every donor who has helped fuel a program that’s raised more than $3 million over nearly two decades.

The spotlight also turned to Houston philanthropist and business leader Charles Roff, who was recognized for his steadfast commitment to the mission. A former chair of The Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Clubs Advisory Council and current member of its Advisory Board, Roff has supported the organization’s evolution, which is now home to six Red Shield Youth Centers across the city.

Founded by board member Judi McGee, the Youth of the Year Scholarship Program has awarded more than 400 scholarships to students ages 12 to 18, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

As Frances Howard and Mary Sage explained, the program changes lives. With each scholarship awarded, a new chapter begins not only for the students, but for their families and communities as well.

Judges for the 2024 competition included a who’s who of community advocates and Salvation Army collaborationleaders. Among them were Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Sidney Faust, Susan Binney, Debby Leighton, John Hrncir, Maureen Higdon, Tamara Bonar, and Dr. Jim Bonar.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Many of the students are first-generation college attendees.

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