Sartorial Charity

Chloe Dao reveals new spring summer collection — and her Spanx — at benefit runway show

Between the flurry of voluminous brocade gowns, classic summer staples and bold graphic prints, it was easy to forget that designer Chloe Dao’s latest runway show was actually a charity event.

“It’s not about me tonight, it’s all about BPSOS,” Dao told the crowd at The Hess Club, moments before her spring/summer 2013 collection hit the runway. It benefited Boat People SOS, a grass-roots organization that equips Vietnamese Americans with basic necessities and professional development.

It might have been about BPSOS, but with Dao it’s also all about her clientele. Maintaining the flattering, body-conscious silhouettes for which she’s famous, Dao has created a collection that looks as stunning on her and her petite friends who walked the catwalk in a few looks as it does on the statuesque models.

Dao is still as focused on making women feel confident now as she was as a contestant — and the winner — on season two of Project Runway.

The gowns and cocktail looks were less ethereal than we’ve seen in the past, leaning more towards the architectural and structured — except for a few chiffon tops that featured an asymmetric tail hem, showcasing her signature romantic flair.

As for daytime looks, Dao's famous Talia dress and Megan halter tops sported azalea-hued floral prints and bold stripes in a vibrant summer palette. The busier patterns and tops were anchored by her simple white Jordan shorts. Lastly, her zigzag (think garnet chevron), ever-popular Peyton dress was on display in orange and royal blue.

As for the woman behind the eponymous line, Dao is still as focused on making women feel confident now as she was as a contestant — and the winner — on season two of Project Runway.

When approached by an attendee and complimented on the top she was wearing, Dao quickly said, “I’ll make you one,” before lifting it up to demonstrate how to wear it, aware of but indifferent to the fact that she was flashing her Spanx in front of a room of photographers.

It’s precisely that intense dedication to pleasing her clientele that gave Dao staying power on the reality show and that will likely continue bringing her success in Houston and abroad.

“It’s not about me tonight, it’s all about BPSOS,” Dao told the crowd about the charity Boat People SOS.

Chloe Dao Fashion Show May 2013 speaking at mic

Photo by © Charles Richard Visual Culture

“It’s not about me tonight, it’s all about BPSOS,” Dao told the crowd about the charity Boat People SOS.

unspecified

boots with a story

Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

Houston bootmaker, Republic Boot Company, turns gator hunts into a custom pair of boots.

In Houston, where custom boots are a source of great pride and style, one local brand is taking the bespoke boot experience to a new level. Republic Boot Company, known for its elevated, hand-crafted creations, just launched a Gator Hunt Experiencewhere customers can source an alligator hide, which will be transformed into a pair of cowboy boots.

Part adventure and part traditional craftsmanship, the experience begins with a hunt in the marshlands near Anahuac, about an hour from Houston, and ends with a custom-made pair of alligator-skin cowboy boots tailored to the client's vision by a Republic Boot Company boot specialist.

"At Republic Boot Company, we pride ourselves on crafting boots that are not just footwear, but a legacy," said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. "This new Gator Hunt Experience takes that commitment to personalization to an unprecedented level, offering our customers a unique and memorable journey taking them from the bayou to the heart of the Bayou City."

The gator hunt is $5,000 per person and includes an 8.5-foot alligator (larger alligators incur extra costs). Individuals of all experience levels can participate, and all necessary permits and equipment are provided to ensure a safe adventure. After the hunt, the hide will be tanned during an eight-month process to ensure a one-of-a-kind pair of boots. Just in case the kicks aren't enough of a conversation starter, participants will also receive a professional mount of the alligator head.

Alligator hunting season runs from September 11 to September 30, so the boots won't be ready for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Once they are complete, however, they will be wearable pieces of art with a memorable story behind them. Those interested in extending their only-in-Texas half-day hunt into an overnight experience can book overnight accommodations through Republic Boot Company.

custom boots in houston houston custom boots alligator boots republic boot company