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    For Mom

    Designer Toni Whitaker makes a dramatic comeback after a forced hiatus from fashion

    Darla Guillen
    May 19, 2013 | 5:55 pm

    “It’s good to know you’ve been missed,” designer Toni Whitaker says of the show marking her triumphant return to the fashion scene.

    Whitaker took an almost four-year, forced hiatus from her successful career in fashion design to care for her ill mother, who has since made a recovery and who attended the show at the Laura Rathe Gallery in a wheelchair, proudly observing her daughter’s new collection.

    Although the room was filled with fans, friends, peers and general well-wishers, the show still felt small and intimate. It was clear that more than just welcoming back a talented designer and curiously observing her latest collection, they were rooting for a friend. It’s not hard to see why — just a few minutes into a conversation with the talented designer and I was instantly put at ease.

    “I’m a Southern woman. Even when they’re dramatic and a little daring, they’re still very ladylike dresses."

    There’s something about the warmth she inspires — a combination of authenticity in her speech and honesty in her smile that forges an instant connection with her audience. That authenticity was directly reflected in her collection, as bare-faced models strutted down the runway. Four separate vignettes came together as one single collection and conveyed the designer’s aesthetic in different expressions.

    The first was Toni Whitaker Vintage, a retrospective on the Little Black Dress, with pleats and detail in the design that created movement in the solid black fabric. The second was a series of tie-dye garments in muted tones, subtle in hue but dramatic in design — with plunging necklines and staining that began at waist-level or lower, becoming progressively darker from top to bottom.

    The third was Raffia Out of Africa. This set was the most rustic of the collection with raw fabrics in earth tones. One piece featured a fabric that took its pattern from the texture of a Zaire tree in Africa, a design that was toned down by a darker, solid fabric that lay over the skirt and was cleverly held together by a magnet.

    The fourth vignette in the collection was Gauze. This set of looks was composed of crisp, clean pieces that left no room for error in construction, as solid white fabric showcased their flawless execution.

    Lloyd Gite, Whitaker’s friend of 30 years, and the host of the Thursday night runway show, donated all of the fabrics that worked collectively as a muse for Whitaker's new collection. They were what would have seemed like a challenge to almost any other designer: Notoriously stubborn fabrics — raw materials and stiff linen- — masterfully manipulated to look delicate. Whitaker says these are her favorite textiles to use.

    “I like natural fabrics, I like the way they breathe and mold to the body and play on the body,” Whitaker says. “I love linens and gauzes, and thought [they were] perfect for Houston now and for vacationing.”

    "It was never my intention to leave, but my mother is my priority."

    Whitaker’s unapologetically feminine designs are powerful in their restraint. The plunging necklines in solid tones are paired with layers of fabric that never feel excessive or superfluous. Every inch of fabric is completely necessary and intentional. And each is mercifully devoid of busy, ruffled flowery patterns — conveying femininity purely by cut and design.

    “I’m a Southern woman. Even when they’re dramatic and a little daring, they’re still very ladylike dresses . . . I love for women to look like women,” Whitaker says.

    This relaunch was everything anyone in attendance could have hoped for, utterly satisfying with well-constructed pieces in striking fabrics. Designers David Peck and Chloe Dao, Andrea Bonner, Barbara Seymour and Renee Logans attended, showing their support. After that obligatory break, Whitaker is ready to create art for women again.

    “It was never my intention to leave, but my mother is my priority,” Whitaker says. “Now it’s time to get back to work.”

    From the gauze vignette, this was the last look of the night.

    369 Houston Toni Whitaker fashion show May 2013
      
    Photo by David Bartkowiak
    From the gauze vignette, this was the last look of the night.
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    WHERE TO SHOP IN JUNE

    Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with fresh summer finds

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jun 2, 2025 | 10:30 am
    Rothy's Shoes
    Photo Courtesy of Rothy's/Facebook
    Sustainable shoe brand Rothy's recently opened its first store in Houston.

    The first official day of summer is almost here, and June is the perfect time to get out and shop. With Father's Day approaching, it's a good moment to pick up something just for Dad. New product drops, collaborations, and markets are also in full swing, giving Houstonians a chance to find one-of-a-kind items.

    We've curated the best of Houston's retail scene to make shopping this month easy and fun.

    Bisong Art Gallery
    Local artists and creatives will showcase their work in celebration of Juneteenth at the Juneteenth Fashion Exhibit and pop-up shop on June 22 from 3-5 pm. Guests can shop for unique pieces and meet the makers at the afternoon event.

    Birkenstock
    Birkenstock has officially opened its doors in Rice Village, bringing its iconic comfort and style to the heart of Houston. Shoppers can now explore the full range of footwear at its first Bayou City boutique, from classic sandals to new seasonal styles.

    Chloe Dao
    Houston designer Chloe Dao's M-K-T Heights store is brimming with summer finds. Check out the latest light and bright colors, including a creamsicle-inspired two-piece set and chic white dresses perfect for every summer occasion.

    Gucci
    The Italian luxury fashion house recently unveiled the latest Gucci Tennis collection inspired by archival pieces from the 1970s. The collection celebrates the timeless allure and effortless confidence of the sport's lifestyle and is available online and at the Gucci boutique in The Galleria.

    Hobbs London
    Offering timeless British style since 1981, Hobbs London is now open in The Galleria near Saks Fifth Avenue. Customers can expect modern cuts, contemporary tailoring, and effortless silhouettes rooted in heritage and timeless design.

    Hunter Bell x Heimat Atlantica
    Houston-based designer Hunter Bell joined forces with Heimat Atlantica for a collaboration that showcases her signature prints with Heimat Atlantica's traditional Portuguese reed weaving. The collaboration consists of two limited-edition, hand-woven styles featuring a curved silhouette and custom patches inspired by Hunter Bell's vibrant designs. Available in two sizes and prints, the bags are this summer's must-have accessory.

    Jackson Vaughn
    Jackson Vaughn has officially opened its newest location in Houston's CityCentre, offering a curated selection of artisan candles and home fragrances. The brand is best known for its hand-poured soy wax blends and collections inspired by Texas heritage and travel.

    Léránt
    Go beyond the tie for Dad this Father's Day and get him a gift he will use and enjoy. Léránt offers several gift-giving opportunities, including a Portrait Whiskey Decanter and a Nachtmann Aspen Whiskey Glass Set. Both are great for hosting dinner parties or unwinding with a well-deserved nightcap.

    Le Creuset
    Le Creuset, the iconic French cookware brand celebrated for its vibrant colors and timeless craftsmanship, recently opened its largest store in the Houston area. Located in Conroe, the Le Creuset Conroe store is the brand's most modern retail concept, featuring the largest selection of Le Creuset products under one roof.

    Mango
    Spanish brand Mango now has an even larger presence in the Bayou City, with a second outpost at The Galleria. One of Europe's leading fashion groups, the brand is sought out for its design, creativity, and sustainability.

    Omega
    Omega has continually made significant contributions to the art of watchmaking since its founding in 1848. Classics by the brand include the calibre "Omega" introduced in 1894 and the "Marine" created in 1932. Houston shoppers can get their hands on all the latest Omega timepieces at its new boutique in The Galleria.

    Parker Joe
    One of Houston's only stores dedicated to boy's clothing and accessories opened its doors in Rice Village. Parker Joe offers a curated selection of toys, games, books, Texas-themed stuffed animals, and some of the most distinctive and coveted apparel brands on the market.

    Rothy's
    Rothy's, recognized for its sustainable shoes, bags, and accessories, has turned millions of plastic bottles and other materials into comfortable, washable styles. The fashion brand recently opened its first Houston location in The Galleria near Saks Fifth Avenue.

    Rothy's Shoes
      

    Photo Courtesy of Rothy's/Facebook

    Sustainable shoe brand Rothy's recently opened its first store in Houston.

    best stores in houstonhouston brandschloe daohunter bell nycrothy'swhere to shop in houston
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