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    Making Coco Proud

    One hot little black dress: College designer takes the fashion staple into a sexy future — for the win

    Heather Staible
    May 23, 2014 | 10:34 am

    The fashion scene at Little Black Dress Designer competition Wednesday night at the House of Blues would certainly have made Coco Chanel proud. From sequins and sheaths to lace and leather, the LBD was the unofficial dress code of the night, but all eyes were on the frock made by Gabby Ong, the Houston winner of the Little Black Dress Designer competition sponsored by Audi Central Houston.

    The evening certainly drew nearly every key member of Houston’s fashion community. They came to support the mission of the contest and flaunt their own interpretation of the Little Black Dress. It’s an ideal match, and one Jeff Shell has cultivated since creating the competition in 2008.

    “The LBD is the perfect subject for competition for design students. It’s the dress you can wear day or night. It’s the everything dress,” Shell said.

    After the runway show, Shell gave the crowd just moments to text in their favorite dress, sending phones and fingers flying.

    Ong’s everything dress had the appearance of being made from laser cut leather, but the Houston Community College student said she hand cut the material after seeing a Chanel advertisement.

    “I got the inspiration from a Chanel ad with beautiful stairs and really unique banister. I took the design and implemented it on the dress and made all the cutouts,” Ong said.

    Shell has also spread the competition to Dallas where designer Mai Pham wowed with her winning dress. Winners receive part of a $34,000 scholarship fund to the school of their choice.

    Claire Ferran locked in the second place honors and Natthakan Chomphuwiset won third place and there is still an audience choice winner to be announced. After the runway show, Shell gave the crowd just moments to text in their favorite dress, sending phones and fingers flying. The winner will be announced in the coming week and share in the scholarship fund.

    Shannon Hall, Vivian Wise and Debbie Pakzaban chaired the event which also honored Julia Anderson Frankel, founder of Houston Community College’s Passion for Fashion luncheon. The students in both cities will work with designer mentors over the summer, while looking to influential fashionistas as muses. Shell hinted at a fall event to unveil their efforts.

    Good thing we know just what to wear.

    Sydney Dao, Kim Dunn, Amber Willis.

      
    Photo by Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Sydney Dao, Kim Dunn, Amber Willis.
    unspecified
    news/fashion

    WHERE TO SHOP IN MAY

    12 best Houston shops and stops for Mother's Day, grads, and getaways

    Gabi De la Rosa
    May 1, 2025 | 11:40 am
    Moms and kids in River Oaks District
    Photo courtesy of River Oaks District
    River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

    Mother's Day is around the corner, graduation season is about to be in full swing, and jet-setting getaways are calling. This month is the time to elevate everyone's wardrobe and gift-giving game. Fortunately, Houston's finest brands and boutiques are up to the task.

    From buzzy store openings to new collections and must-visit events, we've curated a cheat sheet of what's hot and happening to make it easier to shop smarter and celebrate in style.

    ALOCS
    Get a taste of the West Coast with the opening of Desto Dubb's streetwear brand, That's an Awful Lot of Cough Syrup (ALOCS), on May 10. ALOCS's new store is located in the Museum District, and the brand has partnered with Exotic Pop to create a location that celebrates both fashion and music. Houstonians will have access to both ALOCS's classic and limited-edition collections, consisting of hoodies, t-shirts, matching sets, and accessories.

    Amir Taghi
    Taking inspiration from his Persian upbringing and modern design, Houston designer Amir Taghi's newest collection features suiting, slim silhouettes, and draped fabric. Available at Neiman Marcus and online, Taghi's latest collection is excellent for travel and transitional weather pieces.

    Consuela
    Find gifts for mom at Consuela's newest outpost in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The vibrant Texas and Mexico-based brand has several handcrafted bags and accessories, from large tote bags to small clutches and handbags. Shoppers can elevate every look with a bag charm or colorful bag strap.

    Gorjana
    Share So-Cal-inspired fashion with moms, graduates, or birthday gals this month with Gorjana's new collection of charm necklaces. There are several types to choose from, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Available at all Houston locations, styles include pearls, crosses, hearts, love knots, butterflies, and more.

    Lark & Berry
    Shopping for mom has never been easier at Houston's newest jewelry boutique specializing in ethical diamonds. Lark & Berry has several pieces that are perfect for Mother's Day. Through May 13, they are offering 15% off all in-store purchases.

    Lucchese Bootmaker
    Spring is in full swing, and Lucchese Bootmaker has released its newest collection. Botanica features floral designs, pastel colors, and premium leather. The women's collection is available in two colorways for both the Priscilla and Tilly boot styles. In addition to boots, Lucchese also launched spring-inspired dresses, tops, scarves, and belts.

    Montrose Collective
    Glossier's Balm Dotworld mobile unit is making a stop in Houston on May 3-4 from 11:30 am - 7:30 pm to debut its newest balm flavor, Espresso. The 360-degree Balm Dotworld mobile unit has been transformed to offer a fully immersive Espresso brand activation where guests will experience the playful universe of Balm Dotcom through interactive activities like keychain personalization and a photo booth. There will be brand ambassadors on hand with samples, and attendees will be able to purchase their favorite balms and Glossier products, all within a self-guided format.

    Pucci
    Famed Italian brand Pucci recently opened its first Texas outpost in River Oaks District. Shoppers will find ready-to-wear pieces, including mini dresses, caftans, and separates. The bold patterns and bright colors the brand is known for are displayed throughout the store, and accessories, including handbags, scarves, and sunglasses, are available.

    River Oaks District
    On Saturday, May 10, from 12-2 pm, River Oaks District is the best place to pamper moms at aMother's Day Affair. Moms will enjoy complimentary mimosas, live music, and a day of exclusive in-store shopping experiences from more than a dozen of its retailers. Attendees begin in The Park to receive their Shopping Passport, which will guide them through curated activations, signature cocktails, and many photo opportunities. Participating stores include St. Bernard, Christy Lynn, Biologique Recherche, Assouline, Jo Malone London, Cos Bar, Frame, Jenny Kayne, and more.

    Shaftel Diamonds
    Store founder and president Keith Shaftel is retiring after 47 years, and the family-owned jeweler is hosting its largest sale ever, with items up to 70 percent off. The retirement sale is a unique opportunity for customers to purchase fine jewelry and rare gemstones with substantial discounts on pre-tariff prices.

    South to North
    Showcasing the best of Latin America, South to North is bringing two dazzling brands into their Autry Park location this month. Montserrat Messeguer, a favorite of Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski, blends Mexican heritage with modern silhouettes and will be available beginning May 1. Escvdo, one of Peru's leading ethical luxury fashion houses, will host a trunk show on May 14.

    Studs
    Ear piercing and earrings brand Studs has collaborated with Van Leeuwen for a sweet, crave-worthy set of earrings. The Cherry On Top collection includes earrings from Studs and a Van Leeuwen ice cream sundae. Styles include a Cherry Charm, an Ice Cream Charm, and a Cherry on Top Set. The limited-edition collaboration is available online and in Studs stores.

    Moms and kids in River Oaks District
      

    Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

    River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

    best places to shop in houstonpucciconsuelashaftel diamondsriver oaks districtwhere to shop in houston
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