Heart Of Fashion

Houston gets to the Heart of Fashion with runway shows featuring eclectic array of designers

Plans for Houston's biggest fashion event of the year are taking shape. The inaugural Heart of Fashion, set for November 18-20, aims to combine international style with Texas hospitality, according to founder Vivian Wise.

The private jet aviation company Million Air has signed on as a five-year sponsor for the event, which will be held at its headquarters near Hobby Airport.

Such designers and labels as Angel Sanchez, Ungaro, Norisol Ferrari, Peter Cohen, swimwear label La Isla and Houston emerging designer Paola Contreras of Inclán Studio have agreed to participate, with retail sponsorships from Tootsies, Sloan Hall, Elizabeth Anthony, Norton Ditto and Valobra.

Each night will have a charity component, with Legacy Community Health Services, Meals on Wheels and Epidermolysis Bullosa honored.

The event appears to be a replacement for Fashion Houston, the annual series of runway shows at the Wortham Theater Center each November for the past five years. A collaboration between Wise and Fashion Houston founder Jared Lang came to an abrupt halt earlier this year when Wise told CultureMap the duo had parted ways and she was creating a different event. Wise filed a lawsuit against Lang, which was settled out of court. Lang retains rights to the Fashion Houston name.

Tickets for Heart of Fashion will be available online at www.heartoffashion.com beginning August 18.

Houstonian Paola Contreras will showcase her Inclan collection at Heart of Fashion. Contreras showed a collection at Fashion Houston last year.

Photo by © Omar Marcos

Houstonian Paola Contreras will showcase her Inclan collection at Heart of Fashion. Contreras showed a collection at Fashion Houston last year.

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SOUTHERN CHARM

Reese Witherspoon's fashion brand celebrates 10 years at Houston pop-up

Photo courtesy of Draper James

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James brings its signature Southern charm to Houston’s Hotel Granduca October 16 - 19.

"Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed," Elle Woods (as played by Reese Witherspoon) declared in the classic hit Legally Blonde. No one will be disturbed, however, by the fashion icon's "The Decade Tour" stopping in Houston.

Draper James, Witherspoon's beloved lifestyle brand, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 10-city Southern tour, and Houston is one of only two Texas stops. The tour kicked off in Charleston earlier this year and will arrive at the Hotel Granduca for a four-day event from Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 19.

Attendees can expect plenty of Southern charm and Draper James' signature blue colorway. Along with sipping on Witherspoon's famous sweet tea, customers will have the opportunity to shop at the brand's curated pop-up and preview the latest Draper James collections. Each day will feature a new bespoke experience. On Thursday, shoppers can enjoy pajama embroidery by Stitch & Press Embroidery. Friday features personalized Decade Tour candles and totes by The Brilliant Brush. On Saturday, Spark Jewelry Co will sell its custom jewelry.

Reese Witherspoon Draper James Guests can sip sweet tea and shop Draper James’ latest collections during The Decade Tour.Photo courtesy of Draper James

"A decade ago, Reese Witherspoon founded Draper James to share the beauty, charm, and warmth of her Southern heritage," said Jeannie Yoo, CEO of Draper James. "This brand exists to celebrate women — their strength, individuality, and grace. As we mark this milestone anniversary, our tour is a heartfelt way to connect with our community and personally thank our loyal customers for 10 incredible years of support."

Named for Witherspoon's grandparents, Dorthea Draper and William James Witherspoon, Draper James is a tribute to her Southern upbringing. Since its launch in 2015, the brand has been known for its cheerful prints, feminine silhouettes, and celebration of Southern traditions. In addition to clothing, the brand features ready-to-wear, accessories, home decor, and pet items.

Houston got its own taste of Draper James when the brand opened in The Galleria in November 2021. The store has since closed, but fans of Draper James can still shop online or find the brand's pet supplies and eyewear at various locations around the city.

Free tickets and more information about The Decade Tour is available here.

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