In Vogue

Invite-only fashion party lures a hot young actress and style mavens to The Galleria

Just a quick look at the crowd gathered on the covered ice rink at The Galleria for Simon LOOKBOOK Live presented by Cadillac, and it was easy to see Houston’s style set were ready for fall fashion. Good thing then, the invitation-only event featured looks from Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, CH Carolina Herrera, Ermenegildo Zegna, M Missoni, John Varvatos and St. John.

The party launched Simon’s LOOKBOOK Live series, highlighting the season’s most covetable trends.

The party launched Simon’s LOOKBOOK Live series, highlighting the season’s most covetable trends including metallic hues, black-and-white ensembles and flats, yes flats, on the runway. Models sported front side braids, letting their hair hang loose around their shoulders, their eyes bold and dark-rimmed.

Actress Ashley Madekwe and Vogue advertising market stylist Cara Crowley welcomed the crowd of 800 to the event and included a brief remembrance in honor of Sept. 11. The show kicked off with a model, dressed in a long black and gold-flecked wrap dress, standing with massive gold angel wings at her back, grabbing the chatty crowd’s attention.

Before the runway show, Houston’s style arbiters posed for pictures, sipped on signature Grey Goose cocktails and took peeks in the swag bags loaded with the September issue of Vogue, a Sprinkles cupcake and Grey Goose Vodka, which had the makings of a low-key after party. For those seeking a little more excitement, Del Frisco’s was the destination, hosting the official post-show party.

Glam gowns had their moments on the runway.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Glam gowns had their moments on the runway.

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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.

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