Shelby's Social Diary

Fashion buzz: Sexy models, hot cars and new talent build anticipation for Houston's fashion week

With 14 designers already signed on for next month's Fashion Houston spectacular, the buzz was on at Hotel ZaZa with announcement of additional talents adding excitement to the kickoff party. The fashion flock applauded the addition of Rolando Santana and Haute Hippie, along with emerging talents Jose Reyes and Viet Kent Nguyen.

For the Fashion Houston launch, the hotel ballroom was decorated with pedestals featuring Neal Hamil models in stunning designs by local talents Chloe Dao and David Peck. Adding to the ballroom chic was a smashing Audi R8 sports car, a nod to a beaming Fashion Houston founder Jared Lang.

The fashion forward crowd sipped on specialty cocktails created by mixologist Spencer Lane (Bubbly Flower and Screwdriver Mimosas) and grazed through a field of appetizers from the kitchen of chef Jeff Axline.

ZaZa general manager Matthew Nuss and director of marketing Laura Pettitt welcomed the party crowd that included designers Dao, Reyes and Amir Taghi.

The fashionistas included Dominique Sachse and Nick Florescu, Diane Lokey Farb, Ceron, Sharron Melton, Chita Johnson, Jeff Shell, Ashley Wyatt, Edward Sanchez, Dr. Rolando Maldonado, Vicki Rizzo, Mauri Oliver, James Sivco, Ryland Holmes, Donae and Rob Chramosta and Yasmine Haddad.

Edward Sanchez, from left, Carey Kirkpatrick and Dr. Roland Maldonado at the Fashion Houston Launch Party.

Photo by © Roswitha Vogler Photosbyrovo.com

Edward Sanchez, from left, Carey Kirkpatrick and Dr. Roland Maldonado at the Fashion Houston Launch Party.

unspecified

a record-breaking year

Rodeo's grand champion steer sets a new auction record of $1.5 million

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo steer auction 2026

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Mason Grady raised the winning steer.

This year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is ending on a high note. The auction for the Grand Champion Junior Market Steer set a new record at an impressive $1.5 million.

Raised by Mason Grady of Johnson County 4-H, the steer named Zinger broke the prior record of $1 million set in 2024. Grady’s family has been participating in the rodeo for more than two decades, according to press materials. A football player, Grady compared the auction to a decisive moment in a game.

“You can have a lot of fourth-and-ones in your career, but you only have a few of these,” he said.

Trinity River Land & Cattle Co. placed the winning bid. “We are proud of what we can do to support young students’ futures,” said Trinity representative Stephen Kolek.

Jett Hale of Miami FFA set a new record of $750,000 for the Reserve Grand Champion Junior Market Steer, which he named Ryan. It beat the prior record of $690,000 that was set last year.

“It’s incredible to see everybody supporting us,” Hale said. “We’d like to thank each and ever one of you.”

Laura and Steve McNear, Lisa and Chris Cunningham, and Barbara and Don Jordan placed the winning bid for the Reserve Grand Champion.

Grady will receive $85,000 for Zinger, and Hale will receive $50,000 for Ryan, per Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s rules. The rest is included in HLSR’s education fund, which will contribute more than $30 million to students statewide in 2026.

Overall, this year’s rodeo broke 14 auction records. For example, Houston billionaire Jeffrey Hildebrand paid $1 million for this year’s Grand Champion Lamb.

The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will close this Sunday, March 22, with a concert-only performance by Texas country star Cody Johnson.

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Mason Grady raised the winning steer.

rodeo houston houston livestock show and rodeo fundraisers