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    Sunny For Spring

    Chloe Dao and David Peck add Houston touch to fashion week with breezy collections

    Heather Staible
    Nov 15, 2013 | 11:49 am

    The third night of Fashion Houston lived up to its name, celebrating two of the city's favorite fashion lights, Chloe Dao and David Peck. Designers Rolando Santana and Yigal Azrouel also impressed the sold-out crowd at the Wortham Theater Thursday, but it was the Dao and Peck who drew applause and genuine appreciation for building successful fashion brands in Houston rather than picking up and moving to New York.

    As much as the night was about fashion, it was also a reminder of why Houston is an unlikely and yet completely successful city to launch legitimate fashion lines, create an annual fashion event and start a larger industry movement, focusing on local manufacturing and mindful business practices.

    The Wortham lobby was packed much of the night too, as fans of both Houston designers eagerly awaited their collections.

    As night was also a reminder of why Houston is an unlikely and yet completely successful city to create an annual fashion event and start a larger industry movement.

    Santana, the Mexican-born designer who designs in New York, kicked off the evening's sunny tone with a well-received collection full of white, yellow and more florals. His models mixed a small side braid with an up do and a bun for a messy, but ladylike look that worked with the pieces he sent down the runway.

    It was his first time to show in Houston, but he clearly had his fingers on the style pulse of the city’s women. The wearable collection is perfect for luncheons, weddings, parties and he takes special care to add buckles, fringe and bell sleeves to pieces that otherwise may be a little too sweet.

    Santana is at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf Friday for a personal appearance.

    Dao continued building on the upbeat mood, opening her show with two models hand-in-hand happily making their way down the catwalk. A little air kiss, a smile and daaahling, the show was on, but there wasn’t anything stuffy about her collection.

    Rather than send out ball gowns and overly worked pieces just for the benefit of a fashion show, Dao’s spring 2014 is easy, colorful without being too bold and, like Dao herself, fun.

    “I wanted to go casual. It’s a trend, kind of a dolce vita feel, like you are going on a holiday,” Dao said.

    Every single maxi she sent out was an immediate crowd-pleaser and a dress coat in various prints was also a favorite. Dao is always good about focusing on a woman’s best attributes, but she paid special attention to the back of her dresses, exposing skin, but adding ruffles or an interesting angle.

    And, as the runway keeps proving, cutouts and crop tops are here for another season. Dao paired bow bandeau tops with pencil skirts or long maxi skirts or a pencil skirts with a more demure top with just a bit of mid-drift peeking out.

    “Our clients travel and we want them to have pieces that are chic, but have a bit of a European sensibility to them,” Dao said.

    “Our clients travel and we want them to have pieces that are chic, but have a bit of a European sensibility to them,” Dao said. She and her collection will be in her Rice Village boutique Friday and Saturday.

    Many of Peck’s fans have seen his jewel-toned fall collection inspired by classic movies such as To Kill a Mockingbird, but he started the show with it anyway and the crowd certainly didn’t mind.

    “I wanted to show what was current so you could see it now, buy it now. What other fashion show can you do that?” Peck said.

    His clothes are polished, feminine and strong, and his models reflected that vibe with beautiful bouncy curls, a red lip and just a hint of daring with a bit of teal lining just under the eyebrow for an electric pop.

    Pencil skirts, form-fitting dresses and separates kicked off the show, and Peck’s models carried a mix of bags by another local designer, Elaine Turner.

    He turned the corner on fall though and veered into spring, sending just a few pieces out. The appearance of cocktail bridesmaids dresses, a breathtaking soft pink ball gown style wedding dress and a highly structured wedding gown set the scene for something a bit different.

    While the Beatles “All You Need is Love” played, bridesmaids dropped rose petals and the cutest little flower girl walked the runway to highlight another avenue of Peck’s burgeoning business.

    “I wanted to show custom and bridal work because I want people to know how we directly connect with the consumer,” Peck said.

    It’s just one of his ways to change the fashion conversation in the city and he left the entire room on their feet and in tears at the end of his show when every person who works with him walked down the runway with a model. Dressed in short white lab coats emblazoned with his name on it, they filled the runway in an emotional and truly uplifting moment that was about so much more than fashion.

    “I wanted the whole team to be here and see the end result of what they are doing,” Peck said. “I found out tonight that one of the production team has never ridden on an escalator before. I wanted them to see other side and see just how supportive Houston is.”

    The evening could have capped off right there and everyone would have gone home happy, but Azrouel, the popular Israeli American New York-based fashion designer, closed out the show with a beautifully constructed but subdued black-and-white collection.

    “I always keep in mind how she can look her best without trying too hard. I like the details that play with masculine and feminine, but aren’t too shocking,” he said.

    Fashion Houston ends Friday with collections by Johanna Johnson, Zachary Prell, Haute Hippie and Wes Gordon.

    Chloe Dao acknowledges the audience applause.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com
    Chloe Dao acknowledges the audience applause.
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    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.

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