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    a gem of a day

    Texas Children's kids shine in Houston designer's big-hearted Valentine's Day camp

    Holly Beretto
    Feb 10, 2020 | 2:27 pm
    Alexander Scott Houston fine jewelry Texas Children's kids
    Photo courtesy of Alexander Scott

    One would be hard pressed to imagine an event with more heart. Alexander Scott, the creative force behind the Alexander Scott Collection, is hosting an event at Texas Children's Hospital on Wednesday, February 12 that allows kids in the pediatric cancer center to create their own special pieces to give to their loved ones for the holiday. It's the second time Scott's hosted the event there.

    "Everyone who purchases from our collection will be directly contributing to making this event possible," Scott tells CultureMap. "They can shop online or in-store to participate. This year we are doing so much more with our event. We are providing over 100 gift bags to pass out to the kids for themselves and family members. There will be an exciting arts and crafts area for the kids to create their own Valentine's Day card for the special loved ones. They will also be able to create their own jewelry and we will have a fun face painting area for the kids."

    Giving back has always been a hallmark of Scott's company, which counts among its fans celebrities such a J.J. Watt. Since its founding in 2016, the collection has donated a portion of its profits to the American Cancer Society, individual non-profits, and personal Go Fund Me accounts.

    "I started the brand when my uncle and aunt were both passing away from cancer," Scott explains. "While I visited them in the hospital, I saw so many families enduring the same pain my family was going through. I couldn't help but think of ways I could bring something into their lives that could make life just a little bit easier and bring joy."

    Scott's jewelry — beautifully crafted necklaces with diamond drops, resort bracelets with beads and charms, modern-looking silver rings, and more — is sold in stores around the country. Houstonians will find the collection in the boutique at the Four Seasons Houston, The Cotton Club in River Oaks, Merus Boutique in Upper Kirby, and at the Hotel Galvez in Galveston. It's also found in all the Four Seasons properties in Hawaii, as well as the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui and Alohalani Resort in Waikiki, and the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in California.

    While Scott is proud of his creations and the way the brand has grown, the real gem of the company, he feels, is its mission to give back.

    "We collaborate with organizations along with creating our own projects for kids battling cancer at Texas Children’s Hospital," he says. "We support families in a variety of ways, paying bills, providing clothes, food, and more. During the holidays we bring presents and distribute them throughout the hospitals."

    Scott makes it a point to call Texas Children's monthly, to ask who might be in need. He's done everything from writing checks to cover utility bills to providing clothes to planning outings for families who need a break from the stress of medical treatment.

    "It's has been one of the most fulfilling ways of giving back," he says. "Getting to meet [the families] in person and hear how it has impacted their lives."

    Wednesday's event will take place during regular appointment hours, so children can create cards and gifts while they are waiting to see doctors or having their treatments.

    "It will be a chance for them to have fun and relax," Scott says.

    ---

    To support Alexander Scott's Texas Children's Hospital Valentine's Day sale, visit one of the Houston-area locations or shop online.

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    BIJOU BAGS

    Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 5, 2025 | 10:30 am
    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden
    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

    Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

    11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

    “I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

    Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

    Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

    Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

    Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

    “Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

    As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

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