Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

The Czar of New York: Cesar Galindo and AMC create a fashion extravaganza that's for the birds

NEW YORK — You can forgive Cesar Galindo if he slept in most of the weekend. The Houston native kicked off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with a bang as he showcased two collections in less than 18 hours and celebrated afterwards with a big party at the trendy Hotel Gansevoort.

Galindo's big adventure started Thursday night when AMC hosted a pop-up party called "Immortal Love" to herald two new unscripted series, Freakshow and Immortalized, that premiere on Valentine's Day.

Galindo hooked up with AMC officials after they learned that the theme for his collection, "Suspended Life," dovetailed with the subjects of the cable channel's reality shows.

Several gowns from the Cesar Galindo Collection were showcased on mannequins amid taxidermy displays (Immortalized details a competition between leading taxidermists) and performances by a sword-swallower, a man who towers 7-feet, 8-inches tall and Amazing Ali, "The Littlest Lady in L.A.," who all appear in Freakshow.

Galindo hooked up with AMC officials after they learned that the theme for his collection, "Suspended Life," dovetailed with the subjects of the AMC reality shows. For example, he had already created a sequined gown that looks like tattoos on bare skin from far away.

"It was good karma and he's such a talented artist," said AMC president and general manager Charlie Collier. "It just worked beautifully together from the start."

Collier and AMC head of original programming Joel Stillerman admit the new reality shows are a little bit "out there," but so were such scripted shows as Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.

"It's a little bit of a departure for us, but all in the AMC sensibility of being unexpected and unconventional," Stillerman said. "We love to take chances and we love to embrace things that are artistic and exciting. And I think that's what this is all about."

On Friday morning, the cast of Freakshow sat on the front row at Lincoln Center as Galindo presented his contemporary line, Czar by Cesar Galindo. The collection is certainly more conventional than the show it represents, but it showcases Galindo's expertise in design and construction.

"It's time for the world to pull back a bit and take in the moment," Galindo explained. "Stop, breath and live your life."

In putting together both collections, Galindo said he was influenced by the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. "It's time for the world to pull back a bit and take in the moment," he explained. "Stop, breath and live your life."

For Czar, he created a "convertible wardrobe" that can transition from day to night. "Everyone in the world has to go work in the day but they want to have a life besides work, too," he said. "You can wear these dresses to work and go out after that."

The collection includes practical yet fashionable items — it opened with a pastel blue hoodie coat and featured a variety of day dresses and knit shifts — as well as some styles with a bit more flash. A glittery chain link shift is meant for dancing the night away.

Houston friends Page Parkes, Tabitha Garcia, Bambi Lynn and Michael Anthony Ramsey were on hand to cheer Galindo on. "I bought his first dress so he could pay the rent," Parkes recalled of the long-ago time when Galindo got started in the fashion business. "He's a construction genius. Anything he makes, you can turn inside out and wear it."

Royal blue stretch jacquard weave cap sleeve dress from Czar by Cesar Galindo. The hat is designed by Beth Beverly.

Cesar Galindo, Czar, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, February 2013

Photo by Tom Concordia

Royal blue stretch jacquard weave cap sleeve dress from Czar by Cesar Galindo. The hat is designed by Beth Beverly.

unspecified

LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

westlake dermatology houston dermatologist skincare houston