Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

A few minutes with Houston's Britt Maren: Fashion's next top model

At Michael Kors, a more casual look
Britt Maren's ladylike look at Oscar de la Renta
Britt as a blonde in her breakout role at Alexander Wang; her new look as abrunette
vogue.com

It's been a standout season for former Houston model Maren Stavinoha, who goes professionally by the name Britt Maren. Since moving to New York, she has charged into the top echelon of runway models.

Her big break came when Alexander Wang picked her to open his spring 2011 show last September. Her career received another big boost a few weeks later when stylist Guido Palau chopped off her waist-length hair and bleached it backstage at Balenciaga in Paris before she hit the catwalk for the influential French fashion house.

She won raves for the new 'do, which was featured on the runways at Hermès, Lanvin and Chanel, and she was picked as fashion's new "it girl" in the January issue of Vogue magazine.

Now a brunette (the night before last Saturday's Wang show, stylist Lena Ott dyed her hair a chocolate brown), she has walked the runways at Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and other top shows this week.

Before catching a plane for London Friday for the start of the European runway shows, she took a few minutes to talk to CultureMap via e-mail.

CultureMap: How many shows are you doing this week?

Britt Maren: I did about 10 shows in NY this week. Not too many, but enough to keep me busy.

CM: Then, I guess, it's on to Europe. What shows do you have confirmed there?

BM: I leave for London today, where I am doing Tom Ford. Not sure beyond that... We'll see!

CM: How do you get from one show to another in New York so quickly?

BM: Having been in NYC a while now, I'm pretty good at getting around on my own. If I have time, I walk or take the subway. A lot of times it is faster than sitting in traffic in a cab. Other times, you're running super late, and you have to take a car.

CM: What did you think when Guido Palau cut you hair before the Balenciaga show last season?

BM: At first it was quite shocking. Probably the color even more so than the cut. It is just so bright compared to my darker blonde. It took a bit of getting used to, but now I love it!

CM : But that really seemed to accelerate your runway career.

BM: Yeah, it definitely made a huge difference. I think it helped me stand out a bit from other models, and gave me a fresh "new" start.

CM: All those shows during fashion week must do great damage to your hair. How do you keep it healthy?

BM: There's definitely a lot of product being used on your hair during fashion week: hairspray, glue/extensions, mousse, etc. Luckily, now that I have shorter hair, I don't seem to have to go through as much as some of the other girls.

CM: What's the biggest misconception about the modeling business?

BM: That it is all glamorous all the time. I mean it definitely has its perks (traveling to amazing places, meeting great people), but sometimes the stress of busy traveling schedules, early call times, etc., can really get to you.

CM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a model?

BM: Be patient and work hard for what you want!

CM: What's next on your agenda after the European shows?

BM: Hopefully relax a little bit! Maybe a massage and facial, because I assume my body will be quite run down.

CM: What do you miss most about Houston?

BM: My friends and family! I love going to visit them whenever I can :)

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EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook

Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

Accessories

Lele Sadoughi

Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

Krewe

New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

Fly High Little Bunny

This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

Moreau Paris

Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

Clothing

Tootsies

When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

Alchemia

One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

Frock Shop

A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

Beauty

Kiehl's

Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

kiehl's frock shop alchemia tootsies moreau paris fly high little bunny krewe lele sadoughi carolyn bessette-kennedy shopping