Off the Cuff

Discovering new talent at New York fashion week: Mathieu Mirano & Karen Walker

Mathie Mirano in front of his Fall 2012 Collection in the Box at Lincoln Center
Photo by Steve Hellerstein
Sequined-embellished cropped jacket reminiscent of Balmain at Mathieu Mirano.
Photo by Steve Hellerstein
Dragon-inspired jewelry at Mathieu Mirano
Photo by Andrew Werner
At Karen Walker Fall 2012, paisley prints and vibrant orange
Karen Walker.com
Karen Walker's fuzzy yellow sweater gives a nod to the 1960s.
Karen Walker.com
Boxy coats and paisley booties at Karen Walker
Karen Walker.com
Brocade dress at Karen Walker
Karen Walker.com
Another personal favorite of mine, a high-neck, long-sleeved black velvet gown
Photo by Andrew Werner
A personal favorite, a red and gold satin v-neck gown
Photo by Steve Hellerstein
Dragon-like scaled embroidery at Mathieu Mirano
Photo by Steve Hellerstein

Editor's Note: With 350 designers at fashion week, there's no way Clifford Pugh could see all the shows. CultureMap contributor Lindley Arnoldy sought out some new fashion talent. Here's her report.

NEW YORK — Viewing the runway shows of major fashion houses at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is a thrilling experience. There is something truly glamorous and titillating about being a stone’s throw away from the key editors and photographers who have long standing presence in the industry.

However, there is also something to be said about seeing an emerging designer present for the very first time, where the talent is palpable but the crowd is much thinner.

There is something to be said about seeing an emerging designer present for the very first time, where the talent is palpable but the crowd is much thinner.

One of my favorite experiences from fashion week was viewing the presentation of newcomer Mathieu Mirano in the Box at Lincoln Center. Unlike a typical runway show, Mirano’s presentation felt exotic and otherworldly, paying homage to his background in piano with intense classical music setting the tone.

His 2012 fall collection was inspired by a dream he had involving women and dragons, which was visible in his use of fiery reds, golds and blacks with the incorporation of exposed zippers, claw studs, dragon heads and talons.

The result was a dark, somewhat mystical collection that reminded me of the sort of ostentatious, regal feel of something put forth by Balmain or Versace. My favorites were actually two gowns — a black turtleneck velvet gown that had a sort of renaissance appeal to it and a red and gold floor length satin with a V-neck and cap sleeve.

At only 20 years old, Mirano is making a name for himself for his sense of imagination and couture skills focusing on high levels of construction. He dropped out of Parson’s School of Design and in the last year morphed from a student trying to sneak into the tents at Lincoln Center to a talented, emerging designer presenting from the inside. I was very impressed with his work and predict he will be one to watch.

Sea monsters on the runway

Another favorite at fashion week was newcomer – though not first timer – designer Karen Walker. She has really made a name for herself in the industry with her sunglass line, a gift to all of the attendees in the first two rows at her runway show. She used the Jules Verne novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea as the inspiration for her “Sea Monsters” presentation, which translated into lots of navy, yellow and orange separates with funky paisley prints, brocades and boxy coats.

The wild colors and prints were refreshing next to all of the black seen at many of the other shows.

I love Walker’s ability to offset a sweet peplum or pussybow blouse with a boyish, drop crotch trouser. There were also '60s mod undertones, seen similarly in her signature round sunnies, with her use of fuzzy sweaters and A-Line silhouettes. I particularly loved how she brought the paisley prints into her pointy toe booties with vibrant colors and sweet ruffles. The wild colors and prints were refreshing next to all of the black seen at many of the other shows.

The show attracted some notables. I spotted well known blogger Man Repeller tweeting from the front row and Elle style director Kate Lanpher seated directly in front of me. Walker’s knack for eclectic mix and her ability to execute multiple influences really made her stand out to me as a whimsical, talented designer who we will continue to see more of.

Lindley Arnoldy writes the fashion and style blog The Flip Side.

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STYLISH SUMMER

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 hot drops for a summer refresh

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

Summer shopping season is officially in full swing, and Houston boutiques are providing plenty of reasons for a warm weather refresh. From new store openings and limited edition collaborations to Father's Day finds, these are the latest shopping happenings that deserve a spot on your radar this month.

A.L.C.
A.L.C.'s Summer 2026 collection just launched and is now available at River Oaks District. The lineup features natural and breathable fabrics, including viscose, linen, and cotton, in a vibrant mix of prints perfect for the season.

Baroque & Bloom
A new luxury fragrance boutique by Scent Split is now open in Houston’s Galleria area. Scent Split is the largest online destination for niche fragrances, specializing in hand-decanted original perfumes available in sample and travel sizes. The platform makes it easy to explore unique fragrances and find scents that resonate before investing in a full bottle.

Biscuit Home
Houston's go-to home accessories store recently partnered with Natalie Steen for a curated assortment of linens perfect for summer. The collection includes luxury cotton shams, sheets, duvet covers, and vanity bags.

Burdlife
The piercing pros at M-K-T Heights are offering free piercings every Wednesday beginning June 3. The service is free all day; customers only pay for their jewelry. Walk-ins and online reservations are welcome.

Cavender's Boot City
The Western-fashion superstore just launched their Americana Collection to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The curated selection focuses on wearable Western staples, including denim, hats, boots, and U.S.A.-made brands.

Tommy Bahama
Ready for long pool days or a beach vacation, Tommy Bahamas' newest clothing launch, available at the Galleria, includes innovative fabrics and a collaboration with designer John Robshaw, whose prints are featured on swimwear and resort wear. The women's swim collection also includes separates that are easy to mix and match with different styles to flatter all body types.

Tommy John
Perfect for Father's Day gifting, Tommy John recently launched a new campaign with premium Piqué polos, pants, shorts, and signature underwear. The new pants and shorts are designed with moisture-wicking fabric and UPF sun protection.

Hunter Bell
Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, Houston-based brand Hunter Bell is kicking off the summer with HB Athletic Club, a sporty capsule collection featuring styles such as a cropped jersey and a collaboration with Freya on a limited-edition hat. The brand has also recently unveiled its latest summer collection, packed with tropical vibes perfect for Houston's warm weather. The summer drop includes playful prints on dresses, matching sets, swimwear, and accessories.

Lucchese Bootmaker x Perini Ranch
Texas heritage brands Lucchese Bootmaker and Perini Ranch, the James Beard Award-winning steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas, have partnered to offer a unique gift-with-purchase promotion for Father's Day. When customers spend $1,100 or more on two or more items, they will receive a Perini Ranch Cookbook and their Trio Spice Rub. This special promotion will run through June 20th, while supplies last, and will be available both online and in-store at Lucchese Bootmaker locations.

Miron Crosby
Luxury cowboy boot brand, Miron Crosby, just debuted a new addition to its handcrafted boot lineup: the Marianne Crimson. A romantic take on vintage rodeo style, Marianne is a retro-inspired shorty cowboy boot in crimson. The silhouette features the brand's signature scalloped collar and elevated stitch detailing.

Swarovski
Swarovski is now open in Houston Premium Outlets. Shoppers can stock up on the brand's precision-cut crystal jewelry, accessories, home décor, and fashion embellishments. The new boutique is located near Michael Kors in Neighborhood 2

Zadok Jewelers x The Studio Mayfair
Zadok Jewelers has partnered with The Studio Mayfair, the custom tailoring house founded by Sterling Dio, for a limited-time residency inside the Nina Magon Lounge at Zadok's Post Oak boutique. Through June 16, Zadok Jewelers and The Studio Mayfair will offer made-to-order suiting alongside a curated selection of fine jewelry and timepieces from Zadok Jewelers, including Sterling Dio’s personal jewelry picks designed to complement modern tailoring. Appointments are by reservation only.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

Houston-based Hunter Bell brings sporty style and tropical prints to summer with its latest collections.

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