The wave of the future?

Virtual runway: Prabal Gurung for ICB and See by Chloé unveil digital-onlyfashion shows

ICB by Prabal Gurung chartreuse brushed wool cape coat with smocked back yoke,midnight wool knit snood.
See by Chloé red jacquard jumper, red jacquard cardigan, pink corduroy slimpants, off-white calfskin and suede pointy boots.
ICB by Prabal Gurung persimmon stretch wool twill blazer with midnight lambleather lapel, indigo silk double georgette collared blouse, midnight woolsaxony double pleat trouser with tuxedo side trim detail.
ICB by Prabal Gurung azalea silk crepe de chine kaleidoscope print sleevelessdress with drop waist double layer skirt and hibiscus silk crepe de chinekaleidoscope print collared blouse.

NEW YORK — The future is now.

For the past few years, designers have mulled over the idea of staging a digital fashion show, where the only way to view the collection is online. This fashion season, for the first time, two have taken the plunge.

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Prabal Gurung debuted a line he developed for International Concept Brands, which is owned by Japanese retail giant Onward Kashiyama. The ICB collection will appear in U.S. stores in the fall.

It's easier to see the clothes on video than in a crowded room where it's oftentimes hard to get a good head-to-toe look. But without an audience, the show has a sterile feeling.

The show, accessible to select retailers, buyers and fashion editors who signed in to a website with a special code, featured 32 looks, as models walked around in a stark white room while music played in the background — just like at a runway show.

In addition to head-to-toe views, there were close-up shots, so you could see the intricate smock detailing on a chartreuse cape, the flowing angel wing ribbons on the shoulders of a white blouse or the lace insets on a dress, thanks to the wonders of HD technology.

The collection is clean and modern, with stark shades — persimmon, aubergine, chartreuse, indigo — and colorful hibiscus and azalea prints. Clothes are cut in a way that a young hip twentysomething girl would love, with colorful cropped jackets, a shift with slashes that reveal a contrasting shade underneath and tiered ombre dresses with ethereal floating hemlines.

Gurung praised the digital runway format as a modern way to make lives easier for buyers and the fashion press. "It's a tool that I think will change the fashion world and make us see fashion shows in a different way," he said.

He has a point. It's easier to see the clothes on video than in a crowded room where it's oftentimes hard to get a good head-to-toe look. But without an audience, the show has a sterile feeling — and since clothes often look different when seen in person rather than on video, there are some nagging doubts that what you see is what you'll get in stores.

And I miss the final runway walk where all the models come out one last time to rapturous applause and the designer shyly waves to the adoring audience while Anna Wintour, trailed by her bodyguard/driver,scurries out to beat the crowd to the next show.

On the first day of Paris Fashion Week Wednesday, the fall collection of See by Chloé also debuted in the same way. (Both shows were shown in a format devised by KCD, the New York agency that handles many top shows like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen.)

Against a white marble wall flecked with veins of black, models strolled out in loose diaphanous dresses, belted jackets, wrapped silk blouses and skinny trousers in muted colors. A flannel coat with leather sleeves and a red jacquard cardigan were among the eye-catching items in the collection, which featured 32 looks. And the accessories — pointy ankle booties and a doctor's bag carried upside down — have a cool, urban vibe.

As the secondary, lower priced Chloé line, though, it probably wouldn't have attracted near this much attention if it weren't shown on the virtual runway.

See by Chloé fall 2012 collection:

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WHERE TO SHOP IN DECEMBER

Where to shop right now: 12 Houston stores selling seasonal standouts

Photo courtesy of Zadok Jewelers

Zadok Jewelers rings in the holidays with exclusive trunk shows and limited edition designs.

Houston finally got its first real blast of cold weather, which means two things. One, Houstonians can finally show off their stylish outerwear and boots. Two, the holiday shopping season is officially on. For those who want to avoid shipping roulette and actually enjoy the hunt this year, many local boutiques make it easy to find holiday gifts.

This month's roundup has everything from festive markets to new arrivals and luxury offerings, as well as many one-of-a-kind gifts that aren't available in big box stores.

19th Street Shopping District
On Friday, December 5, from 6-10 pm, 19th Street in the Heights will host its annual holiday market. Expect Santa sightings, live music, carolers, photo ops, and late-night browsing at neighborhood favorites, including Manready Mercantile, Big Blue Whale, Jubilee, Emerson Rose, and more.

Abejas
Sisters Blair and Jenna Stubbe have curated a go-to holiday edit at their Rice Village boutique. New arrivals include gorgeous pleated skirts by Loyd/Ford, dresses for every occasion, and a smattering of one-of-a-kind accessories.

A Beintot
Holiday shopping at this French-inspired outpost is easy with offerings in nearly every category, including bags, scarves, clothes, and home decor, all in the latest styles. Favorites include Senda jewelry, The Blueberry Hill kids' clothing, and Vilgallo sweaters and outerwear.

Chloe Dao
Chloe Dao is offering five custom-designed Christmas patches in her MKT Heights boutique. All proceeds from the patches will be donated to Bayou City Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that helps children who face food insecurity in Houston.

Daniel & Co.
Founded by master jeweler Daniel Dang, Daniel and Co. blends heritage and modern polish in every piece. This season brings gift-ready favorites like diamond tennis bracelets, gemstone rings, and a sharp lineup of luxury timepieces from Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Breitling, Panerai, Franck Muller, and Patek Philippe. All Dang's jewelry is crafted in-house, and custom designs can be turned around in about two weeks.

Framebridge
The popular online custom framing brand just opened its first brick-and-mortar store in River Oaks. Now, customers can enjoy a bespoke framing experience in person. Photos, even from a smartphone, mementos, and objects can all be memorialized with the brand's whimsical offerings.

Lucchese
The iconic Texas bootmaker just launched its latest collection, Black Cherry. Available in one style for men and four different silhouettes for women, the collection also includes a lineup of accessories, including belts, home decor, leather goods, and clothing.

Moreau Paris
The luxury Parisian handbag boutique recently moved to new digs in River Oaks District. Now located across from Bari, shoppers can still snag their favorite geometric prints, including the just-launched 1882 Collection.

Piermarini
Family-owned and operated, this Rice Village store offers luxury finds from global brands including Issey Miyake, Lars Andersson, Vaincourt, and more. It is the spot for finding a gift for the person who has everything or a style setter with a penchant for elevated finds.

Saint Lo Boutique
The Heights' shop has earned a reputation as a go-to source for upscale fashion, from casual staples to pieces for a night out. Shoppers can snag looks from a curated collection of dresses, rompers, pants, tops, and accessories.

Sloan/Hall
One of Houston's favorite independent shops is stocked up on unique holiday finds. From printed silk socks to dazzling jewelry and whimsical holiday wear, there is something for everyone at Sloan/Hall's two Houston boutiques.

Zadok Jewelers
The buzzy Post Oak jewelry store is celebrating the holiday season with a curated trunk show series featuring world-renowned designers, exclusive new line debuts, and a festive in-store experience. Shoppers can expect trunk shows from Roberto Coin, Dinh Van, JB Star, Walters Faith, and more. More information about events is available here.

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Photo courtesy of Zadok Jewelers

Zadok Jewelers rings in the holidays with exclusive trunk shows and limited edition designs.

river oaks district zadok jewelers saint lo moreau paris lucchese framebridge daniel & co abejas boutique 19th street chloe dao houston shopping