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 now

Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing in Houston, and shoppers are already busy checking names off their gift lists. Despite the fashionably late arrival of Thanksgiving this year, there is still plenty of time to find the perfect presents for everyone on the proverbial shopping list.

Whether hunting for something stylish, timeless, or entertaining, this Houston-centric shopping guide covers everything. There are ideas for every budget, age, and style preference, making shopping a bit more effortless and fun. Happy shopping, Houston!

Ada & Edith
The Houston-based style-driven women's wear brand recently released its Fall/Winter 2024 collection featuring eight highly curated pieces made with beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring. The new online collection features dresses, matching sets, tops, and skirts.

Beaufort Bonnet Company
The upscale children's lifestyle apparel brand recently opened its boutique in Rice Village next to White House Black Market. The brand offers everything from traditional special-occasion apparel pieces to ready-to-play wear for boys and girls (sizes infant – 14). Moms will love the great shopping while kids will have fun at the store's play area.

Foreign Fare
Holiday jet setters will be thrilled to give or get Houston-based travel brand Foreign Fare's travel clothing. The bestsellers, the Jetsetter jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, are a modern take on travel apparel and made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that effortlessly go from day to night. They feature travel-ready amenities, including hidden pockets and adjustable waistbands.

From Marfa
Tanglewood's favorite children's apparel store offers the cutest holiday must-haves for babies to teens and complimentary gift wrapping that will save time during this busy season. Shoppers can snag holiday and winter finds from brands including Little English, Luigi Kids, Pink Chicken, Katie J NYC, and more. The boutique also offers toys, books, and accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kimono Zulu
Houston-based brand Kimono Zulu offers one-of-a-kind vintage kimonos that make a unique and memorable holiday gift. Each kimono provides a piece of Japan's craftsmanship and artistry and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The brand's kimonos are available at its Upper Kirby boutique or online.

Krewe
Krewe, an independent eyewear brand founded in New Orleans, is opening its first permanent location in Houston in Rice Village. Nnown for its high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted frames, Krewe combines the style and culture of the Big Easy with a modern and iconic style. Krewe's new outpost is located at 5515 Kelvin Dr. #125 and opens on December 7.

Lafayette 148
Lafayette 148 has partnered with Save Venice, a leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The partnership inspired a capsule collection, available at the brand's outpost in the Galleria, featuring dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories. The capsule collection's sales will be donated to Save Venice's "Women Artists of Venice" program through the end of 2024.

Léránt
This Galleria neighborhood boutique makes being the "hostess with the mostess" easy, especially during the holiday season with elegant finds at every price point. Shoppers will find everything from tableware and crystal to gifts and festive holiday decor. Customers can shop with 15 percent off their purchases on December 4 from 4-7 pm.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Lucchese has launched a new gemstone line just in time for the holiday season. The latest offering includes the Gemstone Suede Boot Collection featuring the famous Priscilla classic style, which now comes in new rich suede colorways for the holiday season. The Gemstone Python Boot Collection includes six distinctive styles with rich, new colorways — Emerald, Amber, and Garnet — in two silhouettes: the Presley Exotic and the Dale Exotic. The Gemstone Python Clutch and Belt pay homage to 140 years of Lucchese and are handmade from rich tones of python leather.

M Penner
Named "One of the top men's specialty stores in the U.S." by Esquire Magazine, M Penner is celebrating 50 years in business — a massive feat in Houston's finicky fashion scene. In addition to custom fittings, perfect for holiday parties, customers can shop elevated brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Zenga, Canali, Isaia, AG Jeans, Carrot & Gibbs, Davek, Paul Smith, and more.

Purple
Co-founded by Houston native Luke Crosby, Purple recently opened its first Texas location in the Galleria. Alreday a top-selling denim brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Purple is known for its luxury denim and curated apparel worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jimmy Butler, and Houston's own Bun B.

Zadok Jewelers
Post Oak hotspot Zadok Jewelers is ready for the "most wonderful gifts of the year" as they gear up for the holiday season with a schedule full of shopping events. Guests can pursue the massive jewelry store during its extended holiday hours while shopping exclusive pieces from The Vault or the Vintage & High Jewelry Collection. Zadok will also host designer trunk shows and its annual Ultimate Watch Event featuring new releases from 25 leading watchmakers.

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

foreign fare zadok jewelers kimono zulu lerant from marfa purple krewe lucchese boots where to shop in houston shopping