Dana Buchman looks to the future

Passion for Fashion luncheon brings out spring styles

HCC-Central Campus president, William Harmon, from left, Dana Buchman and KayKing
Photo by Kim Coffman
Julia Frankel, from left, Gabriela Dror and Nidhika Mehta
Photo by Kim Coffman
A model in a design by a Houston Community College student finishes the runwaywalk while Dana Buchman and Clifford Pugh look on.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Leisa Holland Nelson and Kelly Zuniga at a party in Buchman's honor Monday nightat the home of Susan Krohn.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Nidhika and Pershant Mehta at a party in Buchman's honor Monday night at thehome of Susan Krohn.
Photo by Kim Coffman

The event was billed as the "Passion for Fashion Luncheon," so it wasn't surprising that Houston women (and a few men) showed up at the Hotel ZaZa Tuesday dressed to the nines for the fundraiser that benefitted the Houston Community College fashion and interior design programs.

Kay King, head of the HCC fashion program, paired a tomato red feathered neckpiece with her red and white patterned suit. Channel 2 anchor Dominique Sachse, who emceed the luncheon, wore a smart-looking beige pants suit while event co-chair Gabriela Dror sported a wide-brimmed black hat that she designed. (Her hats are available at Tootsies.)

The mix of Sex and the City styles with executive power dressing impressed New York trend expert Tom Julian, who is in Houston to sign his book Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing Thursday night. "The women (at the luncheon) aren't overdressed or vulgar," he said. "They show shoulders and decolletage in the right way."

Designer Dana Buchman, the featured guest, had plenty of fans in the room. Image consultant Helen Perry even wore a vintage blouse from the designer, who has been dressing real life women with elegance and ease for much of the last 25 years.

Buchman spoke about her career in a question-and-answer conversation with me in a format modeled after the Bravo television show Inside the Actors Studio. She talked about everything from working with the legendary designer Liz Claiborne to her 2006 book, A Special Education, which details her struggle to come to terms with her daughter's learning disabilities. She told the cheering audience that her daughter has since graduated from college and is now working on a masters degree.

Buchman worked at Claiborne before launching her own line in 1987. Her collection was an immediate hit because it offered working women classic yet feminine separates in comfortable fabrics. She was also among the first to offer a full range of sizes, from petite to extra large.

But sales have fallen in recent years — "You didn't buy enough of my clothes," Buchman said, only half-joking — and the Claiborne company discontinued the line last year. But it licensed the Dana Buchman name to Kohl's, which has produced collections since last spring that have become the retailer's top sellers. Buchman is not associated with Kohl's and said it was painful at first to see clothes she didn't design with her name on them. But she praised the collection for its style and affordability.

Even though an audience member told Buchman she hoped she will design again, she said she had no plans to do so. Instead, she said she is enjoying another phase of her life. She is devoting a lot of her time to volunteer work with Promise, a non-profit organization that supports low-income children with learning disabilities. "And it's nice to be able to go to lunch with friends," she said.

Others in the smartly-dressed crowd included luncheon chair Leisa Holland-Nelson, co-chair Nidhika Mehta, Julia Frankel, Carol Sawyer, Cherri Carbonara, Jeanne Ruberti, HCC Chancellor Mary Spangler, and HCC-Central Campus president William Harmon and wife, Beverly.

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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