Fashion Faceoff
Fashion Houston founder says the show will go on despite recent split
Could there be two fashion extravaganzas in Houston's future?
In an exclusive CultureMap report, Fashion Houston partner Vivian Wise revealed that she and founder Jared Lang have parted ways and that she is planning a new series of runway shows showcasing the Houston fashion scene in November under a new name and at a new location. Legendary model Carmen Dell'Orefice will be honored with the first Legacy Award and Wise plans to honor a Houston charity each night.
But Lang tells CultureMap that he plans to continue Fashion Houston on the original Nov. 17 -20 dates at the Wortham Theater Center, where it has been held since it was launched in 2010. The annual series of runway shows features top-name designers and local talent showcasing the Houston fashion scene.
In a statement released exclusively to CultureMap, Lang wrote:
With support, since 2010 I have actively pursued a vision for Houston to become a fashion empire. Every year, the Fashion Houston Week continues to thrive, develop, and dynamically change for the better. Fashion Houston has worked with our community partners to provide opportunities for emerging designers from both The Art Institute of Houston and Houston Community College. In addition over 100 internships for fashion students, photographers and film students were provided during FH5 alone. We have worked with various non-profits such as Dress for Success and I have personally supported several non profit organizations and initiatives. We intend to continue to support the Houston community on a ongoing basis. Vivian Wise has been one of my closest friends and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.
My plans for the annual Fashion Houston show haven't changed, I plan on delivering a diverse and creative platform for the Bayou City to love and cherish for years to come."
In a follow-up phone call, Lang said it was a "complete surprise" when he learned of Wise's plans from the CultureMap article. "We will see how things pan out," he said. "I'm going to continue to what we've done for the past five years. Houston has been very supportive. I'm not going to back off at this point.
"I've put all of my heart and soul into it," he said. "It's not going away."
Reached by email, Wise, who is on vacation out-of-the country, said, "I have no comment at this time."