Here comes the bride
Chloe Dao's spring show creates a big celebrity storm
There are fashion events practically every week in Houston and then there are Chloe Dao’s fashion shows. She uses her Bryant Park experience to create magical moments and her “Lightness” Spring 2010 show was no exception. The Project Runway winner’s collection of cotton candy kisses were a sweet treat for local celebrities and style setters.
Dao’s fashion shows have graduated from her Lot 8 boutique to The Four Seasons and now, Warehouse Live, which was an excellent space for her packed Saturday night show.
Divisi Strings added a classically modern touch to the show that was elegant, lush and more garden party than strobe-light, boom-boom-pow fashion show. All designers want celebrities on the front row of their shows, and Dao’s big names came in the form of TLC’s Little Couple Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold. The duo were swarmed by fans who wanted to meet them and take their picture.
(In a personal fashion show first, yours truly was asked by their TLC producer to keep eager fans at bay during the Dao’s show because they were being filmed for an upcoming episode. Where was my wireless headset when I needed it?)
“This is my first fashion show,” Arnold confessed in between visits from fans. “This is not what we usually do.” Dao is creating a formal gown for Arnold to wear to an upcoming gala in Atlanta and the doctor and reality show star is excited to have something made for her that doesn’t come from the children’s departments of Gap and Macy’s. The couple were gracious, even when pounced on by fans the moment the house lights lifted.
Once the show started, all eyes were on the runway, which at times felt more like a wedding aisle. Dao’s romantic collection included a series of white dresses perfect for modern brides and ranged from sleek, 40s inspired gowns with sheer flutter sleeves and open backs to knee-skimming dresses with plenty of flounce and layers of chiffon.
Sherbet-hues also had a place in Dao’s palette and as usual, she worked with silhouettes that flatter every woman’s shape. Makeup was fresh and dewy, the hair was up in chignons and accented by soft hats set askew on each models head.
The show was a complete contradiction to her dark and moody “Destruction, Death and Rebirth” fall collection which leads one to wonder: Is there a bridal collection in the works? And if so, is Dao inspired by personal events?