Fab fashion

Houston's got fashion talent: See the winners of The Little Black Dress Project(with video)

A year ago Erick Tovar was an accountant with a dream of becoming a fashion designer. The Houston Community College fashion design student took a giant step toward his goal by winning the fourth annual Little Black Dress Project.

Judges thought that Tovar's expertly constructed black chiffon dress with leather detailing along the bodice and neck was the perfect mix of tough and tender fashion that is right on trend for fall.

Little Black Dress Project founder Jeff Shell reminded the audience what famed designer Coco Chanel once said: "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman."

In this video, Tovar said in reinterpeting the iconic LBD he wanted to evoke a timeless era yet remain modern. "I came up with a very feminine (design), but mixed it up with the masculinity, with black and leather," explained Tovar, who entered the contest last year but didn't make the finals.

In introducing the finalists at the House of Blues Tuesday night, Little Black Dress Project founder Jeff Shell reminded the audience what famed designer Coco Chanel once said: "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman."

Finalists took those words to heart by creating chic looks, incorporating trendy features like lace trim, exposed back and peplum jackets.

Four years ago, Shell came up with the idea of enlisting fashion students to reinvent the iconic LBD, as popularized by Chanel and Audrey Hepburn in the 1960 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. This year, $7,500 in scholarships were given out to the top five winners. Tovar received a $2,500 scholarship.

The competition was stiff as the level of quality of the looks and garment construction was high from the finalists, whose designs were shown in a New York-style runway show.

"This is my third year judging and I think the designers are really understanding the fashion business. The clothes are becoming made for the customer versus the artist aspect of it. Instead of conceptual, it's really for the consumer now," said ace fashion designer Chloe Dao, who was one of 13 celebrity judges.

Houston Community College student Mfon Ogbonna took second place, followed by Bao Tran, a student at the University of North Texas, Chanel Latouch, a student at Art Institute-Houston, and HCC student Chinaza Moses.

Other finalists were Rasheka Gomes, Jessica Obaseki, Jose Reyes, Martha Mtega and Kathleen Sheldon.

Click here to see the stylish attendees and Shell's late-night surprise.

UNIFORM UTOPIA

Luxury scrubs brand FIGS opens first Texas location in Rice Village

FIGS Rice Village

Photo courtesy of FIGS

FIGS will open its new Rice Village Community Hub on December 6.

Healthcare apparel company FIGS is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Texas with a new Community Hub in Rice Village. The retail space is designed to serve both as a store and a gathering spot for the city's healthcare community.

The Rice Village location opens this Saturday, December 6, with a public grand opening event on December 13 from 6 to 8 pm featuring giveaways, music, food, and drinks from local vendors. Joining outposts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Houston location is the fourth Community Hub for the company and the only location in the South.

The store will carry the full range of FIGS products, including scrubwear, loungewear, and accessories. It will also host events and programming focused on healthcare topics, offering visitors opportunities to meet and share experiences.

At the new FIGS boutique, shoppers will find the Color Clinic, offering scrubwear in core colors with rotating seasonal options. The store also has a Customization Station, which provides embroidery for names, titles, practice or hospital logos, and local icon options available only at Community Hubs. Personalization is also available for scrub caps, outerwear, and accessories.

FiGS The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram

The brand, founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, is known for fashion-forward medical uniforms made from a proprietary fabric with four-way stretch, antimicrobial technology, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. Hasson and Spear began selling directly to healthcare workers in Los Angeles-area hospital parking lots before growing their presence as an online retailer.

CEO and co-founder Trina Spear believes Rice Village was the perfect choice due to its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. She said the company wanted a space that supports Houston healthcare professionals and gives them a place to shop and connect.

"Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, and we are honored to bring a FIGS Community Hub to this city. This space is designed to serve and celebrate Houston healthcare professionals," said Spear. "Our Community Hubs create opportunities for customers to not only shop in a way that never previously existed, but to connect with each other and with FIGS on a deeper level."

FIGS Community Hub, 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite 130, 77005

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