Sartorial Charity

Chloe Dao reveals new spring summer collection — and her Spanx — at benefit runway show

Between the flurry of voluminous brocade gowns, classic summer staples and bold graphic prints, it was easy to forget that designer Chloe Dao’s latest runway show was actually a charity event.

“It’s not about me tonight, it’s all about BPSOS,” Dao told the crowd at The Hess Club, moments before her spring/summer 2013 collection hit the runway. It benefited Boat People SOS, a grass-roots organization that equips Vietnamese Americans with basic necessities and professional development.

It might have been about BPSOS, but with Dao it’s also all about her clientele. Maintaining the flattering, body-conscious silhouettes for which she’s famous, Dao has created a collection that looks as stunning on her and her petite friends who walked the catwalk in a few looks as it does on the statuesque models.

Dao is still as focused on making women feel confident now as she was as a contestant — and the winner — on season two of Project Runway.

The gowns and cocktail looks were less ethereal than we’ve seen in the past, leaning more towards the architectural and structured — except for a few chiffon tops that featured an asymmetric tail hem, showcasing her signature romantic flair.

As for daytime looks, Dao's famous Talia dress and Megan halter tops sported azalea-hued floral prints and bold stripes in a vibrant summer palette. The busier patterns and tops were anchored by her simple white Jordan shorts. Lastly, her zigzag (think garnet chevron), ever-popular Peyton dress was on display in orange and royal blue.

As for the woman behind the eponymous line, Dao is still as focused on making women feel confident now as she was as a contestant — and the winner — on season two of Project Runway.

When approached by an attendee and complimented on the top she was wearing, Dao quickly said, “I’ll make you one,” before lifting it up to demonstrate how to wear it, aware of but indifferent to the fact that she was flashing her Spanx in front of a room of photographers.

It’s precisely that intense dedication to pleasing her clientele that gave Dao staying power on the reality show and that will likely continue bringing her success in Houston and abroad.

Chloe Dao was thrilled with the presentation of her collection.

Chloe Dao Fashion Show May 2013 Mama Dao

Photo by © Charles Richard Visual Culture

Chloe Dao was thrilled with the presentation of her collection.

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FALL FÊTE

Texas luxury boutique collabs with Houston designer for new fashion brand

Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard teams up with Houston designer Lyndsey Zorich for Love Note.

River Oaks District boutique Saint Bernard is getting ready for fall with a new collection created with Houston style veteran Lyndsey Zorich. The fashion-forward retailer and the founder and designer of Mason's Daughter teamed up to launch Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich, a new Saint Bernard-owned brand.

Saint Bernard doesn't usually collaborate with local designers on its own brands, making this partnership with Zorich special. She was involved in everything from creative direction and textile development to fabrication and production. Shoppers can expect a feminine collection with a playful take on everyday dressing for women who want to look put together, but not too serious.

Love Note officially launches on Thursday, September 10 at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as online. Customers will have to be patient, because another unique aspect of this collaboration is that the entire collection won’t debut at once. Instead, the brand will roll out in a series of monthly drops, each having its own seasonal point of view.

Saint Bernard x Lyndsey Zorich Love Note by Lyndsey Zorich is available at Saint Bernard stores in Houston, Dallas, Southlake, San Antonio, and Austin, plus online.Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard

The Kick Off is the first drop in September. It is a game day-inspired collection with pieces designed for fall sports and weekend road trips. In October, The Lean In will debut with more feminine silhouettes, followed by Getting Comfortable, which focuses on the perfect layering pieces for Texas’s warm fall weather.

A longtime Saint Bernard shopper herself, Zorich's unique style and Texas perspective gave her a greater understanding of what Texas customers want.

“Getting dressed has always been one of my favorite forms of self-expression, and Love Note allowed me to take that idea from concept all the way through the finished product,” said Zorich. "Saint Bernard felt like the right partner, because I genuinely understand and love their customers. Love Note is meant to bring a little more playfulness to getting dressed, pieces that feel personal, special, and bring joy to everyday life.”

That individual connection is what Saint Bernard wanted in this project. According to Ashleigh Goyer, director of owned brands for Saint Bernard, the store wanted a new way for Saint Bernard to give customers something both recognizable and unexpected.

"She shares her perspective, her lifestyle, and her love of fashion, and she has an incredible ability to make getting dressed feel effortless and personal," said Goyer.

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