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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LEATHER & LUXE

Heritage leather brand opens appointment-only boutique in River Oaks

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

The heritage leather brand Ghurka recently opened a River Oaks boutique that offers custom clothing for men and women, a rare find in Houston’s luxury market.

For more than 50 years, Ghurka has built a reputation for beautifully crafted leather goods. Now, Houstonians have a new way to experience its collections.

Its new River Oaks boutique, one of only two brick-and-mortar outposts in the country, brings the label’s signature leather collection together with custom clothing and private styling, creating a personal shopping experience.

At the appointment-only store, clients can shop for leather bags and accessories while also working one-on-one with an advisor to create custom tailoring, shirting, knitwear, and other pieces curated to their specific needs and lifestyle. Houstonians will also be among the first to see Ghurka's expanded clothing offering with the debut of the Fall/Winter 2026 custom collection.

“For us, the decision to open in Houston really came down to people and relationships,” Glenn Pollack, chairman and CEO of Ghurka, tells CultureMap. “Ghurka has a meaningful history here and longstanding relationships with people who know the brand and what it stands for. As we considered returning to physical retail, we wanted to start in markets where we had the right talent, the right relationships, and a strong foundation to build on. Houston gave us all three.”

Ghurka Ghurka's appointment-only River Oaks boutique is located at 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 185. Appointments are available online. Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Founded in Connecticut in 1975, Ghurka's main focus is on leather goods designed to improve with time and wear. Its product range run the gamut from bags and backpacks to wallets, belts, and accessories. The brand is now applying that successful philosophy to clothing, with a focus on premium materials, durable construction, and pieces designed around the individual rather than trends.

Clients can work with a Gurkha advisor to decide what they need from their wardrobes before choosing fabrics, silhouettes, proportions, and bespoke details. Each piece is fully custom and finished by hand and according to Pollack, the goal of the appointment-only Houston boutique is to provide shoppers with a complete experience and a personalized level of attention.

“For us, custom clothing is ultimately about the individual rather than a particular gender,” Pollack said. “The same principles that have guided Ghurka for more than fifty years translate naturally into clothing. Offering custom for both men and women allows us to create a much more complete and personal relationship with our clients.”

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Ghurka Houston, 3701 W. Alabama St., Suite 185. Appointments are available through ghurka.com.

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

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