Cliff Notes

Star power at fashion week: Tommy Hilfiger turns 25; Sarah Jessica Parker & J Loturn heads

Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper at the Diane vonFurstenberg show
Photo by Clifford Pugh
The red carpet was lined with models in blazers at the Tommy Hilfiger 25thanniversary party
Photo by Clifford Pugh
Outside Lincoln Center, Tommy HIllfiger's initials are carved into a man-madewall for the evening
Photo by Clifford Pugh
Diane von Furstenberg, Yvan Mispelaere
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)
Lela Rose spring 2010 collection
Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)
Jump suit in bold print from Diane von Furstenberg spring 2011 collection
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
Tommy HIlfiger spring 2011 collection
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
Tommy Hilfiger acknowledges the audience after his 25th anniversary show
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Tommy HIlfiger knows how to throw a party.

To celebrate his 25th anniversary, Hilfiger showed his spring 2011 collection before the flashiest front row yet at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sunday night. The all-star line-up in the tents at Lincoln Center included Jennifer Lopez, Bradley Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, Rumer Willis (Bruce and Demi's daughter), Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick, Jason Lewis and Rebecca Romijn.

Placing the front row celebrities directly across from where most fashion reporters sit probably wasn't the best idea, however, because we were so busy star gazing that the runway collection seemed secondary.

The verdict: Lopez, looking fashionable in over-the-knee leather boots and an off-the-shoulder sheer minidress, has flawless skin. Cooper, sporting a scruffy start of a beard, needs some manscaping while Harris's spiky hair could do with a little less gel. (Harris' boyfriend, David Burtka, sat in the row behind him.)

The clothes? Vintage Hilfiger, with preppy blazers and pastel pants for men; short cotton dresses, colorful long silk dresses and trench coats for women. A little lackluster, for sure, but they're the kind of best-selling designs that have kept HIlfiger flush for a quarter-century. Why mess with success?

"Tommy has such staying power because he really captures the American preppy aesthetic. He knows who he is and he doesn't try to be what he's not," said Vogue editor Anna Wintour, another fashion week front row fixture. "It's unpretentious, good fun American sportswear."

In recent seasons, WIntour has skipped a few fashion shows to watch her good friend, tennis star Roger Federer, in the finals of the U.S. Open. But she didn't have to steal away Sunday since Federer had lost in the semi-finals to Novak Djokovic the day before.

"There's always another tennis match," Wintour proclaimed, leaving no doubt about her tennis loyalties.

After the Hilfiger show, guests walked along a red carpet flanked by male models in navy blazers and slacks to the nearby Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center where the Strokes performed and Emanuel Chirico, CEO of Hilfiger's parent company Phillips-Van Heusen, told the crowd, "It's good to be us right now."

Earlier Sunday, the star power was nearly as dazzling at the Diane von Furstenberg show in the same tent. The front-row lineup included Anderson Cooper, Bravo executive Andy Cohen, Sarah Jessica Parker and Barry Diller (von Furstenberg's husband).

Once again, it was hard to concentrate on the clothes with so much star wattage. Parker, in a rose print dress pulled down at the shoulders, studiously watched each look on the runway for up to 10 seconds, swiveling her head as every model passed by. Cohen, in a black leather jacket and chomping on gum, simply seems overjoyed to be at the show. He took photographs and whispered with Cooper, who wore a black suit, white shirt and dark tie, and Parker throughout the show.

After wishing von Furstenberg well afterwards, the trio went out the back way and waited under an umbrella in the drizzling rain for a towncar while a crowd gathered around them and took photographs.

Unlike the Hilfiger show, however, von Furstenberg's collection — the first from creative director Yvan Mispelaere — offered plenty of competition to the star gazing. It was the freshest von Furstenberg collection I've seen in years, with lots of separates in dramatic colors — a purple pant with a sleeveless mauve hoodie was particularly eye-catching — languid gowns and bold geometric prints — and not a wrap dress in sight as Mispelaere reinterpreted von Furstenberg's vision in a fresh new way.

Dallas native Lela Rose also infused her spring collection with new energy. Rose said she was inspired by the surroundings of Lima, Peru, and it showed with such touches as woven metallic tweeds, embroidered tulle cutouts and shimmering ombre fabrics.

"I really love cultures that have a history of textile and embroidery and have that old world meets new world society. That's what's going on in Lima," she said. " I just wanted to take something like embroidery that used to be on broadcloth and really heavy fabrics and lighten them up and see how they would translate in a modern way."

The collection, which Rose will show at the first-ever Houston Fashion Week at the Wortham Theater Center next month, is also infused with color — coral orange shades, fluoride pink, silver yellows and turquoise — sure to appeal to Texas women who like to get noticed.

"Women like wearing color and we like giving it to them," Rose said.

She ls also continuing her partnership with Payless Shoes by creating five styles to go with her collection, including a towering wedge that will retail for about $35 a pair, due in stores in February.

"These are so comfortable," she said, pointing to the pair of green wedges she was wearing. " I think wearing wedges are about the most comfortable shoes ever. They're easy walking. You don't get caught in the subway grate. You just keep going."

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where to shop now

Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing in Houston, and shoppers are already busy checking names off their gift lists. Despite the fashionably late arrival of Thanksgiving this year, there is still plenty of time to find the perfect presents for everyone on the proverbial shopping list.

Whether hunting for something stylish, timeless, or entertaining, this Houston-centric shopping guide covers everything. There are ideas for every budget, age, and style preference, making shopping a bit more effortless and fun. Happy shopping, Houston!

Ada & Edith
The Houston-based style-driven women's wear brand recently released its Fall/Winter 2024 collection featuring eight highly curated pieces made with beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring. The new online collection features dresses, matching sets, tops, and skirts.

Beaufort Bonnet Company
The upscale children's lifestyle apparel brand recently opened its boutique in Rice Village next to White House Black Market. The brand offers everything from traditional special-occasion apparel pieces to ready-to-play wear for boys and girls (sizes infant – 14). Moms will love the great shopping while kids will have fun at the store's play area.

Foreign Fare
Holiday jet setters will be thrilled to give or get Houston-based travel brand Foreign Fare's travel clothing. The bestsellers, the Jetsetter jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, are a modern take on travel apparel and made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that effortlessly go from day to night. They feature travel-ready amenities, including hidden pockets and adjustable waistbands.

From Marfa
Tanglewood's favorite children's apparel store offers the cutest holiday must-haves for babies to teens and complimentary gift wrapping that will save time during this busy season. Shoppers can snag holiday and winter finds from brands including Little English, Luigi Kids, Pink Chicken, Katie J NYC, and more. The boutique also offers toys, books, and accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kimono Zulu
Houston-based brand Kimono Zulu offers one-of-a-kind vintage kimonos that make a unique and memorable holiday gift. Each kimono provides a piece of Japan's craftsmanship and artistry and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The brand's kimonos are available at its Upper Kirby boutique or online.

Krewe
Krewe, an independent eyewear brand founded in New Orleans, is opening its first permanent location in Houston in Rice Village. Nnown for its high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted frames, Krewe combines the style and culture of the Big Easy with a modern and iconic style. Krewe's new outpost is located at 5515 Kelvin Dr. #125 and opens on December 7.

Lafayette 148
Lafayette 148 has partnered with Save Venice, a leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The partnership inspired a capsule collection, available at the brand's outpost in the Galleria, featuring dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories. The capsule collection's sales will be donated to Save Venice's "Women Artists of Venice" program through the end of 2024.

Léránt
This Galleria neighborhood boutique makes being the "hostess with the mostess" easy, especially during the holiday season with elegant finds at every price point. Shoppers will find everything from tableware and crystal to gifts and festive holiday decor. Customers can shop with 15 percent off their purchases on December 4 from 4-7 pm.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Lucchese has launched a new gemstone line just in time for the holiday season. The latest offering includes the Gemstone Suede Boot Collection featuring the famous Priscilla classic style, which now comes in new rich suede colorways for the holiday season. The Gemstone Python Boot Collection includes six distinctive styles with rich, new colorways — Emerald, Amber, and Garnet — in two silhouettes: the Presley Exotic and the Dale Exotic. The Gemstone Python Clutch and Belt pay homage to 140 years of Lucchese and are handmade from rich tones of python leather.

M Penner
Named "One of the top men's specialty stores in the U.S." by Esquire Magazine, M Penner is celebrating 50 years in business — a massive feat in Houston's finicky fashion scene. In addition to custom fittings, perfect for holiday parties, customers can shop elevated brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Zenga, Canali, Isaia, AG Jeans, Carrot & Gibbs, Davek, Paul Smith, and more.

Purple
Co-founded by Houston native Luke Crosby, Purple recently opened its first Texas location in the Galleria. Alreday a top-selling denim brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Purple is known for its luxury denim and curated apparel worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jimmy Butler, and Houston's own Bun B.

Zadok Jewelers
Post Oak hotspot Zadok Jewelers is ready for the "most wonderful gifts of the year" as they gear up for the holiday season with a schedule full of shopping events. Guests can pursue the massive jewelry store during its extended holiday hours while shopping exclusive pieces from The Vault or the Vintage & High Jewelry Collection. Zadok will also host designer trunk shows and its annual Ultimate Watch Event featuring new releases from 25 leading watchmakers.

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

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