Polo Ralph Lauren's Color Riot

Selena Gomez romps in black amid colorful Polo Ralph Lauren collection

NEW YORK — It's not hard to figure out why Ralph Lauren likes Texas — and the feeling is mutual.

His Polo Ralph Lauren collection is known for bright colors and bold florals, perfect for the sunny Sunbelt climate, and the tailored prep look fits in with the aspirational attitude so prevalent in the Lone Star State. So it's no wonder when Lauren was looking to expand, he focused on Texas, unveiling a store in The Galleria just before last Thanksgiving and is now finishing up a big new store in Dallas' NorthPark Center that opens next month.

Everything remains close to perfect in the world of Polo Ralph Lauren as the master designer didn't deviate from the successful plan for spring 2016. The label unveiled the new Polo women's collection during New York Fashion Week on Friday atop the McKittrick Hotel in a leafy setting that resembled a fabulous outdoor garden patio, with models lounging in small groups just as they might do when they're not being paid to look beautiful.

The sunny collection is certainly one to get the wearer noticed, with linen blazers in eye-popping colors of orange, pink and green and denim pants in the same sherbet shades, accented with a touch of fringe to stay true to current trends. Wispy floral dresses in various lengths, from mini to maxi, also adhere to the same optimistic color palate while tailored pantsuits and cotton shirts in a blue and white strip set a crisp tone.

A section of the collection fades to black, with leather pants, linen sweaters. lace shawls and clingy dresses in the shade most associated with New York, but it's the colors that shine in this collection.

Selena Gomez showed up in a black leather romper and posed for photos with Brooklyn Beckham, the 16-year-old son of David and Victoria, who was clad in white T-shirt and blue jean jacket, with the best head of hair since James Dean. But amid the bright Polo surroundings, both underdressed celebrities looked they had wandered into the wrong party.

Polo Ralph Lauren spring 2016 collection features colorful blazers.

Polo Ralph Lauren spring 2016 presentation at New York Fashion Week

Photo by Angela Pham/BFA.com

Polo Ralph Lauren spring 2016 collection features colorful blazers.

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ETHEREAL ELEGANCE

Luxe Latin American brand taps Houston to debut new spring/summer line

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Colombian-based luxury brand Agua by Agua Bendita is expanding into North America and has hand-picked Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 Collection. The only Latin American clothing brand chosen to participate in the Gucci Vault program, Agua by Agua Bendita, which launched in 2021, is known for its hand-embroidered fabrics and ethereal aesthetic.

Friends and fashion design students Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Alvarez began their ready-to-wear clothing line over 20 years ago by making swimsuits from leftover fabric scraps in Medellin. The founders then partnered with local artisans and developed a more luxurious concept with hand-embroidered fabrics and an "always on vacation" resort line.

Agua by Agua Bendita has grown a large following over the past few years and has garnered the attention of not only Gucci, but also Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Women's Wear Daily. The brand partnered with South to North to host a year-long pop-up in Highland Park Village in Dallas last year, and during that time, they discovered that Houston is the key sales driver in the Texas region.

"Texas has always been a strong market for us, with an incredibly engaged customer base that truly connects with our brand DNA. We had a pop-up in Dallas last year that was run by Alejandra Bravo and Luisa Babarczy of South to North, and it was a total success," Lina Segura, U.S. retail executive for Agua by Agua Bendita, tells CultureMap. "But Houston, in particular, stands out because of its diversity, vibrant energy, and deep appreciation for fashion, making it the perfect place to showcase our beautiful pieces. Being in Dallas allowed us to interact with Houston, and we've seen the great value this market has."

Agua by Agua Bendita, the beloved Colombian brand known for its hand-embroidered artistry and deep reverence for Latin American culture, will debut is Spring/Summer collection in Houston. Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Located in Autry Park, South to North will host the Spring/Summer 2025 collection for one week beginning on Tuesday, April 15. South to North's Houston and Austin locations are dedicated to showcasing a selection of globally recognized luxury brands that best exemplify Latin American designers' artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship. Many of the brands found in their shops are in the Texas market for the first time.

"Their space reflects a thoughtful and curated vision that aligns beautifully with our brand, so partnering with them feels only natural," said Segura. "No one in Texas is doing what they are doing at the level they are, and honestly, partners like them are hard to find at a national level."

The latest collection from Agua by Agua Bendita is inspired by the beauty of nature's awakening in spring and features soft colors, airy fabrics, and newly inspired silhouettes. "From intricately embroidered dresses to luxurious swimwear, pareos, and sets crafted in fine fabrics like pearl linen and silk faille, each piece blends timeless elegance with a sense of lightness, perfect for sunny escapes and everyday moments," said Segura.

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South to North, 3711 Autry Park Dr. #200; (210) 593-8506

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

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