Balancing sex appeal with elegance is no easy task. Just peruse red carpets where more is more, and a lot of hope is placed on the strength of double-stick fashion tape.

But glamour and sexy can blend in a gown — just ask Miami-based designer Rene Ruiz who’s in Houston at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf Friday and Saturday. He’s previewing his fall 2012 collection of gala-worthy gowns and cocktail party-ready dresses, and his timing is impeccable, since the social season is picking up steam.

A quick chat with Ruiz reveals a gracious and grateful designer with an eye for luxurious fabrics and mind set to maximize a woman’s best assets.

“I like women to look like women, so I accentuate a woman’s body, but I want her to be comfortable in my gowns," Ruiz says. "My gowns are about elegance and if you feel comfortable and elegant, you will behave better."

Don’t think, however, Ruiz is making gowns with an Amish bend. Many dresses look practically poured on, hugging curves in bold colors, sophisticated draping and intricate beading. His fabrics run the gamut from chiffons and silk tulles to embroidered tulles and silk charmeuse and he sources them from France and Italy.

Ruiz is the go-to designer among Miami socialites, but he also has a thriving bridal and mother-of-the-bride business. Not surprisingly, Texas women are drawn to his gowns as are specialty boutiques across the country and as far away as Dubai.

“We love Houston. Women there love to get dressed up and they appreciate good craftsmanship and design,” Ruiz says. “Houston is my kind of town.”

No matter how many times you hear Ruiz's story of success, it never gets old. He immigrated to the United States from Havana and after learning the design ropes with apprenticeships in Florence, Italy, he opened his atelier in 1992 in Coral Gables.

“Cuba is a horrible place. For me, it was no different. I watched old movies to escape the everyday reality. It was my window to the world,” Ruiz says. “I’ve worked very hard and am very proud of what I’ve been able to do here, because this country is the best country in the world, because here, anything is possible.”

He now owns a 5,000-square-foot flagship store, but says he loves coming to the boutiques and working with the women who buy his gowns.

“When you put on that dress, it’s all about that moment and everybody deserves that red carpet moment. They aren’t just for celebrities,” Ruiz says.

The Rene Ruiz trunk show is Friday and Saturday, with a champagne reception from 11:30 to 2 p.m. Friday.