Cliff Notes

On the road again: Michael Kors is out of Africa; Tory Burch discovers Deauvillein fashion fantasies

Michael Kors hand-dyed scarf dress
The first look from Michael Kors spring 2012 collection: She's wearing ahand-dyed linen serape, cashmere henley and shorts; he's in a linen tank andpant with leather travel bag.
Michael Douglas, left, at Michael Kors
Photo by Clifford Pugh
Tory Burch ackowledges the audience at the end of her first runway show.
Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Tory Burch layered chiffon jacket with fringe detail, sleeveless silk top withembellished detail and fringe trim, ribbed knit short
Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Michael Kors leopard hand-painted shift
Michael Kors impala/python print maillot
Tory Burch linen jersey striped shirt with peony print lame dickie, cottoncrochet Bermuda short
Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

NEW YORK — One nice thing about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: You can see the world without leaving Lincoln Center. Designers often weave a world of fantasy on the runway, taking onlookers to far-off places. Particularly in these tough times, a little bit of imagination seems to go a long way.

Michael Kors, who consistently puts on one of fashion week's most entertaining shows, went out of Africa with his spring 2012 collection. From the first look — a couple with a lust to roam the globe in khaki clothes, a serape and woven travel bag — to the last — a flowing olive tie-dye gown — Kors created a sense of adventure and opportunity.

The theme fit in perfectly with the launch of Destination Kors, the designer's new website that combines glossy features on travel, culture and fashion with e-commerce. It debuted last week.

“You are the most glamorous, sexy couple in safari history,” a backstage sign instructed models before they hit the runway. “Brad and Angelina are jealous of you.”

The designer has made three recent trips to Africa and in his program notes, he made reference to Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park. The show featured animal prints (leopard, tiger, python and zebra), along with caftans in the hues of a glorious setting sun and leather utility jackets suited for your next safari.

“You are the most glamorous, sexy couple in safari history,” a backstage sign instructed models before they hit the runway. “Brad and Angelina are jealous of you.”

Each model, indeed, walked confidently on the catwalk, aided by diffused runway lighting. Was it my imagination or was the show lit to put everything into a golden glow?

One of the few major designers to feature men and women's clothing at fashion week, Kors showcased utility pants, henleys, sarongs and linen anoraks for him and blanket dresses, ponchos, patchwork shifts and feathered dresses for her in this casual collection. It was quite a contrast to his last show, which celebrated his 30th anniversary in the fashion business with a glittering homage to his Studio 54 disco days.

But that's the beauty of fashion — designers are free to reinvent themselves every few months.

By the time the show had ended with Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" as the models — and Kors — took their final runway walk, I was ready to trade in my frequent flyer miles for an overseas jaunt.

In the audience: Actress Zoe Saldana, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, singer Courtney Love and a fit-looking Michael Douglas, who told reporters he felt great after his recent treatment for cancer.

Tory Burch's runway debut

It's usually hard to get the fashion crowd to a 9 a.m. show, but the glass-walled foyer at Alice Tully Center was packed to capacity for Tory Burch's first runway outing.

In the fashion world, most new designers show their collections in a presentation situation, where models pose while onlookers walk around to view the clothing. It's quicker for buyers and the fashion press to get in and out and the cost of putting it on is much cheaper than a runway show.

But if you want to raise it to the next level, a full-scale runway show is required.

Burch, too, has a wanderlust, so she looked to the French seaside resort of Deauville in the 1920s and Pablo Picasso's painting, The Bathers.

Burch is certainly at that level, with a business that has exploded since she started it seven years ago. Originally built on ballet flats and tunics that caught the eye of America's tastemaker, Oprah Winfrey, Tory Burch is now a lifestyle brand, with 56 stores around the world, including a glittering new flagship in New York, and more on the way.

Burch, too, has a wanderlust, so she looked to the French seaside resort of Deauville in the 1920s and Pablo Picasso's painting, The Bathers. The languid collection featured Chanel-like tweed jackets, dresses in collage prints of silky crepe de chine fabric, ribbed knit cardigans and silk sweatshirts discreetly marked with the Tory Burch logo at the bottom edge.

For a first runway show, a new designer often experiments with out-there fashion meant to impress editors of the fashion magazines, but every look Burch sent out is wearable and will likely end up for sale in stores. For the first time, she played raffia, dotting a skirt, dress and jacket with the palm frond from the island of Madagascar, and added fringe detail to skirts and jackets, but managed to make the items fresh yet enticing for her customer.

Burch also veered into evening looks, with several silk chiffon gowns in seafoam, blush and coral shades. They will be available only at her flagship store on Madison Avenue. But the way her line continues to grow, I wouldn't be surprised to see them everywhere before too long.

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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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