And NY thought Laura was a big deal?

A presidential audience for Houston fashion week: George H.W. Bush brings hissupport

Jared Lang shares a laugh with George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush on the frontrow before the Lauren Pierce runway collection presented by Laura Bush.
Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush arrive at Houston fashion week.
Photo By Clifford Pugh
A look from the Lauren Pierce collection
Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
Designer Lauren Bush lured some powerful support.

Houston fashion week boasts something no other fashion show — not New York, Paris or Milan — has: A president in the audience.

President George H.W. Bush (41) and former first lady Barbara Bush were in the front row to support Houston native Lauren Bush as she made her fashion week debut Tuesday night at the Wortham Theater Center.

Lauren, the daughter of Neil Bush (son of George H.W. and brother of George W.), presented a collection called Lauren Pierce, that supports her charity that helps feed children in impoverished nations, at Fashion Houston. Neil Bush and his wife Maria, Lauren's younger brother Pierce and several of her friends also made the show.

As a longtime fashion observer, I can't recall a presidential appearance ever at a major fashion show. When Laura Bush was first lady, she was the first first lady to appear at a New York Fashion Week show when she showed up at the Red Dress Collection to support the fight against heart disease in women in 2004. The New York Times wrote then that observers felt that Laura Bush's appearance carried the "same sense of importance as when Christian Dior unveiled the New Look."

Wonder what everyone will say about Houston's coup now?

Both George H.W. Bush and Barbara said this was the first fashion show they've ever attended.

"We're proud of our girl," Barbara Bush told CultureMap. "She's saving the world."

"She does so much to help other people," George H.W. added about his granddaughter.

A few years ago, Lauren Bush designed a reusable shopping bag that sold at Whole Foods stores. Proceeds from each FEED 100 bag provided 100 meals to children in Rwanda through the United Nations World Food Program School Feeding program. The bag, which continues to sell well, was featured at the runway show.

The former model's fashion line is also designed to raise awareness about ethically sustainable clothing.

Bush's line of tie-dye shirts, scarves, soft-posh tees and beige dresses were perfect for a casual day or a college town. "I hope she sells in Austin," an audience member quipped.

"I think it's awesome," Pierce Bush said of the line called Lauren Pierce. "She came up with a great name for her line."

And brought some presidential star power to Houston's fashion week.

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BETTER WITH BESTIES

Ultimate Houston Galentine's Day Guide: 10 ways to celebrate friendship

Photo courtesy of The Healthy Museum

Enjoy an offbeat Galentine's Day experience at The Health Museum.

Move over, Valentine's Day — there's a different holiday in town, and it's all about the gals. Thanks to Parks and Recreation's beloved Leslie Knope, Galentine's Day has become the ultimate excuse to ditch romance and celebrate besties everywhere. Since its debut just 14 years ago, this February 13 tradition has exploded, and the Bayou City is fully embracing it.

Whether it's floral workshops, heart dissections (yes, really), or belting out Taylor Swift lyrics, the city is serving up fun and unique ways to honor friendship. There's no shortage of entertaining and downright delicious ways to make this Galentine's Day one to remember. As for that other holiday, don't miss CultureMap's picks for quirky Valentine's Day dates and more than 20 Houston restaurants serving special Valentine's Day menus.

Eat, shop, and support small businesses at the Texas Bonita Market
On February 8, from 11 am to 4 pm, the Texas Bonita Market is bringing its seasonal shopping extravaganza to the one-of-a-kind Navigation Esplanade in Houston's East End. This must-shop seasonal market features small businesses, including local brands, handmade items, unique artisanal items, and delicious food.

Bloom with your besties at the Galentine's Day floral workshop at POST
Grab your best pals and celebrate Galentine's Day on February 8 from 2 pm to 4 pm with a Barbie-inspired floral arranging workshop led by one of the talented lead designers at Freedom Floral. All supplies and flowers are included, and guests get to take home a flower recipe card to recreate the look again and again. Everyone at this BYOB workshop will take home a beautiful arrangement and lots of memories.

Get totally fetch at Theater Under the Stars' Mean Girls
Now through February 9, catch a hilarious performance of Mean Girls at Houston Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tina Fey's iconic teen comedy was transformed into a Broadway hit musical with high school drama and catchy tunes perfect for Galentine's Day.

Enjoy petals and pours at Monkey's Tail
Join Monkey's Tail for their third annual I Can Buy Myself Flowers event on Tuesday, February 11, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Monkey's Tail is teaming up with Mas Flora for an evening of flower arranging and cocktails made with Black Bar Spirits and Simple Vodka. Mas Flora will guide guests through creating a gorgeous bouquet. All supplies and one cocktail are included.

Galentine's Day glam at Léránt
Léránt is hosting a special Galentine's Day pop-up on Wednesday, February 12, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Treat yourself to fabulous home decor and gifts at this pop-up featuring permanent jewelry boutique Link x Lou and the ever-stylish Tutu Cute by Jacqueline Smooke.

Unleash your inner surgeon with a Galentine's Day heart dissection
Gal pals can join the fun at Galentine's Heartstrings on Thursday, February 13, from 5:30–8 pm at The Houston Health Museum. Enjoy an evening of light bites, charcuterie, unlimited beer and wine, a signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks, followed by a guided interactive heart dissection led by Dr. Varsha Podduturi, Deputy Medical Examiner at the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner's Office. Guests can also access all The Health Museum exhibits and complimentary parking in the museum's surface lot.

Swifties unite for a "ValenTays" trivia night
Taylor Swift fans, this one's for the Mastermind. On February 13 at 7 pm, Little Woodrow's Bellaire will host a "ValenTays" Edition Taylor Swift Trivia Night, where knowledge of lyrics, albums, and iconic moments will be put to the test. Teams will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things T-Swift with fellow fans. Expect an evening filled with friendly competition, themed questions, and plenty of Eras Tour-level excitement.

Bingo with besties at FM Kitchen & Bar
Join FM Kitchen & Bar for Galentine's Day Bingo on Thursday, February 13. The Galentine's Day Bingo starts at 7 pm and will have drink specials and prizes, including gift cards from Amazon, Pudgy's Fine Cookies, Tenfold Coffee, Starbucks, and goodie bags by Sudor Sauna or the grand prize, a Ninja Creamy.

Raise the roof at a sky-high karaoke and movie night
This Galentine's Day, at Rooftop Cinema Uptown, besties will be belting out tunes with the friends who've seen them through every bad date and questionable outfit choice. On February 13, start the night with Rooftop Karaoke, then head to the cinema for 13 Going on 30.

Relax and Rejuvenate at The Ozone Bar
Looking for a Galentine's Day to remember? Book a treatment at The Ozone Bar, then rest, relax, and enjoy the incredible health benefits of ozone and infrared therapies with a gal pal. Choose from Ozone Sauna, Infrared Sauna, DermaShape, and HOCATT treatments. Request the connecting Ozone Sauna room to spend time together and take turns in the infrared sauna or getting a HOCATT treatment.

Photo courtesy of The Healthy Museum

Enjoy an offbeat Galentine's Day experience at The Health Museum.

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