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    Cliff Notes

    The two sides of Houston fashion week: Glam & casual

    Clifford Pugh
    Oct 13, 2010 | 1:23 am
    • Alberta Ferretti gown at Net-A-Porter runway show
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
    • Lauren Bush, left, with Feed Trick-or-Treat bag, and a woman wearing a scarffrom her collection.
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
    • Jared Lang, left, and George and Barbara Bush, Maria and Neil Bush
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
    • Lela Rose's closing gown
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
    • Mickey Rosmarin and Lela Rose
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com
    • Dress designed by David Peck, shoes by Elaine Turner
      Michelle Watson for LastNightPics.com

    Day Two of Fashion Houston at the Wortham Theater Center Tuesday night had a split personality, with styles ranging from ultra-glamorous to super casual.

    On the glam side, Net-A-Porter sent out dozens of luxe looks for the first runway show the upscale website has ever staged. Among the designer names: Alexander McQueen, Roland Mouret, Balmain, Alberta Ferretti, Judith Leiber, Jimmy Choo — and that was just the start.

    Fashion-forward women in the audience, like Joyce Echols, Melissa Mithoff, Diane Farb and Debbie Festari, were lusting over the footwear — YSL pumps with wisps of fur trailing from the heels, Alaia lace-up boots, towering gold Versace sandals, Christian Louboutin black boots, and Valentino sandals dotted with bows.

    Isabell Marant leggings of scaly sequins, a Vionnet black velvet dress trimmed in a white underside, and show-stopping entrance gowns from Kaufman Franco, Jason Wu, Roberto Cavalli and Rachel Gilbert practically shouted, "Look at me!"

    On the other end of the spectrum, the models wearing Lauren Bush's Lauren Pierce Atelier collection didn't bother with shoes. They strolled the runway in bare feet, wearing colorful tie-dye skirts and soft beige T-shirts, tie-dye dresses, and beige dresses adorned with colorful scarves while her adoring family, including her grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush, grandmother, former first lady Barbara Bush, dad Neil Bush, brother Pierce Bush and stepmom Maria Bush, looked on with pride from the front row.

    "It's a family affair," Lauren Bush said backstage after the show.

    She was excited to present her collection on the runway for the first time. "We've done a presentation before, but not a full-on show. It's sort of a new way to see your clothes, which is nice," she said.

    In 2006, she began designing an eco-friendly, burlap bag, called FEED, with proceeds going to feed hungry children in schools. She recently added a FEED Trick-or-Treat bag, in the shape of a pumpkin face, that sells for $13.20 on HSN and benefits UNICEF hunger programs. The proceeds from each bag sold wlll feed a starving child micronutrient powder for one year, she said.

    The Lauren Pierce collection is also made in an environmentally sensitive, socially conscious way, with silk fabric dyed by women in the Congo, so no two designs are alike.

    "It makes it extra meaningful," Bush said.

    During the show, I couldn't help but look over at the designer's grandmother, who held held own among the fashionistas in a navy sweater, creme-colored slacks, black ballet flats and her trademark pearls. The former first lady should be commended for her strong sense of personal style. And she's also a proud grandmother. At one point, she pulled a camera out of her small purse and snapped photos of her granddaughter's collection.

    Like Lauren Bush, Lela Rose also now calls New York home. And like Bush, the Dallas native made a quick trip to the Bayou City just to show her spring 2011 collection at Houston fashion week.

    "I'm from Texas originally, so it's always nice to come home," she said.

    Unlike Bush, however, Rose is a New York fashion week veteran, with a regular slot on the first Sunday in the twice-a-year fashion extravaganza.

    Rose's collection, which I saw in New York last month, was inspired by the surroundings of Lima, Peru, which shows up in such touches as woven metallic tweeds, embroidered tulle cutouts, shimmering ombre fabrics, and bright colors.

    Most designers won't pick a favorite look — they say it's like choosing a favorite child — but In between catching up with longtime friend, Tootsies owner Mickey Rosmarin, backstage after her show, Rose said her favorite look is the last one in the collection: An ombre full-length skirt with jeweled bustier.

    "It's sheer fantasy," she said.

    I had to agree — the dress is a stunner — although the overall presentation of Rose's collection lacked the zip of the New York show because the Houston models walked so slow. One of my few complaints thus far about Houston fashion week is that the models walk in a stupor, like they are on Valium, at nearly every show.

    Rose and Rosemarin joked that perhaps it represents the pace of both cities.

    "Here it's strolling, because it's calmer," Rose said. "In New York, it's speed walking."

    Also on tap Tuesday night, Houston designer David Peck teamed with Houston accessories queen Elaine Turner for a strong show inspired by colorful photographs and impressionist paintings. Several of Peck's designs were a tribute to pointillism, where a bunch of tiny dots form a picture. Dresses in block shift patterns matched pumps made of the same fabric for a polished look.

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    BIJOU BAGS

    Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 5, 2025 | 10:30 am
    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden
    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

    Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

    11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

    “I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

    Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

    Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

    Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

    Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

    “Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

    As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

    houston luxury handbagshouston brandshouston fashion11 juilletshopping
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