Fashion Houston 2011

Fashion Houston roundup: Carmen Marc Valvo (alas, with no Dolly), Kate KillsPretty and Saks menswear

Carmen Marc Valvo

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Carmen Marc Valvo's spring/summer 2012 collection has a languid summer feel.

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Kate Kills Pretty designers Toni Whitaker, middle, and Aries Milan, far right,with Lauren Craft, left. Craft designed the jewelry that was incorporated intothe collection.

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Kate Kills Pretty's eclectic collection includes this fringe skirt and navelplunging top

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Saks menswear show was too darn hot.

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

There were rumors that Dolly Parton, who was performing across the street from Fashion Houston Tuesday night, might slip in to watch the Carmen Marc Valvo show after she finished at Verizon Wireless Theater. Alas, the buxom singer never made it over, but we're betting she would have liked what was shown on the runway.

Sure, Valvo's spring/summer 2012 collection may not be as flashy as what Parton usually wears, but he knows how to accentuate a woman's figure, hide her flaws and show her in the best light.

Sure, Valvo's spring/summer 2011 collection may not be as flashy as what Dolly Parton usually wears, but he knows how to accentuate a woman's figure, hide her flaws and show her in the best light.

Valvo, who regularly dresses such celebs as Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah for the red carpet, is in a languid, almost carefree mood, with a collection he describes as "all very America, easy, breezy; it's about summer and feeling good."

In the runway show, models wore sandals and were instructed to walk at a leisurely pace, like a stroll on the beach. "I tell them don't run it, walk it, it's got to be ladylike," he said, while hanging out in the Audi tent before the night's lineup of shows started.

(Valvo, in a casual mood, also wore sandals throughout the evening, with T-shirt, slacks and jacket.)

The largely monocromatic collection, which he debuted at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last month, is marked by a sense of illusion, as Valvo uses transparent fabrics to show a hint of leg or arm, and expert construction, with crisp pleating and pearl detailing.

Business has been good the past few months, Valvo said, but with upheaval in Europe and heavy flucuations in the stock market, he isn't sure what the future will bring. However, he sees it as a time that pushes designers to do their best work.

"If there is uncertainty in the air, the consumer wants to buy something that's different, that's beautiful and makes her feel beautiful. It pushes designers to be more creative, actually," he said. "You can't be over the top, either, because that's not going to fly. But you have to push your creativity to the point that it's sensible and accessible."

Kate Kills Pretty

Coquette boutique owner Aries Milan made her runway debut with a creative, if sometimes out there, collection of two-tone fringe skirts, pink ombre jumpsuits, paint splatter-print leggings and tops with macramé detail. At times the collection, a collaboration between Milan and longtime Houston designer Toni Whitaker, had a split personality, reflecting the two designers' different styles.

I'm guessing some of the more sedate pieces, like an electric blue jumpsuit and magenta lounging gowns, were the work of Whitaker while the more outrageous styles, including a bathing suit with cut-outs at the sides and mini fringe skirts and blouses that plunged to the navel, reflect Milan's free spirit. Even so, the show had an energy and playful spirit that is lacking in some of the other collections on display during the week.

Saks Menswear

The energy level also picked up when Saks Fifth Avenue presented a runway show of the latest in menswear styles for fall and winter as many of the women in the audience — as well as the gay men — perked up to intently watch a runway full of hot male models.

The collection featured some nifty outerwear, including suede sweaters trimmed in leather, a light gray peacoat, a mink-lined vest and oversized white suede coat with nubby fur lining. Too bad that, in a climate with constant sultry temperatures, we can wear such styles in Houston for five days of the year, if we're lucky.

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SEASONAL SIZZLE

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 can't-miss spots for summer 2026

Photo by Laura Sanz Photography

South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

The summer is definitely heating up, and so is the shopping scene this month. July is packed with store openings, limited-time sales, summer events, and new collections from some of the city's favorite designers and boutiques. Whether it's the perfect pair of boots, stunning jewelry, or an excuse to shop with a cocktail in hand, the retail scene in Houston is worth checking out this month.

Alchemia
Support Houston's fashion scene at the FFF Summer Pop-Up on Thursday, July 10, from 12-5 pm at Alchemia. The afternoon will highlight women-owned businesses and local designers. Shoppers can browse curated summer collections from brands including M+M Couture Designs, The Sister Rack, Tiedy Gals Co., My Knit Ever, and Sparkle & Shine by Lynn while sipping complimentary bubbles and refreshments.

Blue Leaf Houston
Along with settling in to its new location, Blue Leaf has restocked with gifts and fun baubles perfect for summer, including a large inventory of Jellycats; the latest from Mackenzie-Childs and Elsata Ceramics; and kids' clothes for both boys and girls, including Pink Chicken and EMC. The store also carries a large selection of bespoke mahjong tiles.

Houston Premium Outlets
Everyone's favorite Houston-area outlet mall is giving shoppers two more reasons to visit this summer. Popular brands Birkenstock and The North Face are now open, joining the outlet center's always-growing roster of retailers.

Hunter Bell
Houston designer brand Hunter Bell is kicking off summer savings with a sale running now through July 11. Shoppers can save up to 70 percent on select pieces from the Spring 2026 and Resort 2026 collections, making it the perfect time to stock up on the brand's polished styles before they're gone.

J. Landa Jewelry
Jumping on the summer beaded gemstone necklace trend, J. Landa's newest collection includes elevated necklaces featuring natural stones, whimsical shell and fish charms that add color and texture to summer layering.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Season 3 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has everyone talking. For those who want to feel like a part of the team, Lucchese's Gina boot, inspired by the team's iconic performance boot, will complete any look. Available in-store or online, the boots are a great way to channel the spirit of DCC while still looking stylish in Western fashion.

Mirth
Houston-based brand Mirth is making it easy to refresh a summer wardrobe with its Holiday Weekend Sale, running through July 7. Shoppers can score an extra 20 percent off already marked-down dresses, breezy separates, and the brand's colorful signature prints. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, no code needed.

Primark
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, affordable retailer Primark will be opening its seventh store in Texas at Willowbrook Mall on July 16. The store will be offering essentials at great prices, including women's denim starting at $12, men's tees at $5, and girls' and boys' sweatshirts at $8. Sports fans can also stock up on their favorite team's merch, including Texans, Cowboys, Rockets, and Spurs items.

River Oaks District
The development's Texas Nights series will feature live music, shopping, and cocktails. Held on Saturdays, July 4, 11, and 18, the event will have performances by Rush Creek, Wes Nickson, and Trent Cade, along with the district's mix of boutiques and restaurants. It's a great excuse to sip, shop, and enjoy a warm Houston summer evening.

SĀMAÁ Diamonds Studio
Houston-based jewelry designer Sugam Khanna recently debuted her newest collection, Le Papillon, at an exclusive event at Upper Kirby cocktail lounge Santé. The collection is inspired by butterflies, and on some of the new rings, the butterfly's wings are designed to flutter with the natural movement of the hand.

South to North
The buzzy boutique that specializes in bringing international brands to the Bayou City has recently welcomed several new brands perfect for Houston summers. Available in-store, the brands include Sirapop, Lanthropy, Sara & Flora, and Salvarea.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott's latest collaboration for her Western-inspired line is with Austin-based country band Chaparral. The collection blends Texas ranch culture with elevated modern fashion. The collection includes jewelry, leather bolos, and statement pieces such as beaded bandana necklaces.

Photo by Laura Sanz Photography

South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

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