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    Fashion Houston 2011

    Fresh off the Fashion Houston runway, colorful Chloe Dao predicts this season'sProject Runway winner

    Clifford Pugh
    Oct 19, 2011 | 11:33 am
    • The irrepressible Chloe Dao acknowledges the audience at the end of her runwayshow. She's wearing a colorful look from her spring collection.
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Dao's spring/summer 2012 collection features bright colors and accessories fromElaine Turner. The collection will be Dao's Lot 8 store in February 2012.
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Dao closed the show with a kaleidoscope-print chiffon gown with contrastingstraps over lace hot pants
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Green/white striped keyhole halter top with blue high waisted shorts
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Abstract Aztec print jersey halter dress with contrasting yellow pockets andbelt
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
    • Multi-colored patchwork knit 3/4-sleeve dress with front and back slits
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
    • Blue open shouldered fitted dress with printed piping detail
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
    • Blue shift with scoop neckline
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Jade 3/4-sleeve deep V-neck dress with printed belt
      Photo by Federico Villamayor
    • Patchwork shift
      Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

    Many designers are in a state of panic before a runway show. But with less than an hour before her Fashion Houston show was set to begin last week, Chloe Dao seemed cool, calm and collected as she mingled with guests in the Audi Fashion Tent in Fish Plaza.

    As fans of Season Two of Project Runway recall, Dao remains unruffled in even the thorniest of situations. (She developed a national following after winning the competition in 2005 and has continued with projects on QVC as well as her subsequent collections at Lot 8, her Rice Village boutique.)

    That same bright, easygoing feeling permeates Dao's spring/summer 2012 collection, which is characterized by a riot of color.

    That same bright, easygoing feeling permeates Dao's spring/summer 2012 collection, which is characterized by a riot of color. Dao's entire collection is a paean to bright hues, with colorblock dresses in bright shades of tangerine and blue, Aztec prints and kaleidoscope chiffons.

    Some of the prints are different color combinations stitched together into one piece of fabric. Each look was accessorized with bright Elaine Turner handbags and shoes.

    "It's bold and bright and very colorful. I think it's the most colorful collection I've ever done. It's the most amount of prints I've ever done," she said.

    CultureMap: Why have you discovered color?

    Chloe Dao: I think I'm more fearless. I've stepped out of my comfort zone. I'm using fabric I don't normally use. Usually I'm more (into) eveningwear (made of) silk chiffon, silk charmeuse. It's only a quarter percent of the collection this time. I'm piecing together different prints. I'm spreading my own fabriciation my own way. Just stepping out.

    I think it's very on trend because color has been in the vocabulary for a while. I just want people to be happy, you know what I mean? Put on some color and you'll be happy, no matter what.

    CM: How was it working with Elaine Turner?

    CD: Amazing!

    CM: Have you worked together before?

    CD: No we haven't. We had always been speaking about it.

    I think Anya got really lucky because she's so damn pretty. She's talented but she should have been elimated a few times.

    CM: You both are such great examples of being able to stay in Houston and make it in the fashion business.

    CD: We're working girls and we're working it. It's important to show that you don't have to fly off somewhere to be successful. I look up to Elaine for how successful she has been. She's truely the entrepreneur. I want to be like her, to be at her level of success.

    CM: Has married life changed your design sensibilities? (Dao recently married Kenneth Pursley in a Bahamas beach wedding)

    CD: You should ask my husband (laughs). That's a great question. We've been together for six years, so I kind of don't care anymore. I'm with a man who loves me for who I am.

    CM: Do you watch Project Runway or are you over it?

    CD: I do try to watch this season. I do try to watch every season, but then I get sick of it. So now I just read it on Tom & Lorenzo because I just can't embrace some of the designers. They're going to hate me for that but I'm just going to be honest.

    I think this year, Viktor should win. And I think Anya got really lucky because she's so damn pretty. She's talented but she should have been elimated a few times.

    CM: Do you really believe Anya just started sewing four months ago (before the season began)?

    CD: I believe her because the stuff she made was obvious. You can tell when someone has skill. She's done very very simple pieces. People who have real skill, it's much more complicated.

    I hope next year there are more local designers besides me and Cesar. There are so many amazing young designers here (in Houston).

    CM: What are your thoughts about Fashion Houston?

    CD: I think it's better (than last year). It's more organized, too. And I think it's really nice that they're bringing in other very well-established New York designers. I hope next year there are more local designers besides me and Cesar. There are so many amazing young designers here. I work with HCC and the Art Institute. There's an immense amount of talent in this city and hopefully we embrace them a little bit more next year.

    I think its nice that they can see through me that you can stay in Houston and be successful. You define your own success not about being in New York or LA, it's being where you want to be and being happy about it. And it's the fourth largest city in the U.S., so come on people!

    unspecifiedseries568664003
    news/fashion
    series/fall-for-fashion-2011

    SEASONAL SCORES

    Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 stylish stops for September

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Sep 3, 2026 | 9:00 am
    Christy Lynn fall 2026
    Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn
    Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

    Houstonians may be sweating through the beginning of September, but that hasn’t stopped the city’s retail scene from daydreaming about fall. From designer finds to new boutiques popping up in River Oaks District and CityCentre, this month brings plenty of reasons to shop. After all, it is always a good excuse to escape the heat, look for something new, and enjoy wishful thinking that Houston’s version of autumn is just around the corner.

    Blue Bird Circle
    Back for its fourth year, the Blue Bird Circle's Couture Boutique is a can't-miss shopping event featuring a highly curated collection of designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from coveted names including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, St. John, and more — all at exceptional prices. The event is free and open to the public on September 12, from 10 am-3 pm at 615 W. Alabama St.

    Burdlife
    Get free piercings every Wednesday this month at M-K-T Heights piercing studio, Burdlife. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome, and all customers have to pay for is the jewelry itself, making it easy to get a midweek upgrade.

    Christina Greene
    Christina Greene launched Color Therapy, a new jewelry collection celebrating the way color can transform any look or mood. Known for her use of natural stones and colors, the brand created the collection around pieces that feel joyful, wearable, and easy to make your own.

    Christy Lynn
    Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee just dropped her latest collection of jewel-toned dresses and separates that are ideal for fall. Shoppers can stock up on her signature prints and hand-painted silks in transitional styles perfect for Houston's warmer autumn weather.

    Creed
    Available at the Galleria, Creed’s newest fragrance, Iris Debonair, is a floral fragrance inspired by British and French influences. The scent has notes of bergamot, absinthe, pink pepper, and cardamom.

    Elizabeth Anthony
    Uptown's must-shop boutique is celebrating 30 years this fall with a bevy of trunk shows and appearances. From Zimmermann to Safiyaa, Robertro Quaglia, and an in-person appearance by Van Gelder Find Jewelry, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. More detailed information is available here.

    J. Jill
    Available at the Galleria, J. Jill has just dropped its reimagined denim collection, featuring new fits, fresh washes, and denim designed for all body types. The new line of denim is available in regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes.

    Kendra Scott
    The jewelry brand recently launched the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace designed with the families of Heaven's 27 to honor the 27 girls who lost their lives in the Kerry County floods in July 2025. The hand-painted enamel hearts represent each girl through their favorite color. Kendra Scott will not retain any profit from the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace; 100 percent of net profits will benefit the Heaven's 27 Foundation through the Kendra Scott Foundation.

    Silvia Tcherassi
    Houston is getting a new name in luxury fashion. Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi is opening her first Texas boutique in River Oaks District. The boutique is located between the new Chloé and A.L.C. stores. Shoppers can expect Tcherassi’s latest ready-to-wear collections, Atelier pieces, accessories, and styles created exclusively with Houston in mind.

    State & Liberty
    Now open in CityCentre, Detroit-based State & Liberty is a menswear brand known for combining athletic fit with elevated style. The brand specializes in tailored clothing for athletic builds and offers suits, sport coats, dress shirts, and pants made with stretch fabrics for comfort and ease of movement.

    Urban Outfitters
    Urban Outfitters just opened a new store at The Woodlands Mall, introducing the brand’s latest retail concept to the market. The large, 5,604-square-foot space will feature a brighter, more modern design, making it easier for shoppers to navigate the store and personalize their looks. To celebrate the opening, UO Rewards members will receive a gift with purchase, with no minimum spend required, including a tote, gourmand fragrance, and patches.

    Vince
    Vince at River Oaks District is partnering with Houston-based ceramic artist Franki Star for an in-store art showcase. Running Monday, September 8 through Saturday, September 13, Star's ceramic pieces will be on display throughout the boutique all week. This art showcase is perfectly timed with Vince’s Fall 26 campaign launch.



    Christy Lynn fall 2026

    Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

    Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

    river oaks districthouston shoppinghouston brandswhere to shop in houston
    news/fashion
    series/fall-for-fashion-2011
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