Lone Star Hospitality

Shoe god Christian Louboutin deemed a "Texas rock star" at down home Tex-Mexfiesta

Photo by © Eli Spector
Photo by © Eli Spector
The Texas theme of the evening extended from the requisite western attire to theinviting table top decor.
Photo by © Eli Spector
Photo by © Eli Spector
The wait staff dressed in jeans, crisp white shirts, turquoise bandanas andstraw western hats. The French just love that stuff.
Photo by © Eli Spector
Photo by © Eli Spector
Photo by © Eli Spector
Photo by © Eli Spector

Christian Louboutin’s time in Houston was a whirlwind of fundraising parties, public appearances at Saks Fifth Avenue and stints adding his signature to the iconic red-bottomed shoes that bear his name. But Thursday night at Becca Cason Thrash’s home, he had a slightly different experience.

Instead of sky-high Loubs and LBDs, most women wore cowboy boots and jeans. Gents left their sports jackets at home in favor of Western shirts with pearl-snap buttons and more denim, including a genuine pair of chaps.

Instead of sky-high Loubs and LBDs, most women wore cowboy boots and jeans.

Champagne was replaced by margaritas and longnecks, and when the cozy group of 26 sat down to dinner, it was Tex-Mex from Armandos instead of formal fine-dining.

It was sophisticated and casual, much like the Lone Star State and a different experience for Louboutin, which was just what Thrash wanted.

“Christian doesn’t get to Texas all that often, so his public appearance at Saks was supposed to end at 2, but at 5 there was still a line of people waiting. He’s turned into a Texas rock star,” Thrash says.

Of those long lines of glamorous women, Louboutin says he gets energy from those who want to take a picture or have him sign their shoes, but he admits, it’s good he doesn’t know how long the queue actually is.

“Saks is smart. From my view I couldn’t see the line. If I had, I might have been scared,” Louboutin says.

The intimate evening included Elizabeth Petersen, Mickey Rosmarin, Karen Pulaski, Gregory Fourticq, Holly Moore, Shannon Hall, Marcus Sloan, Mickey Rosmarin and Annie Amante.

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ETHEREAL ELEGANCE

Luxe Latin American brand taps Houston to debut new spring/summer line

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Colombian-based luxury brand Agua by Agua Bendita is expanding into North America and has hand-picked Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 Collection. The only Latin American clothing brand chosen to participate in the Gucci Vault program, Agua by Agua Bendita, which launched in 2021, is known for its hand-embroidered fabrics and ethereal aesthetic.

Friends and fashion design students Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Alvarez began their ready-to-wear clothing line over 20 years ago by making swimsuits from leftover fabric scraps in Medellin. The founders then partnered with local artisans and developed a more luxurious concept with hand-embroidered fabrics and an "always on vacation" resort line.

Agua by Agua Bendita has grown a large following over the past few years and has garnered the attention of not only Gucci, but also Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Women's Wear Daily. The brand partnered with South to North to host a year-long pop-up in Highland Park Village in Dallas last year, and during that time, they discovered that Houston is the key sales driver in the Texas region.

"Texas has always been a strong market for us, with an incredibly engaged customer base that truly connects with our brand DNA. We had a pop-up in Dallas last year that was run by Alejandra Bravo and Luisa Babarczy of South to North, and it was a total success," Lina Segura, U.S. retail executive for Agua by Agua Bendita, tells CultureMap. "But Houston, in particular, stands out because of its diversity, vibrant energy, and deep appreciation for fashion, making it the perfect place to showcase our beautiful pieces. Being in Dallas allowed us to interact with Houston, and we've seen the great value this market has."

Agua by Agua Bendita, the beloved Colombian brand known for its hand-embroidered artistry and deep reverence for Latin American culture, will debut is Spring/Summer collection in Houston. Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Located in Autry Park, South to North will host the Spring/Summer 2025 collection for one week beginning on Tuesday, April 15. South to North's Houston and Austin locations are dedicated to showcasing a selection of globally recognized luxury brands that best exemplify Latin American designers' artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship. Many of the brands found in their shops are in the Texas market for the first time.

"Their space reflects a thoughtful and curated vision that aligns beautifully with our brand, so partnering with them feels only natural," said Segura. "No one in Texas is doing what they are doing at the level they are, and honestly, partners like them are hard to find at a national level."

The latest collection from Agua by Agua Bendita is inspired by the beauty of nature's awakening in spring and features soft colors, airy fabrics, and newly inspired silhouettes. "From intricately embroidered dresses to luxurious swimwear, pareos, and sets crafted in fine fabrics like pearl linen and silk faille, each piece blends timeless elegance with a sense of lightness, perfect for sunny escapes and everyday moments," said Segura.

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South to North, 3711 Autry Park Dr. #200; (210) 593-8506

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

agua bendita south to north autry park agua by agua bendita