Mayor's Pixie Power

Pixie power: What does Mayor Parker's new "sassy" hairstyle mean?

Mayor Annise Parker is sporting a new shorter hairstyle.

Photo by Clifford Pugh

When CultureMap caught up with Mayor Annise Parker at the recent opening of the new international concourse at Hobby Airport, the first thing we noticed was her shorter hairdo.

The mayor confirmed that, with her term coming to an end soon, she figured it was time for a change. "A new look, kind of transitioning," she explained. "We're going for sassy."

Experts say that's not unusual.

A 2010 survey of 3,000 women by British hairstylist Andrew Collinge found that women will most likely change their hairstyle up to 104 times in their lifetime, as well as change their hair color up to three times. The survey found the Top Reasons Women Change Their Hairstyle are:

Just for a change
Out of boredom
As a confidence booster
As a result of a breakup
To reinvent oneself
Keep up with fashions and trends
Going gray
In conjunction with a milestone birthday
Either before or after having a child
Their wedding

Reaction to Parker's new pixie cut, from her longtime hairstylist Elaine Gonzalez at Simon & Co. salon, is favorable on Facebook.

Comments range from "very hip" to "so much better" to "makes her look younger." One commenter wrote, "An elderly teacher told us in a class, 'when a woman changes her hairstyle, watch out!...major changes in her life are coming.' "

Other changes for Parker include getting behind the wheel again. The mayor is in the process of buying a car as she will give up police protection, and the security team that drives her around, when she leaves office at the end of the year. She doesn't know what's next, although there are rumors that she may be up for a spot in the Hillary Clinton adminstration if the presidential election favors the Democrats.

And Clinton, for one, makes no bones that if she wins she doesn't plan to go gray in the White House like every other male president. "You're not going to see me turn white in the White House," Clinton, 67, joked in South Carolina earlier this year. "I'm aware I might not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I have one big advantage: I've been coloring my hair for years."

We're also keeping our eye on the Houston mayoral candidates — all men — but thus far we haven't noticed any big stylistic changes.

beauty

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