Evolution of Dao

Chloe Dao shines on Fashion Houston runway with luxe collection

Note the collar detail again.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
Chloe Dao acknowledges the crowd at the end of her runway show.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
Dao featured little black lace dresses with a carefully placed slash in the backand a smaller slash in the front.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
A gold evening gown sparkles.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
Dao really shone with her handwork and attention to powerful details likefeminine collars.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
A little black dress becomes more sensual with illusion shoulders.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
The collection includes some beautiful evening gowns.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
Dao chose an autumnal palette of black and nude, wine, navy and army green.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
The fall collection included styles for every taste, or as Dao says, a sexypiece, a sweet piece and a piece for work.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
“I want people to know I can do luxury. Accessible luxury, but still luxury,”Dao said.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
The collection is dressy, but with an air of versatility, ranging from cocktailto evening.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com
Dao is by no means old, but she says her design reflects her changing aesthetic,one that is grounded in femininity and a maturing eye.
Photo by © Federico Villamayor/CultureMapSNAP.com

The benefit of being a part of the Houston style scene for so many years is that you have the opportunity to see a talented and committed designer evolve and mature, taking risks and pushing boundaries. Wednesday night at Fashion Houston, Chloe Dao showed us a mature and luxurious collection that, with the exception of two pieces, didn’t look like collections of the past.

That’s a compliment by the way.

Dao opted to show a fall collection since that’s what people want to wear right now. She chose an autumnal palette of black and nude, wine, navy and army green. She teased with sheer black blouses paired with high-waisted pants, little black lace dresses with a carefully placed slash in the back and a smaller slash in the front.

This is one of the best collections Dao has ever sent down the runway. If age means a refined design eye, aging has never looked so good.

The collection is dressy, but with an air of versatility, ranging from cocktail to evening, and Dao really shone with her handwork and attention to powerful details like feminine collars and embellished cuffs.

“I’m a little obsessed with collar trends. My take on the collar is more feminine since the collar is so masculine,” Dao said. “You don’t want to be a trend victim if you are wearing a collar."

She said she purposely pushed herself, going back to the luxury roots she cut her teeth on in New York.

“I want people to know I can do luxury. Accessible luxury, but still luxury,” Dao said.

Still, the fall collection included styles for every taste, or as Dao says, a sexy piece, a sweet piece and a piece for work.

Dao has always been clear about her commitment to Houston and she reached into the local style community for extra pop compliments of stylist Dawn Bell and Donae Chramosta (aka the Vintage Contessa). Everything from shoes that fit properly (key to a good model walk) to accessories Dao’s looks were creatively elevated.

Dao is by no means old, but she says her design reflects her changing aesthetic, one that is grounded in femininity and a maturing eye.

"I design for all women and there's always an attitude that's playful, but I'm considerate about things like sleeves because women have concerns about their arms," Dao said. "There are so many pieces that anybody can wear."

This is one of the best collections Dao has ever sent down the runway. If age means a refined design eye, aging has never looked so good.

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EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook

Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

Accessories

Lele Sadoughi

Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

Krewe

New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

Fly High Little Bunny

This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

Moreau Paris

Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

Clothing

Tootsies

When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

Alchemia

One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

Frock Shop

A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

Beauty

Kiehl's

Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

kiehl's frock shop alchemia tootsies moreau paris fly high little bunny krewe lele sadoughi carolyn bessette-kennedy shopping