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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INTENTIONAL INDULGENCE

Focus on wellness with these 6 indulgent Houston spa experiences

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Houston

From Vichy showers and Moroccan bathing rituals to CBD wraps, high-tech facials, and sleep-focused programs, Houston’s spa scene offers elevated ways to reset, recharge, and step into 2026 feeling refreshed and restored.

The start of the new year is an excellent time for a clean slate, especially after months of nonstop schedules and go-go-go energy. In 2026, many Houstonians are looking for more than just tired resolutions. They are craving resets that actually slow the pace, clear mental fog, and put wellness back at the forefront.

Houston’s spa scene is leaning all the way into wellness-forward experiences that go beyond a typical spa day. From French-inspired hydrotherapy and old-world Moroccan bathing traditions to CBD cocooning, high-tech facials, and better-sleep programs, we've curated the best unique treatments offering a chance to unplug, recharge, and step into the new year feeling refreshed, restored, and ready for whatever 2026 has in store.

Escape Spa
Worth the drive to Cypress, Escape Spa may be the only spot delivering a truly authentic Vichy experience, which uses both pressure and temperature to induce relaxation. Invented in France and part of Escape Spa's hydrotherapy menu, a Pure Vichy treatment takes place under a Vichy shower where warm water steams, exfoliates, and hydrates, leaving skin intensely polished, soft, and fully refreshed. Afterward, the spa’s no-phone policy encourages guests to unplug in the hot tub and tranquility room.

Milk + Honey Spa River Oaks
At this River Oaks mainstay, unwind, rejuvenate, and rediscover inner balance with a Lux CBD Body Wrap. Reset with this full-body service, including body brushing and a Signature Massage with Vital Body CBD cream. Finally, while nestled in a warm cocoon of blankets, enjoy a face and scalp massage with CBD facial oil.

Oasis Moroccan Bath
At one of Houston's only luxury Moroccan spas, clients can indulge in a variety of relaxing services, including the Radiant Refresh, which promises to purify the body and heal the mind. Spa-goers will be covered in Moroccan black olive soap before being treated to a steam-filled exfoliation and a warm-water pour. Next up is a body mask and hair wash. The Radiant Refresh is an ultimate "everything shower" where the only job is to lie back and let the ritual do the work.

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston
This facial will transport spa-goers from downtown Houston to an English rose-scented garden. This limited-edition Elemis Pro-Glow Rose facial uses advanced, clinically proven formulas and expert lifting massage techniques to improve skin firmness and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Even with one treatment, skin looks deeply hydrated, lifted, and ready for the new year.

The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel
At the Post Oak Hotel’s spa, the Ultimate in Biohacking Rejuvenation Facial begins with a consultation and ends with skin that looks noticeably refreshed, lifted, and glowing. Described as "biohacking for your face," this next-level facial pulls out all the stops where seven non-invasive energy modalities work together to exfoliate, brighten, smooth, tighten, and deeply nourish skin in one luxurious power session. Backed by award-winning cosmeceuticals and cutting-edge technology, results are instant and photo-ready.

Tulum Wellness Spa
The Sleep Club is a 30-day program that's designed for those who treat sleep like the nonnegotiable it should be. The month-long plan includes four signature head massages to help calm the nervous system, a take-home sleep support kit, and a bonus month of unlimited access to the salt room and infrared sauna. The goal of the Sleep Club is deeper rest, better recovery, and long-term vitality.

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