Up To Speed Video

Inside Fashion Houston: Exclusive video of backstage antics and runway dreams come true

No, that wasn't Rihanna at Fashion Houston Tuesday night, although several starstruck fans were convinced that CultureMap contributor Nicole Hickl, the on-air personality for our "Up To Speed" special series, is a dead ringer for the pop superstar.

But if the singer/style icon had been at the Wortham Theater Center, there was plenty on the 80-foot-long runway to entice her.

That wasn't Rihanna at Fashion Houston but if the singer/style icon had been at the Wortham Center, there was plenty on the runway to entice her.

Fourteen eclectic designers showed their collection on the opening night of the Houston fashion extravaganza, ranging from the relaxed looks of Tibi designer Amy Smilovic, whose new creation for spring is the "scant" (a culotte-like piece that is a combination between a skirt and pant), to the over-the-top creations of Alexis Monsanto, who closed his show with a Game of Thrones groom in chain metal armour and bride in a see-through column gown.

(Nine of the designers are students participating in the Little Black Dress Designer project, taking inspiration from nine of Houston's most stylish women to create a unique take on the iconic LBD. The muses each walked the runway, too.)

In this exclusive "Up To Speed" video, Nicole and I slipped in backstage to see the frenzied preparations for the relatively short runway shows, talked with Monsanto and Houston designer Sameera Faridi, the first designer of South Asian descent to show at Fashion Houston, who is making a name for herself with beautiful, intricately beaded gowns.

"I started working on this collection since July," she says. "I just wanted everyone in the audience to relate to it."

And then we discuss our favorite looks of the evening. Let us know if you agree in the comments section below.

Save the date

Houston’s premier bridal showcase returns with latest tips and trends

Bridal Extravaganza Show

Photo by Anthony Rathbun

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Brides- and grooms-to-be should make their own save-the-dates for January 11 and 12, 2025. That’s when the 41st Bridal Extravaganza Show returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The largest bridal planning showcase in the U.S., the event helps attendees plan the perfect big day.

More than 225 vendors will be on hand, ready to talk about the latest tips and trends in everything from cakes to flowers to dresses and beyond. Expect cake samples, décor and flower ideas, multiple fashion shows, Instagram walls for selfies, prizes, presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals.

New for 2025 is an added focus on destination weddings. more than 10 vendors specializing in both destination weddings and honeymoon arrangements will be in attendance.

Bridal Party Gifts premieres its new, two-sided, suede “Bride to Be” glitter sash, and LWx Custom Hats showcases a traveling hat bar, where the hatter will be on hand for demonstrations and guests can create custom hats for all their wedding events.

Among the many other new vendors are The Painted Bridal Bouquet, with an artist on hand to demonstrate how they turn a bride’s bouquet into a custom artwork, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and Unlikely Designs, helmed by Houston-based bridal gown designer Watina Lee, who is launching the "The Affirmation Collection" at the show.

A full listing of vendors and planned events is available on the show’s website.

Attendees will leave the event with a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with the BrideScan app, allowing engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.

The first 100 VIP Brides also receive signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors. VIP tickets offer attendees early entry, special prizes, a $200 gift credit to SymbolizeIt photo website, the latest issue of Texas Weddings Magazine, and many additional secret surprises.

Tickets are available online. General admission tickets are $15 online and $25 at the door for adults, and children aged 5-12 are $5. VIP single admission is $35, or a VIP package for one Bride or Groom plus three guests is $99. Show hours are 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, January 11 and 12-5 pm on Sunday, January 12.

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