Fab Find

Italian jeweler Carlo Palmiero makes U.S. debut at Valobra Jewelry and Antiques

Italian jewelry designer Carlo Palmiero is a master goldsmith, trained at Valenza's Goldsmith Art School. He is one of the single-most successful jewelry designers in the world, and yet neither he nor his collection have ever been on American soil — until now.

Palmiero has chosen the Houston Valobra Jewelry and Antiques as the site of his debut in the United States.

Beginning Friday, more than $30 million worth of Palmiero's designs — in the form of more than 400 one-of-a-kind pieces — will be on display at Valobra, with Palmiero himself in Houston to present the collection. Valobra founder Franco Valobra talked to CultureMap about his plans to clear out the store for the event and the spectacular nature of Palmiero's work:

"(Houston) has a strong economy and people that enjoy their jewelry and enjoy the fruits of their hard work," Valobra says.

"His way of making jewelry is not just a piece of jewelry, but it's a wearable piece of art," Valobra says. "You've heard that before, but a lot of times words are wasted; this time they are not. [His work] is something you want to put on a pedestal when you're not wearing it. It's heavy, it's detailed, it's big, it's bold."

Valobra says Palmiero has long denied larger stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus access to his jewels, as he prefers to do business with people he has a connection with (Valobra's first store opened in Torino, Italy).

The Highland Village store, which opened in 2006, was selected in part because Houston has a reputation — even in Europe — as being crisis-proof. "It has a strong economy and people that enjoy their jewelry and enjoy the fruits of their hard work," Valobra says.

The special open-to-the-public presentation marks the first — and likely only — time Palmiero's full collection will be viewable in America, and also the first time that Valobra has ever represented an outside jewelry brand.

"We are awfully, awfully honored that Valobra — a small store — is to be the one hosting," Valobra says. "It's something that you can never find anywhere else in the world. A lot of the designers are worried about being copied. This is not copy-able. Maybe the style, but you can't copy the finish."

Carlo Palmiero will make a personal appearance at Valobra, 4078 Westheimer, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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