Fashion Statement

Stylish Houston blogger launches leather jacket collection in vibrant colors

Houston blogger and GQ magazine's style challenge winner Josh Robertson has put his passion and love for fashion into a new endeavor he calls Rebel Wishes. CultureMap sat down with the stylish 27-year-old writer-turned-designer to chat about his new leather jacket line, which he launched online last week, and his design inspiration. With bold hues of Toxic Green, Dusk Red, and Naked Pink, the Saint Laurent-esque moto jackets, which retail for $495, can instantly transform any outfit.

In 2013, Robertson was named the winner of GQ magazine's "How GQ Are You?" contest to find the most stylish reader in the nation. He was awarded a custom limited-edition GQ Fiat. His lifestyle blog, Sir Josh Aaron, covers Houston men's fashion. He says his first foray into designing has been "an insane ride so far."

CultureMap: Tell us about yourself, what's your background?

Josh Robertson: So I’m a small town man from Port Arthur, Texas who made his way to the big city. My focus has always been fashion — from retail to styling, blogging and editorial writing.It has always been a great obsession of mine. It allows me to convey my emotional being in an otherwise cold life. I’m a Virgo so I’m rather calculated in my approach to things, but on this stage you can see the passion that I infuse through colors and textures.

CM: You've named your brand Rebel Wishes. What does it mean?

JR: I wanted to give a voice to the guys who want to live in color not just bound by traditional biases imposed by society and masculinity. Life is more than black, brown and navy, so why can’t it be portrayed in an everyday wardrobe? In my eyes Rebel Wishes describes the desire of wanting to be your own individual and rebelling against the masses at large and expressing it vibrantly in color.

CM: What's your inspiration?

JR: My inspiration is making vocal pieces for the individual with an uncanny eye to details such as fit, fabrication and color. I have an allure to color and design and just want to share that obsession with others who dare to be different.

CM: What is your favorite piece from your line?

JR: I love all three of my beginning designs; they are my infants that I want to give to the world. This project will grow into more over time but I am taking my time to do it right. Quality, functionality and innovation are things I take very seriously and half stepping is not an option.

CM: Who is the Rebel Wishes customer?

JR: A person who isn’t afraid to reveal himself to other people, a person who is bold and brave and exudes confidence and individuality.

CM: Where can customers buy the jacket?

JR: You can only shop my line online at Rebel Wishes. I am taking reservation orders from now until January 31st for 20 percent off of your order.

CM: In three words how would you describe your style?

JR: Timeless, nostalgic and risky.

Josh Robertson has launched a line of leather jackets in bold hues that add character to any outfit.

Photo courtesy of Rebel Wishes

Josh Robertson has launched a line of leather jackets in bold hues that add character to any outfit.

event-planner

VAULT VIBES

Houston fashion star Chloe Dao marks 25 years with epic clean-out sale

Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

From January 24- 31 Chloe Dao will open her personal design archives to mark 25 years with a rare boutique vault sale.

For Houston fashion devotees, this is the kind of news that prompts a calendar alert and a group chat with the besties. Chloe Dao is celebrating 25 years in fashion by doing something she has never done before: opening the vault.

From January 24 through January 31, the Chloe Dao boutique will host a 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, releasing pieces from Dao’s personal design archives alongside curated boutique items that have been held back for years. Once they are gone, they are gone for good.

“This is not a typical sale; this is an anniversary moment,” Dao says. “It’s an intentional release, a moment of reflection and gratitude, and a way to make space for what’s next. Once these pieces are gone, they’re truly gone."

For the first time ever, shoppers will be able to snag select designs from past collections and limited production runs, and Dao has confirmed she will be parting with some of her couture designs. Shoppers can expect more than 300 items, with more than half of the boutique included in the sale event.

Chloe Dao design Select runway couture and past collection pieces headline Chloe Dao’s 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Event.Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

Everything in the anniversary sale will be discounted 65 percent or more. Fan favorites, including the Houston T-shirt and Aya scarf, will be priced at $15 to $20, down from $42 to $68. None of the released pieces will be reproduced or restocked.

There is also a very personal moment behind this big event. Dao shared that she is planning for the future, including her eventual retirement in about 5 years, making this the right time for a shift.

“It is bittersweet, and I’m still torn about letting go of some of my archive pieces. But a close friend stopped by the boutique this past Saturday and reminded me that I can always create more. That really stayed with me. I’ve missed designing for my store, and this sale feels like a reset — a chance to return to what I love most: designing eveningwear," Dao tells CultureMap. "The past six years, especially post-COVID, were very much about survival mode. Now, if I’m going to truly survive and thrive in today’s retail landscape, my focus is shifting back to my own line and less on curation.”

Following her Project Runway Season Two win and decades of success, Dao says the milestone is also about gratitude for the city that supported her from the start.

“Think of it as an archive release and a chance to own a piece of my history as I celebrate 25 years in fashion. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m so excited to share this moment, and this milestone, with you."

25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Vault Event, January 24 - January 31, Chloe Dao Boutique, 600 N Shepherd Dr #115, in M-K-T Heights.

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