Evergreen MVP

Ultra-exclusive, must-have stones of the season shine at Uptown boutique's fashion show and shopping event

Muzo x Graziela Gems collection will be available at Elizabeth Anthony on October 19.

Photo courtesy of Graziela Gems.

Several months ago, fashion editors everywhere predicted that green would be this season's color. The verdant hue is often associated with healing, tranquility, hope, stability, optimism, and harmony, so it isn't surprising that green is in everything from home décor to clothing and jewelry.

To that end, there is no denying the popularity of emeralds this fall. In a finicky fashion world, this gemstone — that shines on all skin tones and has a remarkable amount of cuts available — has staying power. Searches for colored engagement rings doubled in the last year alone (thanks to the green sparklers of Jennifer Lopez and Megan Fox).

Those looking for emeralds don't have to wait long, as famed "Mine to Maison" Muzo Emerald Colombia's newest collaboration with Graziela Gems will be available at Elizabeth Anthony starting this week.

Jewelry lines like Graziela Gems flock to Muzo largely because the company offers complete transparency about their gems — important for today's socially conscious buyers. Muzo is the only brand worldwide to provide a certificate of origin and traceability in-house, passing on peace of mind to their well-versed clients.

"The exquisite emeralds that come from Muzo's mine are vibrant in color, exemplary in cut and polish, and sustainable in origin," noted Graziela Kaufamn, Graziela Gems founder and designer. "Muzo is dedicated to bringing a transparent, traceable, and equitable approach to the mine-to-market process. Their philosophy closely aligns with the values that are near to my heart – as a designer, I strive to use gems that are responsibly sourced and to work with companies directed by integrity and sustainability."

Graziela Gems' new emerald, "Paraíso Collection," will be revealed at an exclusive fashion show and afternoon tea at Elizabeth Anthony on Wednesday, October 19. The line is comprised of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces priced from $11,000 to $146,000, with a range of pears, emerald cut, and cabochon emeralds — all of which were hand-selected to create a dynamic, vivid green collection inspired by Kaufman's native Brazil.

During the tea, which starts at 2 pm, attendees can also enjoy a VIP fashion show with Swiss designer Roberto Quaglia, as well as learn more about Muzo and its work.

For those who can't make the tea: Graziela's Kaufman and Gabbi Harvey will be on hand at Elizabeth Anthony through Friday, October 21 to meet with customers.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to be showing this collection to Elizabeth Anthony's clients first," Kaufman said. "They are one of my most important retail partners, and I can't wait to see the local reaction."

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The Graziela Gems/Mizo/Roberto Quaglia event takes place at 2 pm Wednesday, October 19 at Elizabeth Anthony, 1180-08 Uptown Park Blvd. For more information, call 713-622-1331 or visit Elizabeth Anthony online.

Photo courtesy of Graziela X Muzo

Emeralds take center stage at Elizabeth Anthony this week.

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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