COWGIRL COUTURE

From denim to cowhide, these hot looks are turning heads at RodeoHouston

In Houston, cowboy core is nothing new. When the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is in town, fashionistas don't just embrace their inner cowgirl, they go full Cowboy Carter.

The city transforms into a dazzling showcase of Western glam for nearly a month, where fringe, bold boots, and eye-catching jewelry take center stage. Trendsetters from all over the Bayou City saddle up to show off their most show-stopping styles at a whirlwind of parties, concerts, and events.

Rodeo fashion can take on a number of looks as it-girls take inspiration from global icons like Louis Vuitton, Willie Chavarria, Ralph Lauren, or Texas darlings including Christina Greene, Sapana, Christy Lynn, and Lane Boots. Zinat Ahmed, executive vice president of marketing and branding at Cotton Holdings, reigns supreme as one of the best-dressed rodeo attendees and says when it comes to rodeo fashion, absolutely anything and everything goes.

Zinat Ahmed dazzling in a glamorous Western-inspired ensemble, bringing rodeo chic to a whole new level.Photo courtesy of Cotton Holdings

"One of the reasons this season is so inspiring is because we can bring back vintage staples and add in what's trending right now," Ahmed tells CultureMap. "It's so fun to watch the generations of daughters bringing back their mothers' looks with a new spin."

With the first official weekend of rodeo season in the books, the dust has settled, and the fashion verdicts are in. To get the inside scoop on what's hot and what's best left in the closet this year, we sat down with Ahmed to get her take on bold trends of the season.

Culture Map: When it comes to getting dressed for HLSR, what are three key elements you keep in mind?

Zinat Ahmed:

Originality: I want my outfit to reflect me and to be unique amongst the sea of rodeo looks.
Comfort: From the walks around the RodeoHouston grounds to the long days that turn into nights, it's important to me to consider longevity and comfort.
Western Flair: One key accessory is sometimes all that is needed to turn a typical outfit into something that is rodeo-ready.

CultureMap: What are the rodeo styles you are seeing so far?

ZA:

Denim on denim: Whether a skirt set or a full Canadian tuxedo, it's an effortless way to rodeo.
Scarves: Say goodbye to bandanas and hello to printed silk scarves. There are many ways to style them, and add more accessories like turquoise pins or equestrian rings.
Vintage tees: Nothing is cuter than taking a vintage tee with a fun saying or Western brand on it and pairing it with a statement skirt and jacket on top.
Big Buckles: Who says cowgirls also can't wear an oversized buckle? Wear it over a jacket or wear it with denim.
Cowhide: Cowhide print on pants, skirts, and jackets is so fun.

CultureMap: What colors are trending right now?

ZA: Chocolate brown continues to trend in 2025. It pairs so well with cowhide and turquoise.

CultureMap: What boot height is most popular this year?

ZA: The tall boot is back. Let your boots do the walkin' and talkin' and be a statement piece. Don't forget comfort over everything when it comes to boots; make sure to break in new boots before rodeo festivities.

CultureMap: Are you seeing more skirts or jeans?

ZA: Skirts are so versatile to show off boots, and it's fun to style them at varying lengths. A mini with an oversized jacket or a long flowy maxi with a beautiful western belt are great. Leather fringe skirts paired with a vintage tee — the possibilities are endless.

CultureMap: Hats or no hats?

ZA: Hats! Always hats. Recently, I have seen women opt for vintage trucker hats instead of cowboy hats. It's just another way to make a traditional Western look your own.

Photo courtesy of Cotton Holdings

Zinat Ahmed rocking a custom denim dress — one of her top RodeoHouston style picks for the year.

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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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