Who's Who at Fashion Houston
For 51 weeks a year, Houston fashionistas get their daily dose of style in stores, on blogs and while watching celebrities on the red carpet. For one week a year, though, Houston is finally recognized as a city with style and (more importantly) money to spend, as Fashion Houston brings the glamour of the runway to the heart of the city.
Fashion Houston
Nov 18-21
$29-$125
Wortham Theater Center
500 Texas Ave.
fashionhouston.net
Naeem Khan Spring/Summer 2015 collection
This Indian-born New Yorker's eponymous line of eveningwear is a favorite for celebrities on the red carpet, in part because his gowns dazzle from afar with rich color, luxe texture and plenty of sparkle. It's no surprise, then, that he's also a hit with Houston society, particularly social consigliare Becca Cason Thrash, who hosts Khan in her Tanglewood mansion regularly. Khan is showing his Spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection that debuted at New York fashion Week in September, but his designs alone are worth the price of admission.
Rebecca Minkoff leopard jacquard dress
Many designers spend their whole careers trying to design a handbag that takes the fashion world by storm and becomes an icon. Minkoff had one right out of the gate with her Morning After Bag (or M.A.B.) in 2005, and turned that success into an accessories empire. A decade later, Rebecca Minkoff is the largest independent accessories brand in the United States, allowing her to turn her attention to creating a clothing collection full of chic, modern (and not unaffordable) separates for the downtown girl.
Another Indian native who found success stateside, Mohapatra was handpicked out of design school F.I.T. to work at Halston and subsequently led French fashion house J. Mendel to a new relevance with his youthful designs. Since launching his own label, the designer has caught the eye of First Lady Michelle Obama, and his Spring 2015 collection is one to watch, the bold geometric prints and ladylike lines inspired by shipping heiress and political activist Nancy Cunard.
Founded in Asia by two expat Americans, Tibi is known for mixing classic prints with modern shapes—expect boxy shirts, dropped-waist dresses and pleated culottes in a neutral palette.
Rene Ruiz Fall 2014 collection
Miami hasn't been much of a design center since the murder of Gianni Versace, but Cuban emigre Rene Ruiz has found a growing audience with his dramatic eveningwear, popular with Real Housewives and other starlets.
Less of a traditional fashion brand and more of a lifestyle destination, Grungy Gentleman is the street-savvy men's answer to Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP—whether that's a good thing or another sign of the impending apocalypse is up to you. The brand's collaborations with Eton and Mitchell & Ness are worth checking out, as is the promise of seeing Houston Dynamo stud Mike Chabala on the runway.
A womenswear veteran, Santana doesn't design the type of clothing that gets splashy fashion editorials, just simple, chic dresses and separates that are perfect for the office, the office party, the party after the office party, etc.
Undoubtably the hottest designer in Houston at the moment, Peck's new flagship store in Montrose and his exclusive designs for the J.W. Marriott Houston Downtown staff are two signs that we can expect much from this local talent.
Dao was a big name in Houston since well before her Project Runway win, famed for her wearable party dresses, to which she has added bridal and more at her Rice Village store.
Founded by the Houstonian Jonathan Tinkle in 2012 when he was only 21, the brand has already claimed a following of Houston ladies who love his bold print dresses.
Growing up in his grandfather's boutique, Taghi didn't waste any time developing his own designs. this rising star created his first collection at 15, interned at Oscar de la Renta while still a teenager and showed his collection at New York Fashion Week in September.
