Fashion tips with Haili Z: Fashion Houston stuns with international style

The closing night of Fashion Houston, the premiere fashion event in Texas, wowed guests Thursday, showcasing the exceptional designs of Gemma Kahng, Jerri Moore, Monique Lhuillier and Fashion Houston Icon, Diane Lokey Farb.

Thursday was the final night of the four-day consumer targeted fashion week which featured the designs of Zac Posen, Georges Chakra, Black Halo, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, BCBG Max Azria, Herve Leger, David Peck, Fotini, Bogosse, Chloe Dao, Kevan Hall and Rubin Singer.

Each designer's personal showcase wowed audiences with their stunning designs that graced the runway. Most designer's were new to Fashion Houston and celebrated their time in the South.

"There's a level of dressed up quality here that celebrates the decorative joys in life," said Zac Posen. "Southern women have big hearts and big personalities. The South is a wonderful part of our American heritage and culture, and I love it that you can still find that level of romanticism in America."

Kevan Hall echoed Posen's sentiment, "I am so honored to show my Spring 2013 collection at Houston Fashion Week. My collection was so well received, and I thank Houston for its warm reception," said Hall. "I look forward to dressing the women of Houston who possess such a wonderful sense of style and elegance."

Lubov Azria, who represented BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger during the week, treated her time in Texas as a homecoming.

"I lived in San Antonio in my early years and still consider myself a Texan at heart," said Azria, chief creative officer of BCBG Max Azria. "Fashion Houston is important to us - for both BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger - because it gives us an opportunity to show our transitional collections to key consumers, these amazing women who are powerful and dramatic, and the fashion community of the fourth largest city in the U.S., home to important global industries and one of our top retail markets. It makes sense for us to be here. It's very exciting. I'm sure all of these women are open to fashion because of Fashion Houston because the event educates the consumer in all the best ways. "

Designers were overwhelmed by the warm hospitality extended from the citizens of Houston. Georges Chakra who opened the week on Monday evening commented, "I was amazed how the people at Fashion Houston were able to pull this off considering all the castings were done by email. Venue was beautiful, and I was very pleased with both the outcome of the show and the turn out. I have enjoyed being in Houston, and meeting my clients."

In addition to Southern hospitality, Black Halo designer Laurel Berman recognized the consumer market in Houston. "Everyone at Fashion Houston was both hospitable and gracious," said Berman. "I was excited and honored to have had the opportunity to return to Houston to showcase my Spring 2013 collection, as it is an important market for us."

Houston Native and Project Runway season two winner, Chloe Dao returned to Fashion Houston and contrasted Houston to other fashion weeks, "I was really honored to be invited back to show at Fashion Houston," said Dao. "What I loved most about Fashion Houston is that it's here. Houstonians love fashion. FH invites all to come. It is not an industry exclusive show like NYC and Milan. Really where else can you see four designer from all different parts of the world come together? That is what I call a fashion moment."

Jerri Moore, who had her debut collection featured on the runway at Fashion Houston 2011 received a standing ovation for her Great Gatsby inspired collection which portrayed a sense of glamour, sophistication and allure.

"Last night was by far one of the most rewarding nights of my life. To receive a standing ovation was just so unexpected and so heartwarming," said Moore. "This Spring/Summer 2013 Collection is my favorite of all my collections and to be able to showcase it alongside Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen, Max Azria, Kevan Hall and others was just the icing on the cake with a cherry on top!"

Monique Lhuillier took the stage on closing night to showcase her collection. "I was so thrilled to be able to recreate the runway show we did at Lincoln Center in New York for the lovely city of Houston," said Lhuillier. "Such a memorable night!" Monique has become known as the go-to designer for celebrity weddings, including Reese Witherspoon, Giuliana Rancic, Vanessa Millino and Alicia Silverstone.

Fashion Houston is the premiere fashion event in Texas that combines international style with Texas hospitality. Started in 2010 by philanthropist and visionary Jared Lang, Fashion Houston has been embraced by the fashion-loving community of Houston as well as the international fashion community. With partners such as Audi and the Houston Audi Dealers, Neiman Marcus and Hotel ZaZa Houston, the third annual event thrilled thousands with sparkling runway shows and out-of-this-world parties.