Future of Fashion in Houston: Event Recap

When you think of fashion capitals, what city comes to mind? New York? Paris? Milan? Tokyo? Those are all true, but with technology and social media, new cities are gradually finding their place in the fashion world. Houston might be one of those cities. I had the pleasure of attending the “Future of Fashion” speaker series at Kit and Ace in Rice Village. It was hosted and curated by David Rochez, style blogger at fromNYtoTX, and featured an insightful panel discussing fashion in Houston and the future of fashion around the world.

First, if you are looking for a cool place to host an event, you should check out Kit and Ace. The store has a modern and edgy vibe with a nice clothing selection. The space is perfect for an intimate mixer, panel, or pop-up shop. DJ Anarchy provided the soundtrack and maintained the best mix of soul, hip-hop, and R&B I had not heard in a while.

The panel included Mara, life and style blogger at Malibu Mara, David Rodriguez, head chef at Tout Suite, and Kalan Laws, style blogger at Señor Guapo. The question as to whether Houston will ever catch up to be considered a fashion capital had mixed responses. On the one hand, it is obvious that an interest in the arts is gradually growing in Houston. Everyone who attended provided great street style. A lot of big name brands and stores are opening in Houston. However, Houston was built as an oil and gas hub and, like most of Texas, maintains a conservative character. Kalan noted that anything avant-garde or cutting edge is still considered weird in Houston. David Rodriguez shared his experience in Houston visiting upscale restaurants and being made to feel he did not belong there. Mara mentioned how the big brand stores that are moving to Houston are not catering to millennials who are into fashion but more for the luxury side of Houston. All the panelists agreed that it is up to the millennials of Houston (who are born after 1980) to make Houston a fashion forward city.

I agree that Houston’s extreme temperature and mode of transportation requires creativity to adapt its version of fashion. Unlike other fashion capitals, it is difficult to develop street style in a place that does not have pedestrians. We drive everywhere and are always battling heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and mosquitos. In spite of all of that, we still know how to clean up and show up to events like this.

The dark side of fashion was also discussed. Fast-fashion, which includes H&M, Forever 21, and Zara, is continually destroying our planet and violating human rights. All the panelists noted that the re-emergence of thrifting for kids from all economic demographics is a way to be fashionable and avoid contributing to the continued destruction of our planet.

What does the future of fashion look like? As people, regardless of race, status, or beliefs, we connect through fashion, music, and food. This might bring us even closer in the future.

I really enjoyed this event and am looking forward to more events like this in Houston. Make sure you follow all the bloggers mentioned to stay up to date with cool events and fashionable photos from Houston.

What do you think is the future of fashion? Let me know in the comments below.