‘CityBook’ Celebrates Five Years as Houston’s Magazine with Evocative New Cover

‘CityBook’ Celebrates Five Years as Houston’s Magazine with Evocative New Cover

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL independent media startup to launch in Houston in decades, Houston CityBook magazine, celebrates its five-year anniversary this fall — and is noting the occasion with a special edition hitting newsstands this week.


Having debuted in the fall of 2016, CityBook entered a dense media landscape in Houston, in a famously challenging time for the print industry, and has faced an array of "100 year" challenges in its infancy — including floods, freezes and a worldwide pandemic. But, a half-decade in, the Houston-based small business, which also produces a fast-growing daily-news website and has a unique commitment to publishing only content specific to Houston, is a leading lifestyle brand in the fourth-largest city in America.

"My partners and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished," says CityBook Media CEO and magazine editor Jeff Gremillion. "We've been embraced by the city we all love so dearly. It's hard to think of anything more rewarding for any professional or business owner."

The cover of the anniversary issue was curated to evoke a sense of occasion, Gremillion notes. Model Khay Pope appears in a stunning black Valentino gown, photographed by Askkan Roayee at the brand-new Blossom Hotel in the Medical Center.

"Throughout our first five years, we've shot at compelling locations throughout the city," says Gremillion. "Oftentimes, we're the first to do." Those locations have included the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and grand hotels just before they've opened to the public. "In fact, all of our covers and fashion spreads are shot in Houston. None of our competitors can say this."

The new issue also includes a retrospective of some of the magazine's best portraits and documentary images from its first five years, as well as a rare, intimate profile of Oscar Wyatt and other exclusives.

Explore CityBook's Five Years Through Photographs:

People + Places
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

Baber and Robart of The Well Pilates Studio

A NEW BOUTIQUE-fitness concept has sprung to life in West Houston. The Well Pilates Studio, founded by two Houstonians, opened this weekend on Memorial near Wilcrest, in the heart of a community noticeably lacking in studio-style gyms.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

JUN is hosting a special Lunar New Year dinner (photo by Luke Chang)

THE CHILLY WINTER months aren’t slowing Houston chefs down from hosting hot events. Grab some friends, your appetite and a calendar and plan on attending one of these fetes for foodies.

Keep Reading Show less
Food