Great Gingham: Summer May Be Nearly Over, But the Season’s Favorite Fabric Is Suddenly Everywhere!

Great Gingham: Summer May Be Nearly Over, But the Season’s Favorite Fabric Is Suddenly Everywhere!

GINGHAM IS A classic fabric that will never go out of style. The timeless, breathable material has certainly evolved since it gained popularity in the 18th century, going from utilitarian to preppy chic. The playful "picnic blanket" pattern can now be seen across apparel, accessories, shoes, home decor and tabletop accessories.


SLEEVES PLEASE Long sleeves in August are typically a no-go in Houston's heat, but Hunter Bell's Hayes Blouse can be your next wardrobe staple as we head into cooler temps this fall. Wear the silhouette on its own or pair it with the Bridget Pants to really get people staring. $365, hunterbellnyc.com

OH, BABY August and September in Houston are summer's hottest months. Protect your little one with a neutral gingham bucket hat for some fun in the sun — from a great Houston-based operation. $26, www.shopsunchild.com

CHECKERED PAST For men, gingham can be worn on the golf course, at a dinner party, or while leading a meeting at the office. For those who will continue working remotely, bring some personality to Zoom meetings with this classic check. $245, 5700 Richmond Ave., shop.hamiltonshirts.com

CUTE SUIT! Exude retro vibes in a ruffled plunging v-neck one-piece in navy for your next pool day. $87.99, www.jcrew.com

TABLE THE DISCUSSION Gingham cocktail napkins are a sure way to liven up a tabletop. This set of four, machine washable napkins from Houston's Paloma & Co. are also a great hostess gift. $30, shoppalomaandco.com

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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

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Art+Culture

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

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Art + Entertainment