Magazine’s ‘Sexy Issue’ Returns with Spilt Covers Inspired by Provocative ’90s Imagery

Magazine’s ‘Sexy Issue’ Returns with Spilt Covers Inspired by Provocative ’90s Imagery

ONE OF HOUSTON'S steamiest summer traditions is returning this week. Houston CityBook magazine's annual "Sexy Issue" is coming back after a year's hiatus in 2020 due to Covid.


"This issue is a celebration of Houston leaving Covid-19 behind and charging into the city's hottest season, literally and figuratively," says Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gremillion. "We know our readers enjoy the Sexy Issue, and we couldn't be happier to revive it for 2021."

The envelope-pushing issue — which historically highlights men's and women's swimwear, underwear and lingerie in its fashion pages — is making its fourth annual appearance, this time boasting different covers for newsstand readers and home subscribers. CityBook asked photographer Steve Visneau to create the minimal black-and-white cover shots, with inspiration from Bruce Weber imagery from the '90s and early 2000s, the famed lensman's Abercrombie & Fitch era.

Covers and inside fashion images for the special issue were overseen by CityBook Creative Director Patrick Magee, with styling by Todd Ramos, who mixed pre-fall looks from the likes of Christian Dior and Michael Kors into the wardrobe, along with barely-there swim styles and delicates. Edward Sanchez provided hair and makeup. The brand-new Heights House hotel, a colorful and funky redo of an old freeway motor motel in the Heights, was selected as the location.

"The inspiration for this shoot was LIFE!," says Magee. "We wanted to capture happy people in the warm summer light, a feeling we all haven't felt in awhile."

People + Places
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Casey Axelrod, Stacey White, Christy Robinson, Laura Lewis and Mia Oliva

PETE BELL'S COTTON Holdings company, known for never doing anything halfway when it comes to parties, celebrated the return of the of the A&M-UT football game after a 13-year hiatus with the most lavish tailgating more gridiron fans have ever seen.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

David Cordua

FOODIES WITH BIG hearts were in heaven at the annual Signature Chefs restaurants expo and fundraising dinner benefitting the March of Dimes. Held at The Revaire and chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill, the event took in some $425,000 in support of healthier mothers and children.

Keep Reading Show less