ICONIC FRENCH SHOE DESIGNER Christian Louboutin, known for his signature red soles, opens his first boutique in Houston this month at the Galleria. The 2,250 square foot space, located near Neiman Marcus and next door to MaxMara and Miu Miu, will feature the brand’s signature red carpet throughout. The area designated for women features a blue-lacquered façade, on which multicolored studs create a camouflage pattern; shoes and accessories are displayed in custom metal gates calling to mind a western motif. Meanwhile, the men’s shopping area features lots of leather, gray lacquer panels and a gray-patterned rug, evoking a more masculine ambiance. The latest shoe and handbag offerings from fall/winter 2016, including a spectacular Fireworks collection for men and women, will be on display when the store opens. christianlouboutin.com
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.
Who do you credit? I credit my family, my community, and my spiritual connection. Houston is a place where opportunities exist. I did my MBA at Rice University and my Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at UPenn. I am so grateful for the enriching communities of Rice and UPenn where they genuinely want to see their students thrive. These institutions have become my springboard from which I feel I could jump with the knowledge and confidence to launch the concept of Define Living. And, without any doubt, I give credit to my family and friends. I used to get a lot of inquisitive looks when I would talk about launching a fitness brand or a franchise brand. However, I now feel very loved and supported by the people closest to me when I tell them about a new project that I am focusing on. They can sense my passion, and that is contagious.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others?
Here are several:
1) Swim in your own lane.
2) Learn as much as you can about your industry while getting paid by someone else.
3) Starting your own business is risky, time-consuming, and challenging, but your passion will take you far.
4) It’s okay to be skeptical, but avoid becoming cynical.
5) As Mother Theresa stated, “What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.”
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I am so happy with how well our first Define Living has been received. I worked hard to build a program that was transforming and accessible. To know that we are attracting a group of people who are diverse in every sense of the word while elevating their wellbeing is incredibly motivating for me each day. This inspires me to bring this concept nationwide and add more health and wellbeing to communities across the globe!
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Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed
ONE OF Houston CityBook’s most beloved photographers was recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. Jhane Hoang has been behind the camera for some of the magazine’s most ambitious shoots — including an overnight shoot at the then-new Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a cold rainy shoot at the Houston Zoo where the crew used a concessions stand as a staging area for hair and makeup.
Hoang’s first shoot for CityBook was in August 2017 — another overnight session, this one in a Downtown office building. The shoot was titled “The All-Nighters,” and featured a tryst between a male and female model “working late” at the office. She’s since been an integral part of, and an enthusiastic player in, CityBook’s most important annual issues: Leaders & Legends, Cool 100 and the Sexy Issue.
Hoang moved from New York City to Houston in 2017 to be closer to her parents; she helps father manage his dialysis and medical needs. She has become a treasured friend to many, and is an esteemed member of Houston’s arts community. As a freelance photographer, Hoang can no longer work, and though she receives some state medical assistance, it only covers a portion of her expenses. Please see a retrospective of her work below, and if you’d like to donate, the link to her Gofundme is here.
Jhane photographed model Krystie Wilson at an overnight shoot at HMNS’ then new Weiss Energy Hall
Musician Madeline Edwards by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Joao Diniz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Isabel Li by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Musician Youth Soul Love by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Artist Tony Paraná by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Models Marion Sealy and Luke Keogh by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Mimi Swartz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Bryan Washington by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Chef Alexandra Peña by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Skateboarding sensation Jordan Santana by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Home Run Dugout's Colby Smith by Jhane for Houston CityBook
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Ahead of Historic Snowfall, Winter Ball Soars to New Heights for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Jacob Power
Jan. 27, 2025
Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck
ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.
With a theme of "Up, Up, and Away," the gala was an uplifting display of hope and determination, and featured a vibrant palette of blues, coral, and gold brought to life by Blooming Gallery. Upon arrival, guests passed through a "hallway of honor," a display of photos of previous honorees and the event over the past four decades.
Mistress of Ceremonies Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman conducted a charming program, and galagoers enjoyed a polished runway show coordinated by Todd Ramos. The honorees included Bincy Abraham, Alice Mao Brams, Sharon Albert Brier, Julie Baker Finck, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Jacquie Baly, plus Honored Hero Bayle Goldman and Healthcare Partner Honoree Keith Fiman.
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow were thrilled with the turnout of 270 and the evening's total till, which topped $575K. Funds will fuel research, education, and patient support programs, propelling the Foundation’s mission forward.
2025 Women of Distinction
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman
Anthony DeLuca, Katherine and Jeff Smith
Nora Jarrard, Maria Bassa, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Beth Muecke
Beth Wolff, Jane Page-Crump, Cheryl Byington
Mitch Feinberg, Brian Atlas, Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie, Scott Drysdale
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow
Daniel Irion, Jerre Williams, Kirk Kveton
Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale
Sippi Khurana, Jacquie Baly, Terri Wang
Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Zane Carruth
2025 Women of Distinction
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman
Anthony DeLuca, Katherine and Jeff Smith
Nora Jarrard, Maria Bassa, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Beth Muecke
Beth Wolff, Jane Page-Crump, Cheryl Byington
Mitch Feinberg, Brian Atlas, Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie, Scott Drysdale
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow
Daniel Irion, Jerre Williams, Kirk Kveton
Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale
Sippi Khurana, Jacquie Baly, Terri Wang
Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Zane Carruth
From Your Site Articles
- Inside the 2020 Winter Ball! ›
- ‘Women of Distinction’ Honored at Downtown’s Glittering Winter Ball ›
- Inside the Wonderful Winter Ball! ›
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