With Summer Skin and a Sneak Peek at Fall, Annual ‘Sexy’ Shoot Alights at San Antonio’s La Cantera

Steven Visneau
With Summer Skin and a Sneak Peek at Fall, Annual ‘Sexy’ Shoot Alights at San Antonio’s La Cantera

THE MOST IMPORTANT trend of summer is what fashion writers call “quiet luxury.” It’s about refined neutrals and elevated basics — and just enough color to set off your eyes in the gilded light of the magic hour.


What could be sexier than confident, understated style? And is there any better backdrop upon which to spotlight such a trend than San Antonio’s La Cantera Resort & Spa?

An oasis in the hills, at the gateway to the Texas wine region, La Cantera is hidden beyond a long winding road, among verdant oak and mesquite trees. It’s 550 acres of rolling terrain and lush green, where you can just as easily spend the day by the pool — they have five — as enjoy a splendidly scenic round of golf among swift running streams, limestone rock formations and the occasional ambling armadillo.

Those in need of retail therapy will hit The Shops at La Cantera nearby, as families with kids surely will do Six Flags Fiesta Texas next door. On the resort premises, Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness is a world-class wonder of honed wood and contemporary glass, with blooming gardens at every turn, cabana-style treatment rooms overlooking wooded bluffs, and even a private grotto couples can book. Did someone say sexy?

Dinner at the property’s rustic chic Signature may be herbed gnocchi with pistachio pesto; a venison cheeseburger at SweetFire Kitchen, another eatery, is also a stellar choice. But most delicious is a stroll through the resort grounds afterward, as the retiring sun sets the hills ablaze.

Swimsuit, by Versace.

Jumpsuit, by Gucci.

Dress and jewelry, all by Chanel.

Bathing suit, $20, by Moshengqi on Amazon, and cover-up, by Cesar Galindo.

Shirt, skirt and belt, all by Gucci.

Shirt, $325, and shorts, $220, both by Helmut Lang, and shoes, $1,120, by Prada, all at Neiman Marcus.

Blouse, $345, and pants, $1,175, both by SPRWMN at Tootsies.

Shirt, shorts, hat and bracelet, all by Versace.

Swim briefs, $33, by Manbuns.

Cefeida swimsuit, $390, by Maygel Coronel at Tootsies.

Swim briefs, by EaseJuicy, $17, on Amazon, and white t-shirt, model’s own.

Dress, by Michael Kors, and sunglasses, $580, by Dior at Neiman Marcus.

Dress, by Oscar de la Renta.

Swim trunks, $480, by Burberry at Neiman Marcus.

Overalls, by Dior.

Briefs, $17, by Manbuns.

Gown and shoes, both by Michael Kors. Opposite page, on him: Suit, by Dior, with shirt and shoes, both by Gucci.

Photography by Steven Visneau

Styling by Todd Ramos

Art Direction by Patrick Magee

Hair and Makeup by Edward Sanchez for Arched Beauty

Models Brianne Ellington, Cy Heitmann, Teo Modesto & Christina Porter

Style
What’s the Secret to Biz Success? ‘Show Up with Kindness,’ Says Bianca Bucaram

How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.

Keep Reading Show less

Kakigori at Kazzan (photo by Traci Ling)

LET THE GAMES begin! Houston restaurants are celebrating the Olympics, White Linen Night, back-to-school season and more. What summer slowdown?!

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Actor Alan Brincks gets his makeup done for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment