by Lance | Oct 9, 2023 | Blog
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of CureDuchenne
THE SCENE: Austin Country Club was the recent setting for an afternoon of fundraising all for a very worthy cause. Several hundred of the city’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and children’s advocates were on hand to support the annual CureDuchenne ladies luncheon. The event theme, Afternoon in Palm Beach, brought an authentic and elegant mix of touching tributes, a fabulous fashion show, and most of all great friends to support the search of a cure for a debilitating illness that affects children.
THE VIBE: The Palm-Beach chic crowd brought a vibrant and fun mix of bright-colored ensembles, beach-themed stripes, and bold floral prints that created a sunny, welcoming vibe from the second guests arrived. The festivities with an opening reception where guests mingled, and sipped on a glass of bubbly while perusing the silent auction that featured an elegant mix of high-end items including a YSL handbag donated by Neiman Marcus at The Domain.
Patrons then took their seats for the afternoon’s program. Emcee Holly Mills-Gardner effortelessly kept the proceedings flowing briskly and entertainingly. While guests dined on their delectable meals, emotional testimonials from families impacted by Duchenne included the challenges and worries about the disease and what a cure would mean to them. The afternoon was capped off with a fashion show with a variety of looks courtesy of Esitilo.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, hosted by Venus Strawn and Jennifer Stevens, raised funds for Cure Duchenne. Now in its 20th year, CureDuchenne was founded with the singular goal of curing muscular dystrophy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects 1 in 5,000 male births where boys are typically diagnosed as toddlers, lose the ability to walk as teenagers and succumb to the illness in their twenties.
by Lance | Oct 8, 2023 | Blog
By Eleanora Morrison Photography courtesy of Estancia
Sisters Margaret and Alicia Amberson’s designs are inspired by their South Texas heritage and the nuanced, multicultural identity of ranching women in the region with their brand, Estancia Clothing,
On a characteristically sweltering September Saturday in San Antonio, I made my first pilgrimage to the bi-annual Le Purge sale at Blue Star Arts Complex. I didn’t know what to expect from this chic, curated clearance of top local retailers, but I could’ve never predicted how inspired I would feel that afternoon.
As I made my first lap around the venue to survey the vendors and decide whose items I would peruse, I was drawn to a booth where I spotted the most beautiful garments hanging, distinguished by their authentic and sophisticated flair. I walked up to explore them further; when I felt the quality of the fabrics, admired the lines and patterns of the vests, knits, scarves and accessories, I was transported to wherever the hills were alive…which could have been the Texas Hill Country or Salzburg, Austria—whatever this brand of clothing was, it was communicating something nuanced, elevated, and universal to strong women. I needed to know who made it and the story behind why they did.
For design duo Margaret and Alicia Amberson, memories of an enchanted childhood on South Texas ranch lands with their grandfather have inspired their up-and-coming fashion label, Estancia Clothing. The Amberson sisters are young design talent to watch, on a mission to create a brand that empowers women with the same sense of strength and grace they find in the boundless landscapes and rich wildlife of South Texas.
The word estancia is Spanish for cattle ranch, and the brand’s garments exude the creative tension inherent in the nature of their namesake. The construction is part delicate elegance, part durable strength. The luxurious fabrics fasten at the seams to silhouette the grace of the female form, outfitting its wearer in stylishly elevated armor to find the strength and confidence for any occasion, from rural land management to cosmopolitan travel, business management and everything in between.
Estancia garments are primarily manufactured in Los Angeles (where Margaret lives) and Turkey, with a strong emphasis on quality control and ethical production. The attention to detail is evident in the craftsmanship of the pieces. “When searching for our manufacturing partners, we prioritized shared commitments to quality, ethics, and sustainability,” Alicia passionately told me. “Collaborating closely with local suppliers and manufacturers ensures our designs are brought to life as envisioned.”
When it comes to their creative process, Alicia and Margaret operate Estancia as a team, complementing each other’s crafts and strengths. Alicia is the artist, hand-painting and drawing each pattern. She sketches and colors every element of nature that becomes an inspired design. Her visualizations begin the production journey of the garments and accessories with prints and patterns. Margaret is the designer who takes Alicia’s art and processes it for production, painstakingly developing and manufacturing each garment through completion. The twins’ partnership ensures an integration of original artistry and distinctive quality in every piece they co-create.
To learn more about how you can enjoy the Estancia style, visit EstanciaClothing.com.
by Lance | Oct 2, 2023 | Culture, Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Matthew Nieman
For those who have attended the wildly successful Austin City Limits Music Festival knows that the main attraction is the American Express Experience. So, just how does it work?
New this year, American Express is launching a new complimentary premium lounge for Platinum Card Members and Centurion Members plus their guest. The lounge, located to the right of the Amex Stage, allows card members and their guests to escape the crowds and enjoy drinks and light bites. The space is walk-in only with your card required for entry, and space is limited. Platinum Card Members may bring one guest and Centurion Members may bring up to three.
All attendees can shop the Depop pop-up featuring vintage and pre-loved accessories, located on the 1st floor of the Amex Experience.
The POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) returns. All guests can commemorate their ACL Fest by claiming a free digital collectible at the Amex Experience and unlock an exclusive offer.
On the second floor Card Members can take a break, enjoy elevated Amex Stage views and purchase a drink at the bar. Each Card Member (just show your Card or tap your Amex-linked wristband for entry) can bring up to two friends.
As always, there are plenty of benefits and perks for Amex Card Members at ACL that include:
Cashless Entrance: The Amex Cashless Entrances are located at the Barton Springs Road (Barton Springs West) entrance & the Lady Bird Lake entrance. All Card Members and their guests can enter.
Card Member Fast Lane at Merch Palace: Card Members can enjoy a dedicated fast lane at the merch palace – just tap your Amex-linked wristband to enter the fast lane.
Cashless Spend Credit- Link your ACL wristband to your Amex Card and receive a one-time $5 Spend Credit toward purchases made at the Festival.
So, what are you waiting for? See you at the ACL Amex Experience.
by Lance | Sep 26, 2023 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Hive & Colony
Sure, you can go to Savile Row in London when you are there next. People do it all the time. Or, you can have the same experience here in Texas. Dallas, to be exact. Getting a custom suit made by Hive & Colony Clothiers is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary and delves deeply into the realms of craftsmanship, luxury, and personalized style. Here’s what it’s like to embark on this sartorial journey – and you will want to do it again and again like Rob Giardinelli and I soon thought as we both embarked on this creative process of having new tuxedos made.
First, the consultation.
The journey begins with a scheduled appointment at the Hive & Colony showroom, an elegant space that exudes timeless sophistication in Dallas’ NorthPark Center. The occasion for the new tuxedos was for the annual DIFFA Dallas gala where every iteration of black tie is seen in full regalia. If anyone has declared the Peacock Revolution over, then this event defies it. So, to match, and even, surpass the colorful expectations of attending DIFFA, Hive & Colony is the only place to go. As you step through the door, you are greeted by a knowledgeable and impeccably dressed customer service expert, who will be your guide throughout the process.
You’ll want to have a personal style assessment done to begin exploring all your choices. The customer service experts at Hive & Colony take the time to understand your personal style, preferences, and lifestyle. They ask questions about your prior and current fashion choices, the occasions you plan to wear the suit for, and the image you want to project while wearing it. After all, his consultation is crucial in ensuring that the final suit reflects your unique personality and requirements. As the Hive & Colony expert Pablo Mendez shared with us, “Whatever you want, however you want it…we can make it happen because we want you to feel as special as the occasion that the suit is for.”
Then, the real fun begins.
The fabric selection is like a trip to a fabrication candy store. Hive & Colony boasts an extensive selection of the finest fabrics from around the world. Here, you are presented with a curated collection of luxurious materials, including sumptuous wool, silk, and cashmere blends. Each fabric is a work of art in itself, and you’re encouraged to touch and feel the different textures and weights. The tailor provides expert advice to help you choose a fabric that complements your style and the purpose of the suit. Since the occasion we were shopping for was creative black tie, there were no boundaries to fabric selection, so I went with a sleek charcoal gray and Rob chose midnight blue. My guidepost in life is usually: What Would Cary Grant Wear?…and then I choose accordingly, as does Rob.
For custom measurement and fit, precision is paramount at Hive & Colony. The customer service expert takes a comprehensive set of measurements with a cool and futuristic 3D scanning method that Hive & Colony has developed, capturing every nuance of your body shape. They pay attention to details such as posture, shoulder slope, and arm length to ensure that the suit will fit you perfectly. These measurements are the foundation upon which your unique suit will be built. Plus, they are taken electronically with a computer program that Hive & Colony created, so it feels futuristic in a good way, to complement the good old-fashioned client servicing.
As you might expect, there are plenty of customization options at Hive & Colony.
To us, the really exciting part was customizing the suit. You have the opportunity to make a myriad of choices, including lapel style, button configuration, pocket styles, and vents. Whether you prefer a classic two-button suit with notch lapels or a more contemporary three-piece with peak lapels, the customer service representative guides you through the options, helping you create a suit that’s uniquely yours. With our classic tuxedos, they feel almost one-of-a-kind.
Beyond the exterior, the design details can be personalized in many ways…like the interior of your suit with options such as contrasting lining fabrics, monogramming, and even hidden pockets. These details add a touch of exclusivity and personality to your garment. Our favorite? A wildly cool print custom lining and matching pocket square. Talk about individualism.
Over the course of several fittings (about two to three, depending on how exacting you are), the skilled artisans at Hive & Colony meticulously craft your suit. The initial fitting allows you to see the suit in its early stages, ensuring that the fit and style align with your vision. Any necessary adjustments are made with expert precision, ensuring that the suit drapes perfectly on your body. And by perfect, we mean perfection.
The moment of truth arrives when you return for the final fitting for the final reveal.
The suit is unveiled in all its glory by Hive & Colony, impeccably pressed and ready to be worn. As you step into it, you feel the transformative power of bespoke tailoring – a suit that is not just clothing but is also a reflection of your personality and aspirations.
The tailoring tips you learn during the process are also invaluable. Before leaving, the tailor imparts valuable advice on how to care for your custom suit to maintain its pristine condition. They will also suggest coordinating accessories and shirts that they sell to complete the ensemble so that you feel like a billion dollars from head to toe.
We have found that owning a Hive & Colony custom suit or tuxedo is a privilege that extends beyond the initial experience. “We want to make sure our clothes we create for you are as special as the occasion for which you want it,” shares Pablo Mendez of Hive & Colony in Dallas. “It becomes a cherished part of your wardrobe, elevating your style and confidence on every occasion you wear it,” he continues.
So, getting a custom suit made by Hive & Colony Clothiers is not merely a transaction; it’s an immersive journey into the world of timeless elegance and self-expression. It’s a testament to their artistry, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that defines this renowned clothier, resulting in a suit that embodies your own unique identity and style. Run, don’t walk to Hive & Colony to create your favorite new suit now.
by Lance | Sep 14, 2023 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Perini Steakhouse
Looking for the ultimate cowboy dining experience? Saddle up to the chuckwagon for a premium experience with Perini Ranch Steakhouse and help them celebrate 40 years of success of only-in-Texas cuisine.
Established in 1983, celebrating 40 years of success, and known for its authentic “cowboy cuisine,” the world-famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse began as a chuck wagon catering company founded by Tom Perini, who is still at the helm of the brand today. Located in the small West Texas town of Buffalo Gap, the destination restaurant sits on the ranch that has been in the Perini family since 1952.
We love that over the years, Perini Ranch has gained a worldwide following for its celebrated, “real Texas food” and authentic dining experience, complete with abundant Texas hospitality for all the ranch’s local and traveled guests. As a result, Perini Ranch Steakhouse received the coveted James Beard America’s Classics Award in 2014. The Perini Ranch brand has grown solely by word of mouth and continues to develop additional concepts to complement the steakhouse.
The legendary venue is also excited to announce the celebration of its 40th Anniversary with a lineup of celebratory moments, that began in May 2023. With several elements and pop-up events, The Perini Ranch Steakhouse will celebrate 40 years of “real Texas food.” Starting September 28th – October 28th, 2023, Lisa and Tom Perini will champion the anniversary events with a photo collection reflecting on the history of Buffalo Gap and celebrating the evolution of Perini Ranch Steakhouse curated by Michael Grauer and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Grauer has been a curator for 40 years, has written three books, and has contributed to numerous publications about the art and culture of the American West. This outdoor exhibit will be open to the public from September 28 to October 29. How cool is that?
Earlier this year, The Perinis kicked off the anniversary celebration with the launch of their new podcast, Meet Me At The Wagon. It also coincides with the launch of their fourth book, A Celebration of 40 Years, which celebrates the ranch and steak house’s rich history. The podcast, Meet Me At The Wagon, highlights the tradition and romance of West Central Texas. Tom Perini and legendary guests – including music superstar Reba McEntire, actor Rex Linn, celebrity chef Dean Fearing, and more – take listeners through the timeline of how Perini Ranch Steakhouse became what it is today, the impact of the beef and cattle industry on rural communities, and more firsthand commentary. The podcast is the perfect culmination of storytelling that brings Perini Ranch and the American West to life.
“It has been my honor to share my love of the American Cowboy, chuckwagon cooking, the beef industry, and Texas history with friends worldwide,” says Tom Perini. “It is a rare gift to take your passion and convert it into a career. The last four decades have been an amazing experience and Lisa and I look forward to continuing this adventure for years to come.”
So, what are you waiting for? Make your way to the festivities happening soon at Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
