ROMANCING THE STONE

ROMANCING THE STONE

The art and precious jewelry worlds are simpatico: canvas meets carats. Both very collectible, they tell of stories of its collectors and their journeys together. It’s a match made in heaven. Here, we pair some of the most dynamic art and exemplary jewels that we love most. So colorful and captivating, let them inspire you and your own collecting.

Artwork by Anarte Gallery, Ana Hernandez Burwell, Richard Diebenkorn, Brad Ellis, Estancia del Norte Hotel, Allison Gregory, Kenneth Noland, Kelly O’Connor, Sarah Palmer, Carlos Rosales-Silva, Ruiz-Healy Art, Kathy Sosa and Tracy Williams.

Jewelry by Calvin’s Fine Jewelry, Korman Fine Jewelry, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, The Menagerie Fine Jewelry & Gift Salon, Nicole Mera Fine Jewelry, Nini Jewels, and Sotheby’s New York.

BRIGHT, BOLD & BOISTEROUS

BRIGHT, BOLD & BOISTEROUS

Summer is here…and we plan to make a sartorial splash. Our style chronicler, Eleanora Morrison, of Eleanora.co vivaciously shares a bounty of bold looks inspired by the vibrant colors that accompany warmer Texas temperatures and simple poolside pleasures.

FLOWING AND FREE

Whether you’re dining al fresco on vacation or in need of a flowy frock during a warm and balmy summer night at home, this ViX crepe halter neck maxi dress is your best answer.

$228. At Net-A-Porter.com.

ONE-PIECE, PLEASE

When it comes to fun in the summer sun, this retro one-piece is a staple that never goes out of style with this classic Hunza G seersucker swimsuit.

$175. At Net-A-Porter.com.

LOVE IN BLOOM

Part of Zimmermann’s Resort ‘21 collection, the Lovestruck dress evokes a sense of whimsy and joy. This summer you’ll be feeling fun and flouncy at the pool or walking down the beach in this billowing, breezy frock.

$1150. At Net-A-Porter.com.

BELTED IN BERMUDA

Belted, high-waisted, and breezy, these STAUD summer shorts are just the statement piece that will add both comfort and creativity to your summer ensembles.

$215. At Net-A-Porter.com.

HUES OF BLUES

For a summer full of outdoor socializing ahead, why not add some hues of blues to your backyard spaces? These stylish Roche Bobois outdoor sofas will do just the trick.

$7990. At RocheBobois.com

WALKING ON A DREAM

Style doesn’t always have to be sacrificed when it comes to comfort. These Versace sandals will have you walking on a dream while turning heads at the same time.

$350. At NeimanMarcus.com.

SO EASY BEING GREEN

As we begin to emerge into normal life again, combatting toxins while remaining radiant is paramount. Tata Harper’s Refreshing Cleanser, made from all-natural materials, makes it extra easy to be green.

$84. At NeimanMarcus.com.

BOTANICALLY BRIGHT

After a year of simplicity, it’s time for our manicures to make noise again. This award-winning Londontown Lakur delivers long-lasting, high-shine wear while infusing nails with moisturizing and strengthening botanicals.

$16. At NeimanMarcus.com.

TURQUOISE ON TOAST

When it comes to morning rituals, why not brighten your day with pops of colorful pieces from the Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana appliance collection, like this turquoise toaster?

$950. At NeimanMarcus.com.

SPARKLE AND SHINE

The finishing touch to the perfect summery ensemble is the sparkle and the shine. And as they say…everything’s bigger in Texas. Baubles included–the bigger the statement, the better. By Mignonne Gavigani New York.

$295. At GardenRoomBoutique.com.

CLUTCH ME TIGHT

We love a good python print as one of nature’s neutrals. You’ll want to clutch this one tightly no matter where you’re toting it, as a colorful complement to your daytime or evening look. By Parker & Hyde.

$186. At GardenRoomBoutique.com.

STRAP HAPPY

When in doubt, more is more. These Kate Maconie wavy strap sandals will add a pop to any summer look…and they’re sure to pack quite the punch.

$330. At NeimanMarcus.com.

WORLDY PURSUITS

WORLDY PURSUITS

Houston Museum Of Natural Science Celebrates With Gala

By Jennifer Roosth   Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Mike Rathke

THE SETTING: Wide open spaces of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Morian Hall of Paleontology and the second-floor Paleontology Overlook provided the perfect socially-distanced pandemic protocol setting for the museum’s annual fundraising event. The theme of the evening, Tour the World, offered guests an extraordinary variety of exhibits. The Hall of Ancient Egypt, stunning Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, George W. Strake Hall of Malacology, and the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife, to name a few, delighted guests as they were able to explore the museum throughout the evening’s event.

 

THE STYLE: Houston Museum of Natural Science’s gala was a smashing success. Guests celebrated the organization on a beautiful evening, exploring the vast exhibitions and bidding on one-of-a-kind treasures in the evening’s silent auction. The auction boasted magnificent fossils, rare gems and jewelry, and unique HMNS experiences. The most popular items ranged from a 6-feet long Komodo Dragon skeleton, one of the heaviest and deadliest lizards on Earth, to an exceedingly rare 2.34-carat red emerald ring to a Murder Mystery dinner party in the HMNS Death By Natural Causes exhibit. The auction also showcased five vintage automobiles, including a pristinely restored 1966 Shelby GT350 and a sleek 1973 De Tomaso Pantera.

 

City Kitchen provided the night’s delicious fare, and The Events Company adorned the museum spaces and presented brightly-colored floral arrangements on the tables for a beautiful, inspired look. Complementing the after-dinner musical entertainment provided by Hybrid 7 were late-night treats–brandy freezes and sweets. Macaron party favors were passed out on floating balloon trays as guests left for the night.

 

THE PURPOSE: Chairman Bobbie Nau greeted nearly 250 guests and broke all prior HMNS records, bringing in over $2 million in proceeds. The museum took thoughtful measures to ensure the evening’s success. These included the option to valet or self-park; contactless check-in and temperature reads; asking all guests to wear masks; providing additional on-theme masks as party favors; and ensuring that hand sanitizer was readily available throughout the museum with individual hand sanitizers also given to each guest.

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CAPTIVATINGLY CHIC

CAPTIVATINGLY CHIC

A collaboration in fashion can be a delicate thing. Yet there’s no delicacy in the partnership of Limatus Bespoke X Xitlalt, only strength. Here, we go inside the business–and the creativity–of what makes a synergistic creative partnership.

With the tailored silhouettes against an array of feminine touches, the Limatus Bespoke X Xitlalt (pronounced Zee La lee) collection showcases the most sought-after fabric mills in bespoke tailoring such as Loro Piana, Dormeuil, and Thomas Mason. Inspired by a woman’s take on menswear, this collection features a classic colorway and may be worn year-round for work or pleasure. “We wanted the collection to be an easy wear for all women, from the office to date night, any time of year.  It’s a fusion of masculine and feminine. We have structured jackets paired with feminine touches like gold buttons and high-waisted wide-leg pants,” shared Nicole Abrego, lead stylist, and designer for Limatus Bespoke.

 

“I was honored that Limatus Bespoke came to me to design their first capsule collection,” shares Xitlalt Herrera. “Our collaboration is for the fearless woman that knows her strength comes from within, and these suits are like armor that can easily transition from day into night. We know we can conquer any obstacle that is in our way. Our superpower is being a woman, so I wanted menswear fabrics to accentuate our united feminine force. We are individuals who love a power suit because we are then suited for all life’s facets. I was inspired by both powerful women and men who wear suits beautifully, and most importantly, I loved showing my nieces that princesses also like to wear pants.”

 

“Partnering with Xitlalt is a natural for us. She represents the empowerment, passion, and fearlessness we love, and you can see those attributes in the clothing she has designed. Not only does she have phenomenal personal style, but Xitlalt also understands fashion and can convey the value of using textiles from high-end mills to an audience of women who might not be familiar with the bespoke process,” noted Limatus Bespoke’s Creative Director, Haley Rico.

 

Key pieces in the Limatus Bespoke X Xitlalt collection include a white Dormeuil-inspired tuxedo pantsuit, an oversize Loro Piana glen plaid jacket and vest, as well as trousers and a skirt. These pieces are paired with classic shirting and presented as interchangeable to showcase their versatility for all seasons.

 

The collaboration is the perfect blend of talents. Xitlalt Herrera has powerful professional roots. Founded in 2020, her company, X Level, Inc., is committed to growing talent and brands to the X Level by taking on a strategic approach. Led by Herrera, X Level, Inc. leads a team of diverse talents through three branches of the company. XL Agency scouts for actors, influencers, models, public speakers, and entertainers. X Creative focuses on Herrera’s consulting as a creative director, and their Happy Empowerment series is on YouTube. Her X Studio also focuses on production services…from wardrobe styling and headshots to commercial photoshoots and fashion show production. The goal is strategic and successful placement for the talent and clients. Follow her at @xitlalt and @xlevelinc.

 

Limatus Bespoke is an experience-based custom clothing company in San Antonio. Clients choose the fabric, fit, and design of their personalized clothing during private appointments. From suits and coats to pants and skirts, Limatus Bespoke designers and stylists work to help clients create perfectly tailored clothing that speaks to their personality. Book an appointment with their team and learn more at LimatusBespoke.com or follow them on @limatusbespoke.

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CURIOUS ABOUT CUISINE

CURIOUS ABOUT CUISINE

We love that our statewide local eateries offer a true sense of community wherever we go, no matter what city we call home. Join our editors Jake Gaines in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their statewide selections that are perfect for summer.

AUSTIN

So Well Done Austin Salad

BONJOUR, PARIS

A Parisian-inspired bakery that also imports Swiss chocolates? Sign us up. Those, along with Champagne, macaroons, and French-pedigree baked goods, have never seemed so delicious in the heart of Texas.

At ParisInABite.com.

The Lolo Austin Texas wine bar

ASIAN DELUXE

At Otoko, this exclusive 12-seat dining destination is about as rarified a sushi experience gets in this city  The chef’s choice multi-course tasting menu runs $175 per person, so expect both expertise and innovation. Before dinner, begin with drinks at Watertrade, attached to the restaurant. Online reservations only.

At OtakoAustin.com.

Rebel Cheese Austin Texas

WITH A TWIST

For old-school cocktails with a new school twist, try The Cavalier, a new destination. The east side eatery is a favorite for the current frozen drink craze that is sweeping the state. We recommend trying them all with the small and large bites they offer.

At TheCavalierTex.com

DALLAS

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne  dallas texas

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Located on the 49th-floor of The National and alongside the new Thompson Dallas, Monarch is a dazzling restaurant with intimate seating offering soaring views of the city. Featuring 280 seats with skyline views of Dallas, you can wander up a spiral staircase, and you’ll find private dining spaces. The menu consists of handmade pastas, fish, and the Butchers Reserve section of cuisine slow-roasted over a wood fire.

At MonarchRestaurants.com.

Georgie Dallas Restaurant

ALL HAIL THE SAINT

The Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar recently debuted a newly renovated space with a refreshing menu influenced by the Pacific Northwest and seasonal Texas ingredients. The venue features a garden-inspired atmosphere, a spacious patio for dining, crisp pre-Prohibition-style cocktails inspired by their 1920’s roots, and impressive wines.

At SaintAnnDallas.com.

Food from Rise & Thyme Dallas tTexas

TRULY TEXAN

Texas Twinkies, the BBQ delicacy made famous by Hutchins BBQ, can now be shipped by the dozen ($65 per dozen) to anywhere in the U.S. The North Texas BBQ joint’s most requested item is a large jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and Hutchins’ famous brisket, which is then wrapped in thick-cut bacon. Online orders are available whenever you’re ready for a taste of Texas at home.

At HutchinsBBQ.com

HOUSTON

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden

HERE’S THE DISH

Dish Society has quickly become the favorite of the who’s who in the city. The all-day diner turns out a seasonally changing menu with healthful modern twists on traditional favorites. They are also dedicated to using the highest quality and freshest ingredients possible and source a majority of its items locally.

At DishSociety.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

MEET ME AT THE PALACE

A brand new family-friendly addition to the West University/Bellaire community, Palace Social is slated to open in June. Formerly, the historic Palace Bowling Lanes, the completely renovated space is located in the Southside Commons Development, and we expect it to be a terrific destination this summer.

At PalaceSocial.com.

Adair Restaurant Houston

LUCKY THIRTEEN

The new restaurant, Thirteen, created by former Houston Rockets star James Hardin, combines a unique, upscale dining experience with exceptional food. Plus, amid a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and the entertainment and first-class service, it’s the place to be this summer.

At ThirteenHOU.com.

SAN ANTONIO

Salad from Jardin San Antonio

PARISIAN VIBE...

Recently opened in the Historic Pearl by the Southerleigh Hospitality Group, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is just the escapism we all need when traveling to Paris for a très chic French culinary experience is off the table. Be sure not to miss out on ordering the main attraction during your dining event: the Sandwich au Fromage Raclette…melted live onto your plate from a large wheel of piping hot Parmesan. Bon Appetit to all.

At BrasserieMonChouChou.com.

Los Azulejos San Antonio

FOUR STAR-WORTHY

Brunch on the Riverwalk at the four-star Mokara Hotel? Yes, absolutely. Omni Hotels has acquired the Mokara Hotel & Spa that serves up a stylish and delicious dining experience with a view at its new delectable restaurant, Ostra.

At OmniHotels.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

BEYOND THE MORNING RITUAL

A local favorite, Revolucion Coffee + Juice, has been supporting a balanced wellness lifestyle since 2012 with innovative coffee, juice, and plant-forward food. They’ve just opened a new location at the RIM for dwellers in and near Boerne and the Dominion for diners who like to venture outside of the loop for an adventure.

At RevolucionSA.com.

ARTISTIC MERIT

ARTISTIC MERIT

The best plays, musical performances, and exhibits in Texas are enjoyed by record number crowds, according to our cultural adventurer Leanne Raesener, who shares our favorite recommendations for what to enjoy this summer across the state.

AUSTIN

AUS Courtesy of The Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas Austin, Hollywood, The Prodigal Son

UNDER A SUMMER MOON

The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Moonlight Moods, a live outdoor concert at the stunning new Moody Amphitheater. Beethoven’s euphoric and exquisite Symphony No. 7, often referred to as the “Apotheosis of the Dance,” is sure to move you. May 13―15. At AustinSymphony.org. 

ON IMAGE: Ludwig van Beethoven, portrait by Josef Karl Stieler. Courtesy of ASO.

AUS Torbjørn Rødland, Eggs, 2019. Chromogenic print on Kodak Endura paper. Artwork © Torbjørn Rødland.Courtesy the artist and NILS STÆRK, Copenhagen

GONNA WEAR MY GOLDEN CROWN…

Zach Scott’s Theatre’s Songs Under The Stars: Spring Series presents Gospel Down by the Riverside. The stellar cast of Zach’s hit Crowns once again raises the rafters in celebration of gospel music made famous by Shirley Caesar, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and others. April 1―11. At ZachTheatre.org. 

ON IMAGE: Courtesy of Zachery Scott Theatre.

Texas Gold Changed the World

STRUMMIN’ FROM THE SPHYNX TO TEXAS

From its origins in the Nile Valley to today, the guitar has rocked the world for more than 5,000 years. GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World takes visitors on a fascinating exploration of the science, sound, history, and pop culture behind the world’s favorite instrument. Through August 15. At TheStoryOfTexas.com.

ON IMAGE: Gibson Harp Guitar, ca. 1912. Courtesy of the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

DAL Anna, Paris 2017, Photo by Paolo Roversi_Courtesy of the Dallas Contemporary.

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL

Chris Schanck’s premier DMA exhibition,  Curbed Vanity: A Contemporary Foil by Chris Schanck, pairs the late-19th century Martelé dressing table in the DMA’s collection with Schanck’s contemporary interpretation of the piece. One is a grand example of the Gilded Age’s craftsmanship, and Schanck’s is a tribute to the urban landscape. Through August 29. At DMA.org

ON IMAGE: Curbed Vanity: A Contemporary Foil by Chris Schanck, Courtesy of the Dallas Museum of Art.

DAL Photography is Art exhibition, Courtesy of Amon Carter Museum_ Alfred Stieglitz, A Wet Day on the Boulevard, Paris, Photogravure, 2013

ARTIFACTS GONE, BUT HISTORY REMAINS

The Nasher Sculpture Center presents two works by the 2020 Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz, part of his series of sculptures, The invisible enemy should not exist, and his film, The Ballad of Special Ops Cody. Each examines the connection between present-day conflicts in the Middle East and the region’s ancient history. Through April 18. At NasherSculptureCenter.org. 

ON IMAGE: 2020 Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz, The invisible enemy should not exist (Room F, section 1, panel 10, Northwest Palace of Nimrud), 2019, Courtesy of Jane Lombard Gallery, photo by Arturo Sanchez

DAL Photo by Andy Nguyen. Courtesy of Galleria Dallas

CELEBRATING HOME SWEET HOME

The Meadow’s twentieth anniversary will be marked with a commemorative exhibition: Building on the Boulevard: Celebrating 20 Years of the Meadows New Home, which in 2001 was a defining moment in the museum’s over 50-year history. Through June 20. At MeadowsMuseumDallas.org. 

ON IMAGE: Exterior of the Meadows Museum and its sculpture plaza with Santiago Calatrava’s Wave (2002) in foreground. Photo by Hillsman Jackson.

HOUSTON

HOUS Moooi Works, manufactured by Moooi, Mega Chandelier, 2018, mixed media and bulbs. © Moooi, New York

NATURE TIMES TWO

Two visionary artists, separated in time and space, are united by a shared fascination with nature. View David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh’s work side-by-side in the MFAH’s exhibition  Hockney–Van Gogh: The Joy of Nature. It premiered at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the MFAH will be the only U.S. venue. Through June 21. At MFAH.org.

ON IMAGE: David Hockney’s The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011. Credit. Collection Société des Amis du Musée national d’Art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Richard Schmidt.

HOUS David Novros, Detail of right wall from Untitled, 1973–75. The Menil Collection, Houston jpg

THEN AND NOW

Pompeii: The Exhibition tells the tale of the city buried in ash and volcanic debris after Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted some 2,000 years ago. Visitors discover how people lived, loved, worked, worshiped, and found entertainment through the over 150 artifacts preserved in the ruins. Through September 6. At HMNS.org

ON IMAGE: A pristine Pompeii sculpture showcases the intricacy of artifacts.  Photo courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science.

HOUS Signature Works, Courtesy of Ars Lyrica Houston

A GRAND OVERTURE OF GREATS

Houston Symphony’s Iconic Overtures: Andrés Conducts Mozart, Beethoven & More breaths life into some of music’s all-time great overtures—dramatic and evocative curtain-raisers that capture us from the first note. May 14―16. At HoustonSymphony.org.

ON IMAGE: Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Music Director, Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair, Courtesy of the Houston Symphony.

SAN ANTONIO

SA Brenda Rae, Metropolitan Opera, Courtesy of Opera San Antonio

OASIS IN THE GARDENS

San Antonio Botanical Garden’s newest exhibition, Frida Kahlo Oasis, brings a captivating rendition of the artist’s iconic blue home, Casa Azul, and lush green sanctuary that profoundly influenced her timeless art. This exhibition uncovers Kahlo’s deep connection with Mexican native vegetation and the natural world. Through Nov. 2. At SABOT.org.

ON IMAGE: Frida’s Oasis Entrance. Courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

SA Martine Gutierrez, Still from Clubbing, 2012. HD video. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, © Martine Gutierrez.

IS IT LIVE, OR IS IT MAGICAL?

The new Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts exhibition, Is It Real? Staging Nature explores the technical side of recreating nature in performance. The show presents artwork that highlights nature as depicted in stories from opera, ballet, and musical theatre to illustrate examples of these designs. April 22―September 30,  2021. At McNayArt.org.

ON IMAGE: Tony Straiges, Maquette. for Into the Woods, painted board and paper, with found objects. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of Robert L.B. Tobin.

SA Gladys Roldan-De-Moras Memories From My Home, oil on linen

IMPRESSIVE IMPRESSIONISM

As American artists—often having trained in France—returned home in the late nineteenth century, they put a distinctly American twist on Impressionism. America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution explores this history with European origins. June 11―September 5, 2021. At SAMuseum.org.

ON IMAGE: Willard Metcalf (American, 1858–1925)
Poppy Field (Landscape at Giverny), 1886, Oil on canvas, Collection of J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox.