Texas Design Unbound
September 22-25
Celebrate the creative force of Texas during FALL DESIGN WEEK
Four days of exclusive presentations, intimate book signings, and invitation-only gatherings with industry leaders, visionary creatives, and acclaimed authors.
BETH BUCKLEY
LARA HALLOCK
LYNN TERRY
Trends To Fall For
I am excited to share our annual Style & Design issue with you! This one is especially close to our hearts as it’s all about celebrating the details that make our spaces trendier yet unique. As we launch into the fall season, we’re embracing the opportunity to slow down and focus on the things that elevate our everyday experiences.
In our cover story, Beyond the Bottle, we are thrilled to feature Vineyard Wine Cellars, a fami ly-owned business that’s transforming wine storage with custom, climate-controlled spaces for your wine trove. It’s a unique and elegant way to display your prized bottles, and they also offer locker storage if you prefer to store your collection off-site.
The esteemed Diane Cowen sat down with Hallie Henley Sims, a local designer known for her sophisticated and timeless approach to luxury. Her sense of style is the kind of inspiration you’ll want to keep in mind for your next project.
Additionally, we’re featuring the iconic Robert Alker Art as we explore how to integrate timeless Art Deco furniture and collectible art into your home to create a refined atmosphere. Whether you're refreshing your space or adding statement pieces, these one-of-a-kind elements will elevate your home’s style.
Last but certainly not least, make time to enjoy OVO this season, the latest Cirque du Soleil show - a family-friendly production that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an unforgettable night with your loved ones.
We hope this issue sparks inspiration as you dive into the fall season. Be sure to follow us on IG @riveroakslifestyle for all the latest updates and inspiration.
Cheers to Fall!
SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Antonio De la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diane Cowen, Fatima Durrani, Allyson Straczek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Cristian Arriondo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
3:5-6
inside the issue
Beyond the Bottle
Vineyard
Hallie Henley Sims’ well-planned path
Houston
Art Deco Inspiration
Enhance
Cirque
city scene
1: Edward Jones Advisor Christyna Lewis with Alicia Layfield of Casa Layfield at Community Conversations hosted by Maggiano’s. 2: Peggy Almond, Heather Almond, Alaine Bickel, Lynn Cassady at Heather Almond’s birthday tea party. 3: Zinat Ahmed and Genevieve Carter. 4: Brandon Bourque, Derrick Shore at Hudson House. 5: Kristen Cannon, Ellie Francisco, Marc Lawson at Hudson House. 6: Tony & Frances Buzbee attend the Chariots for Children giveaway. 7: Karen Payne, Greg Fourticq at the Carolina Herrera cocktail event at The Post Oak Hotel.
COURTESY PHOTO
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTYNA LEWIS
PRISCILLA DICKSON
COURTESY PHOTO
PRISCILLA DICKSON
SEPTEMBER 2025
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
ROCO opens its Season 21 Unchambered Series at TSU
Lauded for its intimate performance settings and musician-curated programming that spotlights instrument families, ROCO’s Unchambered Series opens with flutists Brook Ferguson and Rebecca Powell Garfield, who have assembled a program showcasing the full scope of the wind instrument’s versatile sound spectrum. The duo’s performance, sponsored by Frost Bank, takes place on Saturday, October 11, 5:00 p.m. at the newly-renovated Charles P. Rhinehart Music Auditorium, Texas Southern University.
Historic Texas Icon, The Driskill Hotel, Begins Full Renovation
Pixiu Investments, Woodbine Development and Hyatt Hotels Corporation announce plans for the full renovation and restoration of the iconic Driskill Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, in Austin, Texas. The transformation of Texas’ first luxury hotel and legendary 1886 landmark will include 175 guestrooms, the lobby and common areas, meeting and social spaces and culinary outposts—with the addition of a new ballroom, cocktail bar, and curated retail space.
The Houstonian Club First in Houston to Launch 3D Motion-Capture for Fitness
The Houstonian Club is the first fitness club in Houston to implement Kinotek, a 3D motion-capture technology that provides objective, real-time movement assessments. The new offering reinforces The Houstonian’s commitment to integrating innovative tools that support member wellness and performance. Kinotek allows trainers to assess mobility, range of motion, and movement asymmetries in their clients with greater precision than visual observation alone. Members have access to science-backed data.
Photography by Rolando Ramon
Photography Courtesy of the Driskill Hotel
Photography Courtesy of The Houstonian Club
Post Houston Unveils New Rooftop Event Spaces
Two glass pavilions situated on POST Houston’s iconic rooftop park, Skylawn, are emerging as the city’s newest and most dramatic event spaces along the downtown Houston skyline. Penthouse and Skylawn Room, both featuring soaring glass windows and amenities that will distinguish them as innovative special event destinations, will be completed by the end of 2025. While different, the two spaces share high-tech lighting and audio/visual capabilities that will make them versatile and highly sought after venues.
Photography Courtesy of Post Houston
The Birdsall Residences
ELITE CONCIERGE MEDICINE
MD² Houston River Oaks Sets the Standard for Personalized Medicine
In Houston’s prestigious River Oaks, MD² (“MD squared”) continues to set the gold standard for concierge medicine. As one of the most respected names in private primary care, MD² offers a healthcare experience that is truly personalized, physician-led, and available 24/7, without compromise.
At MD², patients receive elite primary care from two of Houston’s most accomplished physicians: Dr. Karen Baerenstecher, a board-certified internist, and Dr.
Hal Condara, a nationally recognized cardiologist. Together, they deliver exceptional personalized primary care, each serving just 50 families to ensure unmatched attention and availability.
“MD² is medicine the way it was meant to be: personal, proactive, and always accessible,” says Dr. Baerenstecher. “Our patients know we are always here, no matter the hour or the need.”
Meet the Physicians
Dr. Baerenstecher, a native Houstonian and board-certified internist, is beloved by patients for her thoughtful, relationship-centered approach. Dr. Baerenstecher has a strong foundation in preventive care and longevity medicine. A graduate of Texas A&M and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, she served as a clinical professor of internal medicine and built a thriving solo practice before joining MD² Houston.
Dr. Condara, board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology, has been named to Texas Top Doctors multiple times. His career spans over three decades, with deep roots at Memorial Hermann Memorial City where he served as Chief of Cardiology and the Texas Heart Institute. Known for his forward-thinking and compassionate approach, Dr. Condara’s experience is instrumental in navigating cutting-edge AI-driven diagnostics and prescribing state-of-the-art prevention plans with quality and longevity in mind.
An Unrivaled Model of Care
MD² offers a level of access and service unheard of in traditional medicine. Patients have direct access to their personal physician via phone, text, or in-person visits. Care coordination is one-on-one, often including the physician’s presence at specialist appointments. When traveling, patients receive personalized medical kits and worldwide support. Visits are never rushed, and there are no waiting rooms or overlapping appointments. The monthly fee of $2,000 per individual includes all care and services provided in the office. “Our relationship with each patient is truly comprehensive,” says Dr. Condara. “Whether it’s managing complex care or simply being a trusted resource at their convenience, we’re fully present in every aspect of their health.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Dr. Howard Maron, former team physician for the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, founded MD² in1996 to answer a bold question: What would it mean to practice medicine in the ideal? Nearly 30 years later, that vision remains intact, with practices in select cities and a commitment to serving just 50 families per physician.
To inquire about becoming one of the 100 families at MD² Houston, please call (713) 568-8643 or visit www.md2.com MD² Houston
Beyond the Bottle
Vineyard Wine Cellars creates custom wine rooms that blend expert design, craftsmanship, and climate control.
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VINEYARD WINE CELLARS
For more than two decades, Vineyard Wine Cellars has helped clients across the country transform their wine storage goals into custom, climate-controlled spaces. Long before glass-front wine rooms became showpieces in homes and restaurants, the company was already imagining the future of wine storage.
From sleek wine walls to full-scale cellars, each design balances storage, preservation and visual impact.
“There were only a handful of companies like ours when we got started in the early 2000s,” says Sarah Palmer, who now leads the business her parents founded. “We are still one of the few in operation under the same ownership. That longevity speaks to our vision and our willingness to evolve with the industry.”
Headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on family property that includes a working vineyard, Vineyard Wine Cellars recently expanded with a showroom in the Houston Design Center. Although they have worked in the Houston market for years, this marks the company’s first physical location in the city. Their projects span all 50 states, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
“We work at the intersection of the construction, interior design, and wine industries,” Palmer says. “All three are thriving, and we enjoy helping clients bring those elements together in cohesive, beautiful ways.”
Vineyard Wine Cellars blends craftsmanship and climate control to create custom wine rooms tailored to every space
Unlike companies that only offer what they manufacture themselves, Vineyard Wine Cellars partners with top-tier brands to deliver a wide variety of materials, styles, and storage systems. “We are not limited to a single product line,” Palmer explains. “That allows us to scale projects up or down and match any aesthetic, whether it’s a compact wine wall in a dining room or a complex commercial installation.”
Today’s clients are asking for more than traditional walk-in cellars. Wine walls have gained popularity because they save space and create a visual impact. “You can pull just two feet from the end of a wall and create a high-capacity, elegant design,” Palmer says. In hospitality spaces, wine lockers and cabinets are making a comeback. “People want more than just a good meal out. They want their bottle of wine pulled from a personal locker. That level of experience matters.”
Design trends continually move the category forward and what started in basements is now often located at the heart of the home. “We are seeing wine rooms placed right at the entryway or in the main entertaining areas,” Palmer says. Materials like walnut, white oak, and mahogany are back in style, often finished with clean lines and contemporary hardware. Brass accents are also popular, and leather is becoming an elevated choice, used for drawer fronts, countertops, or wall panels behind wine displays.
Lighting is both a visual and technical consideration. Vineyard works closely with designers to create ambiance while also accounting for heat output, which affects climate control. “Every element in a wine room has to be both beautiful and functional,” Palmer says.
Whether designing for a seasoned collector or someone just starting to explore wine, the team at
“Opening our showroom in Houston has been exciting. We have had visitors from all over the country, from Bozeman to New England, come in to see what we offer.”
– Sarah Palmer
Vineyard Wine Cellars builds each space to fit both lifestyle and taste. “Some clients know exactly how they want to organize their bottles,” Palmer says. “Others are starting fresh. We help them create something that works now and grows with them over time.”
In response to growing demand, Vineyard Wine Cellars has expanded its offerings in Houston to include secure wine storage. Located adjacent to their showroom, the facility offers a reliable solution for those who want to protect their collections from power outages or need overflow storage. The service includes concierge support and 24/7 access through a dedicated app. “Our customers had been asking for wine storage for years,” says Palmer. “So when we made the move to Houston, we knew it was the right time to add that service. It’s been very well received.” vineyardwinecellars.com
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN
Hallie Henley Sims’ well-planned path
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK THOMPSON
Houston designer uses rich colors, lively patterns and interesting textures in home projects.
Pops of blue and orange add a burst of color to this kitchen designed by Hallie Henley Sims of Hallie Henley Design.
Hallie Henley Sims’ mother was a teacher, but she loved home projects – her own as well as those of friends, and a young Hallie tagged along when she shopped for treasures for the home.
It was inevitable that when Hallie was in fifth grade was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up she would write: interior designer.
When she was a freshman at Oklahoma University, Hallie met her now-husband Will Sims, who works in the oil and gas industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design there, then a master’s degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After working for Duncan Miller Ullmann’s hospitality division in Dallas and then Courtney Hill Interiors in Houston, Hallie opened her own firm, Hallie Henley Design.
Her style is traditional, classic and refined with updated modern touches, and her projects are filled with rich color, pattern and textures.
“Throughout all of our projects is a love of color and pattern,” said the 41-year-old mother of two. “It’s funny coming from a background in hospitality design, you wanted to create things that are super trendy because they redesign every couple of years to stay current. In home design, you don’t want the client to redo everything in five years. That’s something that’s really important to me.”
Hallie, chosen as a Houston Design District Leader in Design, loves vintage and antique pieces she sources at antiques stores and on visits to antique shows in Round Top, but also appreciates new things available through improved technology. One example: large-scale wallpaper murals that used to be hand painted but can be done more effectively with digital printing.
Hallie and her family vacation in Telluride every summer so one dream project is to design a home there, and another big dream – after designing many bespoke pieces for clients – is to someday launch her own furniture collection.
Wallpaper in soft purple tones envelops this primary bedroom.
A banquette in channel - tufted fabric and an oval Tulip Table complete the kitchen breakfast nook.
Tickets on Sale Prize Deadline: September 17 Country Music Association Awards fly-away package: tickets, flights & hotel for two, courtesy of Radio One
Early Bird Prize Deadline: October 1
Ultimate Houston Astros & Rockets sports package, courtesy of iHeartMedia
Bonus Prize Deadline: October 22
$10,000 VISA gift card, courtesy of Dream Day Foundation
Bayou City Bonus Prize Deadline: November 5
2 CT T.W. diamond “X” bracelet in 10K gold, courtesy of Zales
Last Chance Prize Deadline: November 17 Clarity Series Balance 9 hot tub, courtesy of Master Spas
Open House tours starting in October Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sundays: noon – 6 p.m.
Register for free at the house for your chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree, courtesy of Living Spaces Giving
St.
Art Deco
ARTICLE BY ALLYSON STRACZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRISTIAN ARRIONDO
Enhance your home by integrating Art Deco elements, modern interiors, and fine art for a sophisticated aesthetic.
Inspiration
Since 1971, Robert Alker Fine Art Gallery and Robert Alker Art Deco Furniture have successfully blended fine art with Art Deco, helping clients, including design-savvy homeowners, interior designers, historical enthusiasts, and strategic investors.
"In 1971, the gallery was called Galerie Barbizon in Town and Country Village," he says. "By representing quality contemporary artists, we could hold art shows with the artists participating."
Alker became a member of the Appraisal Association of America in 1975 and was also a member of the International Society of Appraisers during the 1980s.
Robert Alker, Owner
"In 1992, I relocated to the Antique Pavilion and renamed the business to Robert Alker Fine Art. The gallery has consistently focused on quality across all types of art, whether realistic, stylized, or abstract. In 2013, we decided to feature Art Deco period furniture, recognizing the period's outstanding artistic influence," explains Alker.
At the 2304 Bissonnet location, the business continues its dedication to fine art, featuring artworks from the early 19th century to mid-century artists, both from abroad and the United States. Detailed attention is also given to Texas art.
"Art Deco has a timeless allure," he notes. "Balancing these elements with modern interiors can yield a stunning, sophisticated look."
Art Deco has been a favorite for over a century because of its bold geometry and design elements that continue to complement contemporary interior styles. For distinctive art and furniture, Alker suggests a neutral, contemporary base, allowing for one or two bold Art Deco focal points. Accents like sunburst mirrors, geometric rugs, and brass-andglass bar carts can enhance the look.
To achieve a sophisticated, luxurious feel in a home, Alker’s team suggests layering in rich materials such as velvet, lacquer, brass, marble, and glass. These furnishings can include a velvet accent chair, a marble coffee table, or brass hardware. Another tip is to include geometric patterns in wallpaper, textiles, and tilework.
As clients expand their fine art collections, Alker's team advises them to, "buy what you love. Connect emotionally with the art; your collection should reflect your taste and vision." www.robertalkerfineart.com
Irina Ivanova, Gallery Manager and Robert Alker
guidance
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI
EXPERT TIPS, FRESH TRENDS, AND CREATIVE TOOLS TO HELP PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE WITH CUSTOM FABRICS, AND TIMELESS DESIGN CHOICES.
YOUR HOME’S PERSONALITY
Expert
helps customers bring their design visions to life at Interior Fabrics Houston.
As temperatures begin to drop and families turn their attention to the upcoming winter holidays, it's a natural time to reassess the look and feel of their home. Often, decor choices that once felt stylish, like decade-old drapes, can begin to
mundane to the marvelous, and exuding your personality."
For those still discovering their personal style, fabric expert Krista Parker, another long-time employee of Interior Fabrics’ sister-store, offers insight and
FIND THE THEME THAT UNIQUELY REFLECTS YOUR LIFESTYLE, BUDGET AND PREFERENCES.
show their age without having authentic vintage charm. For those seeking a simple refresh that doesn't involve a complete renovation, updating curtains and cushions can offer a noticeable transformation with minimal effort.
Julie Taylor, a long-time employee of Interior Fabrics' sister store in Dallas, has been working with interior decorators, fashion designers, and avid DIY fans for decades by introducing them to the many different styles available for custom curtains. Through her years of experience, Taylor has seen various trends come and go. To ensure a timeless look for decor staples like draperies, she encourages her clients to focus on their style.
"There are many fads out there, but the most important aspect of decorating your home is to find the theme that uniquely reflects your lifestyle, budget, and preferences," reflects Taylor. "What's important is mixing styles when transforming rooms from the
guidance into current home decor trends. "Currently, many customers are swapping grays and whites for color. Incorporating printed fabrics and layering printed fabrics creates an exciting look. Other design trends I am seeing include color-drenched spaces, wallpaper, and sophisticated window treatments. Cafe curtains, cornices, and panels with tape trim are in demand," she says.
Taylor continues, "While some people still prefer a pattern with a traditional theme, they're kicking it up a notch with small touches of animal print. Often, more adventurous decorators will choose a bold color for their furniture and curtains to create a 'wow' impact."
Creating a dream space begins with imagination. Taylor and Parker encourage customers to utilize digital tools, such as Pinterest and Canva, to visualize their ideas.
BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE
• Be open to new ideas and mixing styles. A more current trend is for not everything in the room to match, but for it to coordinate and complement each other. For instance, a fun print can add a touch of style to a more traditional frame.
• Focus on the colors and textures you love. Don't be afraid to experiment with color combinations.
• If you have a favorite art piece or heirloom, let that be your inspiration and build from there.
• Consider your lifestyle and choose a style that reflects that. Choose fabrics that you can maintain and that you won't tire of quickly.
• If you are new to design, it's often a good idea to be creative with pillows, benches, and home accents, as those items can be easily switched out. For larger or more expensive projects, such as furniture or draperies, opt for timeless fabrics.
• Use pictures and samples to create a mood board (either digitally or physically).
• After completing research and deciding on the project's direction, seek a second opinion from a professional for their expert advice.
• It helps to walk into a store, like Interior Fabrics, to feel inspired. With 5,000 square feet of options to choose from, homeowners and decorators can easily select what they like and then personalize it with their preferred fabric choice.
fabricresource.com/houston 713-782-3311 fabricsfondren@yahoo.com
Interior Fabrics Houston offers 5,000 square feet of fabrics, trims, and furniture.
Where eminence meets exclusivity.
For more than 85 years, it’s been our privilege to assist the most prominent members of Houston society in establishing their legacies to become part of our city’s extraordinary heritage. Only at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons can you create a remarkable final tribute that exemplifies your place in Houston’s history, guaranteed.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUIT NGUYEN
IF YOU EAT ONE THING
SUCCULENT’S HANDMADE CARROT GNOCCHI SHOWCASES BALANCED TEXTURES AND VIBRANT FLAVORS.
River Oaks' culinary scene recently expanded with the opening of Succulent Fine Dining. Founded by restaurateur Shawn Virene, known for a'Bouzy, the restaurant offers West Coast-inspired cuisine rooted in Napa Valley traditions. Executive Chef David Buckley leads the kitchen, bringing nationwide experience from Hawaii, San Diego, and The Woodlands.
Menus feature seasonal produce from the West Coast, local farms, and Virene's Huckleberry Farms in Round Top, Texas. The nearly 10,000-square-foot restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining, with a second-floor patio and private dining options.
A must-try for the warm summer season is chef Buckley's take on carrot gnocchi. succulentfinedining.getbento.com
THE GNOCCHI
At Succulent, the gnocchi is made using a traditional handmade method with a tasty twist. "We roast the carrots before incorporating them into the dough to deepen and enhance their flavor," says executive chef David Buckley. Each batch is made daily by the restaurant's dedicated pasta cook, whose attention to detail ensures consistency in every bite.
THE MIX-INS
Buckley leans into a classic pairing for the dish. "Carrots and peas are timeless. You can't go wrong," he says. English peas bring brightness and a fresh pop of flavor. The gnocchi dough is layered with richness, thanks to ricotta, Parmesan, and a subtle hit of toasted celery seed for added complexity.
THE TOPPINGS
A mix of textures and acidity rounds out the dish. "We finish with pickled cipollini onions. The hibiscus in the brine gives them a pinkish-purple hue and a punch of acidity," says Buckley. Shaved carrots and Parmigiano Reggiano add depth, while fresh basil from the restaurant's herb garden provides a clean finish.
THE SAUCE
To tie everything together, Buckley uses a basil pistou. "It's a simple blend of basil, garlic, and olive oil," he explains. "It adds a fresh, herbaceous note that completes the dish every time."
Succulent Fine Dining, Carrot Gnocchi
SOCORRO
Socorro’s Tequila Takeover
SOCORRO TEQUILA LANDS IN TOP HOUSTON SPOTS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES WITH AWARD-WINNING, ADDITIVE-FREE FLAVOR.
Founded in 2020 by spirits industry pros Josh Irving and Pablo Antinori, Socorro Tequila is made in the highlands of Jalisco with 100% Blue Weber agave and zero additives. Antinori is hands-on from harvest to aging, making sure every bottle reflects their commitment to clean, traditional tequila.
The name Socorro means “help” in Spanish, a nod to the brand’s mission to tackle water scarcity in Jalisco’s rural communities. Even though it is fairly new to the market, the brand is racking up the awards. At the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Socorro scored a Double Gold for its Blanco, Gold for its Reposado, and Silver for its Añejo. The 2025 Agavos Awards brought in more golds and silvers across the board.
In Houston, tequila-enthusiasts can find Socorro behind the bar at
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF I & A AGAVE SPIRITS
Soccoro Tequila, Chocolate Old Fashioned
TEQUILA
some of the city’s favorite restaurants, including Tiny Boxwoods, Brasserie 19, Dish Society, The Rustic, Lupe Tortilla, Candente, Clarkwood, Lombardi Cucina Italiana, Potente, Georgia James, Succulent Fine Dining, Ojo de Agua, Le Colonial, and Santé.
Socorro also just hit a major high note (literally). American Airlines recently added Socorro to its inflight beverage lineup, making it easy to have a cocktail or a tasty sipper while traveling.
For those who would rather mix it up at home, here’s one of Socorro’s signature cocktail recipes with a smooth twist on a classic.
Chocolate Old Fashioned
2 oz Socorro Tequila Añejo
0.25 oz agave
3 dashes chocolate bitters
Orange peel
Press the peel, agave, and bitters to release oils. Add tequila and ice. Stir to taste.
The Architecture of Insects
Cirque du Soleil’s OVO costumes transform insect inspiration into wearable art through pleats, structure and imagination.
For OVO, Cirque du Soleil’s insect-inspired show running in Houston from October 2 to 5, costume designer Liz Vandal drew on a lifelong fascination with bugs. “I’ve always had a passion for them,” she says. “When I was just a kid, I put rocks down around the yard near the fruit trees, and I lifted them regularly to watch the insects who had taken up residence underneath them.” Her designs combine influences from futuristic superheroes and armor, balancing hard shells with corseted silhouettes. To inspire rather than imitate insect forms, she translated their morphology into pleated, veined fabrics and layered structures. The result is what she calls “organic origami.” Her team explored color, pattern, and movement using techniques such as sublimation and permanent pleating to create textured wings, flexible shells, and rigid forms. Each cricket costume took 75 hours to construct. The dazzling result blends designed precision with imaginative interpretation. cirquedusoleil.com
Each costume in OVO reflects hours of intricate work and imagination, bringing insect forms to life.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2025
SEPTEMBER 2ND
Kali
Uchis, The Sincerely Tour
Toyota Center | 8:30 PM
Don't miss GRAMMY®-winning global recording artist Kali Uchis on September. The tour arrives on the heels of Uchis’ highly anticipated fifth studio album, Sincerely,. Her most intimate and vulnerable body of work to date, the 14-track record is a testament to the curative power of deep love, and a powerful representation of the way Uchis romanticizes life and her inner world.
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Houston Ballet "Onegin"
Wortham Theater | 7:30 PM
Based on Alexander Pushkin's novel Eugene Onegin, John Cranko’s Onegin is a timeless tale of love, rejection, and regret. Using an arrangement of Tchaikovsky compositions, the ballet features well-developed characters with rich psychological depth, who evolve through compelling character arcs as the story unfolds across its three acts.
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Round Top Film Festival
Round Top | 12:00 PM
Established in 2024, the Round Top Film Festival is a four-day film festival in Round Top, TX that screens some of the best films from around the world for a unique, sophisticated, and distinct audience. Beyond the films themselves, the festival utilizes a number of venues around town for insightful panel discussions, industry mixers, and additional fun activations and pop-ups.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
World of Hans Zimmer - A New Dimension
Toyota Center | 8:00 PM
Multiple Grammy®-nominated Matt Dunkley, who has a long-standing professional partnership with Zimmer, is one of the world’s most renowned orchestrators, arrangers, and conductors. Dunkley will perform alongside a masterful symphony orchestra featuring top soloists from Zimmer’s talent pool including the world-class Odessa Orchestra & Friends and the extraordinary Nairobi Chamber Chorus.
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Piano Men: An Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute at the Marriott Marquis
Marriott Marquis | 8:00 PM
Piano Men is the ultimate tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John. Come spend an evening With Concerts Under the Stars at the Altitude at the Marriott Marquis in Houston with a cocktail in hand dancing to a song list you would blast in the car, performed by some of Texas' most talented musicians!
SEPTEMBER 16TH
Kimberly Akimbo
The Hobby Center | 7:30 PM
The 2023 Tony-winner for Best Musical, based on David Lindsay-Abaire's play of the same title, revolves around a teenage girl named Kimberly Levaco, who suffers from a condition that rapidly accelerates the aging process. Before she has had a chance to venture forth into the world as an adult, she finds herself turning into an old woman.
SEPTEMBER 18TH
Houston Ballet "Rock, Roll, & Tutus"
Wortham Theater | 7:30 PM
A compelling mixed program showcasing four expressive works. Renowned choreographer Brett Ishida returns with her 2024 work, what i was thinking while i was waltzing, a raw and realistic story elevated by bold costume design. Set to Oliver Davis’ Frontiers, Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra, Illuminate is a movement-based work choreographed by Soloist Jacquelyn Long.
SEPTEMBER 19TH
Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
Jones Hall | 7:30 PM
Inspired by the legend of The Firebird—a magical glowing bird from Slavic folklore—Stravinsky’s Firebird dazzles from first note to heart-pounding finale. It’s the music that made Stravinsky an overnight star. Soprano Angel Blue makes her Houston Symphony debut in Florent Schmitt’s beyond-epic Psalm 47, and a Julia Wolfe world premiere kicks off this program.
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Eschenbach Conducts Mozart & Bruckner
Jones Hall | 7:30 PM
Showcasing the artistry of flutist Stathis Karapanos and Houston Symphony Principal Harp Allegra Lilly, Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp positively sparkles with delightful melodies and effervescent charm. From Mozart’s delicate grace, Christoph Eschenbach leads a foray into the vast, expansive sound-world of Bruckner’s stunning and immense Symphony No. 7.
Unwind in style at our expansive 17,000-square-foot venue, featuring five distinct spaces designed for every mood. Join us for Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 3–7 PM, and enjoy all-day Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Whether you're seeking a vibrant atmosphere or a cozy corner, our diverse venues offer the perfect setting to relax and savor your favorite drinks. Don't miss out on unbeatable deals and a lively ambiance—your new go-to spot awaits!
Restoring Luxury Preserving Legacy
Family Owned & Operated Since 1978
Regal is a premier general contractor specializing in restoration and insurance claims. We successfully complete hundreds of projects annually, spanning commercial, high-end residential, and industrial losses. Since 1978, we’ve been a trusted partner for property owners and major insurance carriers, known for our quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
Skill. Knowledge. Experience. Clearly the Best Choice.
Water Damage
Fire & Smoke Damage
Disaster Emergency Response
Environmental Remediation
713-862-8433 | info@regalgc.com | regalgc.com
EMERGENCY
Regal General Contractors