Houston Fashion Week 2010. Day 1

Fashion Houston 2010 featuring Cesar Galindo, Spring 2011 collection. I was there all week and shot all shows so there is much more to come!!!


Lyn Devon Spring 2011 came to Houston for Fashion Houston 2010, presented by Audi. She was the second to present her collection on Day 1. I was there all week and shot all shows so there is much more to come!!!

Sheryl Crow in Houston TONIGHT

If you are at the Sheryl Crow concert in the Woodlands tonight, then we each have an invitation to her next stop in Austin, by Crow herself. During "Are You Strong Enough To Be My Man," she said, well sang, about a vacant bunk on her tour bus that's open to another welcome party & I believe her. She's on the road, performing hits from her current album "100 Miles from Memphis." She's single, & a true talent, so I believe if she wants company, she'll get it. Tonight, she covered Terrence Trent Darby's "Sign Your Name", which was a miss. Her better cover is the Michael Jackson hit "I Want You Back." Her voice actually sounded more like an impersonation of Jackson, but a respectable tribute nonetheless. Crow, not to be mistaken for some cover girl is forging ahead after some difficult intervals in her life. After being struck by a big break up with world's most famous cyclist and health problems, also currently behind her, she is grooving ahead, with no insecurities to speak of. In fact, she thinks "EVERY girl should have her own band." She is expected to release a second volume of her current album next spring, but no word on another tour to promote it. Overall, Crow is great live, highlighting her instrumental talent on guitar then later on piano. She commented on our hot Houston weather, sealed in leggings, 5" heels, & a long free flowing square based halter.

Something I liked a lot was that she danced a lot too. Though obviously not trained in footwork, she was reminiscent of a hippy Janis Joplin/J.J. (my friend) hybrid. Also, just a note about iPhone4 and blogger.com. Blogger won't allow at least me, to upload pictures from my iPhone4 to blogger.com.

Houston is NOT boring because...

A few blocks away from my place, what used to be the old Rollin Salloon, is back open, with new ownership. The Railyard had a busy soft opening this weekend with no signage whatsoever. Later today, they will be integrating their new visual entertainment elements for a polished & updated version of sports bar atmosphere the Rollin once offered. This week, they expect to be on the ball with sports line ups. I met Dana, a local resident, among the low key area high rollers from River Oaks, Westheimer Oaks, Galleria and "Uptowneers." We are both pleased with the outcome and expressed our approval to the men in charge. Word has it, a mexican restaurant is expected to open in the same renovated shopping strip, from which Railyard will market selected tasty bites. Stop in and say hello to the new men in charge, Trey, Clinton and their bartender Tony.

I also stopped by Avant Garden to see yet another (quite consistent, hence, intriguing) Shina Rae fashion show production and I have to say at this point and she has earned it... In my eyes, Shina Rae has officially become the "Go-To Girl" for a new designer or any solid designers brave enough to have their line shown in Houston these days. I say this for many reasons, but I have to hand it to her mainly because I know for a fact, she loves to do shows, all the time, for people who both, create and want to SHOW their work, no matter what time of year. Tonight, I saw about 15 gorgeous fresh faces in 3 designer's lines, all unique, colorful and fun. VINTEDGE, a presentation of reworked vintage, was probably my favorite because I grew up wearing vintage I reWERKed myself. I AM KOUTURE was another beautiful line of short dresses with catchy patterns made for daring free spirits. ANOMALI STREETWEAR, a line of unique tight t-shirts and accessories for men and women looked SO sexy on these models. Another designer, JAJO COUTURE had a rack of unique items to select from. Ms. Crystal Lee was also there to support Shina, wearing hosiery I spotted in Miami during WMC yet have not been able to find in Houston. The lady is sparkling, so it was nice to see her on-hand to support Shina's show!

My last stop was Temper Tantrum at the bar inside Gravitas for a special birthday party for Charro Beans DaBarge. I arrived late, after peak time, which was from 11pm-12:30am. I may have missed the crowd by the time I arrived at 1am, but I was definitely on time for the performance of the night. Charro dancing to "Single Ladies" after drinking a few (of her own and some other people's) birthday cocktails, was so hysterical. I admit, I did partake in the dance, following Charro's lead, which was pretty accurate. That is, until Charro TOOK OVER with leaping half-turns on the furniture and bar foot rests until she literally LOST her wig! Bravo Charro!!!

So many people are doing things to entertain Houston, that it's tough to keep up w it all. Honestly, I didn't make half the stops I wanted to make, so this isn't even half the fun this Heightstonian could have had tonight.

Summer Fest 2010 and more...

Summer Fest 2010
Houston has embarked on something new thanks to the talent of Houston and people who stand behind it. Summer Fest means hope for those who miss the spirit of the original Westheimer Arts Festival. It’s a stretch to compare it to Woodstock, but the parallels of painted people and mud dancing around getting high, WITH permission still stand. This along local budding talent tells me, as a native Heightstonian, that Summer Fest has the potential to be better each year. Supporters like Wayne Coyne, lead singer of headliner, The Flaming Lips and the thousands in attendance applauded his hope for the future of Summer Fest. “I hope Summer Fest goes on for 100 years,” Coyne said during their set. The Flaming Lips were nothing short of spectacular. They brought all their toys including the slide, bubble for Wayne to surf the crowd, the gong, the hands, his strobe necklace, the camera mic, and of course the bear (who’s also half man), who didn’t mind giving Wayne a piggyback ride onstage.


Houston talent entertained Houston for 2 days straight on 5 stages in Eleanor Tinsley Park June 5 & 6th. The people behind the scenes who have made this happen for the second year in a row and hopefully 100 years to come are Omar Afra and Jagi Katial. Both were literally behind the scenes. They were moving cables & mics to accommodate main stage acts.
Patrick with the cowboy hat pull out the hose and begin dousing people with water as they slathered on paint. One by one, people started barreling down the slip-n-slide hill of color. An ambulance showed up as a precaution, but I heard more about people passing out than actual injuries. Then it rained. Hard!
Thanks to the courtesy of nervioshop.com’s Jason Poland and his crew, I snagged a spot under a tent with my precious cargo. I was there when a huge gust of wind knocked down a lego tower that took 2 days for Poland to complete. Some helped pick up the pieces. Suddenly, a huge crowd of people waiting to slide, all decided to go down together. THAT was an amazing moment! No word on any injuries. Then I went down the hill & by that time, many were still sliding in the mud... not all by choice.
Then came a glimpse into the idea of “no water” which I find to be reoccurring more lately. Many washed their faces and rinsed their sunglasses in muddy water, and put them back on. New arrivals in pristine pink and white, stepped in muddy holes a foot deep. I was under a water tent this time, where people were coming up wanting to be sprayed with water but there was none to spare in the water tub. Others were recycling their 10 bottles for a free water, & asking for 2 to clean and drink. Anyone who wore a bathing suit sported it! After a while, going up the hill was the biggest challenge of the day.
I didn’t get to see as many bands as I’d hoped. The Flaming Lips played a lot of great songs, including “She Don’t Use Jelly,” and “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot,” ending their set with “Do You Realize.” Which like SummerFest itself, “you had to be there.”


Aron catches the Flaming rabbit
Recently, someone posted a job opening on Facebook for the SummerFest 2010. My friend answered the ad with the hope of just seeing the Flaming Lips at no cost. He could even make a few bucks, so why not?!?! When he showed up the second day, he arrived an hour early. He told me that when he was reading, he “looked up and saw a bushy haired man in a suit walking along Allen Parkway. In a suit!” He said the man looked like his favorite lead singer so he started walking to see who it was. “Let’s just say I picked up the pace,” he laughs. “And sure enough, it was Wayne Coyne, lead singer of the Flaming Lips.” Aron said “Hi Wayne.” Wayne said “Hello.” “He’s real down to earth,” Aron said.
A: “Hey man, I don’t mean to bother you, but I jut want you to know, I’ve really enjoyed your music for many years.”
WC: “Thank you. Thanks a lot. Yeah, I like to be here early to be sure all the sound check and make sure everything is right for the show. Are you staying for the show?
A: “Yes. I’ll be here." Wayne asked Aron for directions to the stage. It turns out, Aron may have been the very first fan Wayne saw on performance day. The whole encounter was very special to Aron.

Chloe Dao's Achieves Lithe in "Lightness"

www.HEIGHTSTONIAN.com brings to you online, another Chloe Dao original fashion show presentation. Dao's "Lightness" 2010 Spring Fashion Show was held on April 17, 2010 at Warehouse Live, benefiting the Fairy Godmother Project. A packed house of just under 1,500 were in attendance to see Dao's light and lovely latest which included an array of lightened pastels. All looks were dresses of every length. Most were fun and flirty with light colors like baby yellows and barely blues, until the line transformed to the absent hue and design made for matrimony in her final piece. All gorgeous, wearable and available at Lot8! After the show, Dao and her sister Sydney, who directed the event, came out to oblige attendees, who included friends, fans and a few local TV personalities, with photos and other fun moments.



Presentation tracks include Sleigh Bells w' "Infinity Guitars;" Fol Chen w' "Cable TV;" Moby w' "Wait For Me;" & Big Gipp "Hot (Treasure Fingers remix)." Models from Neil Hamil included Tuesday Williams and Cheyenne Estelle. Sponsors of the event include Warehouse Live, Phyto, Luminess Air, Lot8 Salon, The Art Institute of Houston, La Bella Dolce, Divisi Strings. Enjoiah!

PREVIEW MaxXandaux's video by HEIGHTSTONIAN

HEIGHTSTONIAN.com presents a PREVIEW of a Madstarwonder production, starring MaxXandaux and introducing CONRAD. This is a sneak peek at "Violet Velvet," a remix by Farren Amani. Find MaxXandaux on Facebook.com. Keep checking back for the full release out soon. Enjoiah!

Victoria Beckham "favors" HEIGHTSTONIAN?

How's this for a strange discovery? I know it's 2am, but am I seeing things or did Victoria Beckham ACTUALLY choose my Chloe Dao fashion show video as one of her "Favorites"...? AND if so, can I put her on my list of references for liking my work??!?! I shoot and edit video that Victoria Beckham actually likes! I also love fashion just as much as she does. Speaking of which...

Chloe Dao is having a fashion show here in Houston this Saturday night. HEIGHTSTONIAN will be definitely be there. Do you have your ticket!??! Hope so!

HEIGHTSTONIAN Sees Stars and Survives WMC

Over the weekend, I managed to get my work into the hands of real industry entertainers during my inaugural excursion to the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. The first music video I have altogether directed, shot and edited, is in the hands of Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, DJ/vocalist Calvin Harris and BBC radio show host & DJ Annie Mac for initial review prior to release anywhere. This is a very humbling surprise overall, considering I never expected to get that close to any of these huge talents during my first trip to WMC.

During my trip, I encounter Will.I.Am for the second time in one month. This time, it's at the One Night Only party in Miami, FL, Friday, March 26th. I reminded him of our initial introduction earlier this month outside Rich's, which he recalled. I then politely asked him if he take a look at my first music video and let me know what he thought. He nodded yes. I handed him my DVD and like clockwork, security came over to skedaddle me away and say "he's not doing interviews." I reply "o.k. thank you." Will.I.Am then stepped toward me, gave me a quick hug and said “great to see you again,” then whisked off whilst placing my DVD in his fantastic silver leather mesh shoulder bad. The next night, Saturday, I only managed to pass Annie Mac my DVD as she completed her set at Louis, in Miami Beach. She conveyed a sincere "thank you." I am absolutely beyond grateful if she views it! Next up, Calvin Harris. I met Calvin Harris after a dynamite set. I approached him; we chatted briefly. He then too, graciously agreed to take a look at my work so I gave him a copy of the music video. I have asked each artist for feedback. Stay tuned to see if any of them actually respond.

"What actual work did she give them" you ask. I can't announce that yet, BUT, it's a music video I completed under deadline in 12 days. I completed it just 2 days before leaving for the Winter Music Conference with the intention of promoting it in Miami, FL.. A public screening is expected to be scheduled in the coming months.

HEIGHTSTONIAN meets Will.I.Am

That's RIGHT! I met Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, just outside of Rich's, as I was leaving at 3a.m. this morning. Earlier yesterday evening, the B.E.P. played the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was just leaving after finishing an amazing super high energy set of his own music, some Calvin Harris, and other greats for 2.5 hours and had just jumped offstage to leave. A small crowd started forming there on San Jacinto as I too, exited the building. I was waiting for Anita to exit behind me as Will.I.Am turned in my direction just two feet away. Assuming eye-contact, though he was still wearing his sunglasses, I said "I'm Rachel," & extended my hand. Very politely composed, he didn't respond verbally, but extended his hand and shook mine with an almost shy look bearing a question he didn't ask. I think he thought I wanted an autograph. I would have taken one! Wil.I.Am was courteous, surprisingly approachable. I broke our silence as we looked at eachother while still shaking hands and just had the chance to say "thanks for playing in Houston... great show," before security surrounded him. I snapped a quick pic of him leaning against the building as he started texting. It was ultra cool to meet him!

I collected some video of Will.I.Am's super fun, high-energy show and edited these snippets overnight. Details he did share in during his set: He may move to Houston & he liked the radio show he heard from Rich's. If you're also as curious as I was about what he would play, how he mixes, or whom he'd bring, here you go, complete with surges of crowd surfing!! Bottom line: Wil.I.Am is a must see show if you ever get the chance. Enjoiah!