NEWS

Summer 2021

STYLE, CULTURE, BUSINESS & MORE

Collection Inspection

THE MFAH’S NEWLY completed Fayez S. Sarofim Campus is state-of-the-art, to be sure. And this summer, an exhibit will capture the essense of its namesake’s affinity, as Three Centuries of American Art showcases more than 200 masterpieces from Sarofim’s personal collection — including this one, “The Green Fuse,” by Lee Krasner. For more on the MFAH’s stellar summer lineup, turn to page 72.

THE DISPATCH

STYLE

Gucci has strutted out its new Basket Sneaker collection of genderless high tops inspired by basketball and designed by creative director Alessandro Michele. Through July 12, the brand’s boutique inside the Galleria will host an “immersive” popup-style experience called Gucci Pins, a play on the pins on interactive digital maps. gucci.com

POP CULTURE

At this year’s Comicpalooza, taking place July 17-18 at the George R. Brown, a galaxy far, far, away is going to get just a smidge closer to Space City: Four cast members from Disney+’s hit show The Mandalorian — Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, Katee Sackhoff and Ming-Na Wen — will be joining in on festivities, including meet-and-greets, this year at the popular annual cultural festival. comicpalooza.com

FAMILY FUN

After a 10-monthlong Covidinduced closure, the Children’s Museum has reopened, with new exhibits like the interactive Invention Convention, as well as new “tropi-cool” programming all summer long.

Duos

BALTIMORE BROTHERS

ALEX AND ERIC SMITH opened Ouzo Bay and lively Loch Bar two years ago in Houston’s River Oaks District, a risky move for the brothers from Baltimore — but one that’s paying off in spades. And now they’re ready to expand.

Later this year, the duo, whose Atlas Restaurant Group has 22 concepts in the works along the East Coast and in Texas, open an as yet unnamed upscale Italian concept in Montrose Collective, a new mixed-use development next door to Uchi. It’ll focus on homemade pastas, prime steaks and chops. Per usual, entertainment and ambience will be a major focus, and a Steinway piano will center the front lounge. Think squid-ink pasta with live jazz on a Friday night.

“We are likeminded, and we have a shared vision,” says Eric, the younger brother by six years. “We want to take over

the world.” –ray dennison, photo by daniel ortiz

Design Fully Furnished

Crate and Barrel’s hip younger sib CB2 has opened a 10,000-square-foot store on University in the heart of Rice Village, where West Elm also unveiled its newest location, in the former Urban Outfitters space.

THE DISPATCH

TECH

East End Maker Hub, the new 300,000-squarefoot and 21-acre manufacturing center and home of popular incubator space TXRX Labs and other local manufacturers, fabricators and crafters, has opened. TXRX is celebrating with a grand-opening art show featuring tech-savvy works by its three artists-inresidence through July 17. txrxlabs.org

MUSIC

Jason Mraz stops at White Oak Music Hall on his For the Good summer tour, July 31 at 7pm. And Trae Tha Truth headlines a July 23 show at White Oak, with the promise of guest appearances by friends. white oakmusichall.com

STYLE

Kendra Scott is for the first time creating pieces for men. Her new Scott Bros. Collection of men’s and gender-neutral designs is inspired by her sons, and features stones, leather and vinyl beads. Proceeds from sales of the Cade Suite of the collection will benefit the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital Art Therapy program. kendrascott.com

Style

Hats Off!

In a masculine, no-frills space across from The Continental Club, East Texas-reared milliner Ben Kennimer and his seamstress wife Bonnie sell hats — velvety, colorful, almost campy ones — and elaborately embroidered and fringed duds. Founded in 2017, their wild Western-wear brand Kennimer Co. already has an expansive client list that includes hit recording artists like Nikki Lane, The Mastersons and Summer Dean. It takes up to 13 weeks for Ben to make one of his custom creations, but Manready Mercantile has an impressive selection of the Kennimers’ ready-to-wear items. –daniel renfrow, photo by jamie lacombe

Trend Here’s the scoop!

IF HOUSTON HAD an official summer food, it would have to be ice cream. And this season brings a bevy of cool new options for those with a sweet tooth! Popular artisan creamery Jeni’s opened its first two Houston shops in the Heights and CityCentre earlier this year. New York’s famous Van Leeuwen bowed in Rice Village with rotating exclusive flavors. In Katy, Sweet & Boozy opened with Instagrammable frozen treats for kids and adults alike, and Phat Eatery is newly scooping its housemade ice cream in flavors like ube and pandan coconut with curry sprinkle. Also coming to Katy this summer: rapper Trae Tha Truth’s Howdy Homemade Ice Cream which will employ adults with special needs.

Trae Tha Truth