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UrbanoMixMagazine.com

July/August 2017 | Vol. 12

The Marlowe:

A New Standard in Downtown Luxury Living

UrbanoDrinks

Cross Fit:

Are You Tough Enough?

The Top Cocktails in Houston Cool Custom(er): Fashion Designer David Peck

arts + business + fashion + philantrophy

events + entertainment + urban life June/July 2017 | 1

2 | June/July 2017

June/July 2017 | 3

Ernesto Agraz

Editor ernesto@urbanomixmagazine.com

Ana Cecilia Quiroga

Editorial Coordinator ac@urbanomixmagazine.com

Alejanda Medina

Director of Operations ale@urbanomixmagazine.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Eli Cortez Rendon

Digital Director eli.cortez@urbanomixmagazine.com

Felipe Valenzuela

Marketing Director valenzuela@urbanomixmagazine.com

Urbano Mix Magazine, like so many ideas, started from ‘scribbling

on a napkin.’ It aims to deliver interesting content to our public, providing a way to connect and interact with Houston’s multicultural environment. This project evolved from my passion for photography and video. I started photographing my friends and volunteered to participate in charity and fundraising events, donating my time and passions to causes I think are important. I believe people who want to make our community, country and world a better place for us and the next generations are inspiring.

Being that Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA with a great diversity of cultures, our goal is to inform about social events, fashion, arts, culture and entertainment in our city; as well as traditions and social aspects of its lovely people.

In UMM, you will find information of general interest with our own personal touch, based on a new philosophy; conveying to our readers an innovating way of sharing and understanding Houston’s multiculturalism to its fullest extent.

I would like to thank our sponsors, collaborators, team and of course our public. Urbano Mix has become an exciting journey of which you are all part of, and we keep on sharing and growing together. #WeAreUrbanoMix

Domingo Banda

Editor/Writer banda@urbanomixmagazine.com

Victor Escalante

Photographer escalante@urbanomixmagazine.com

Larry Mukhar

Public Relations mukhar@urbanomixmagazine.com

Fernando Mena

Writer mena@urbanomixmagazine.com

Julio G. Esparza

National Market julio@urbanomixmagazine.com

Karla Smith

Local Market smith@urbanomixmagazine.com

Mario Arreola

CPA mario@urbanomixmagazine.com

Thank You! Ernesto Agraz

Editor ernesto@urbanomixmagazine.com

Ph: (832) 687-2980 Fax: (832) 358-1502 urbanomixmagazine.com facebook.com/urbanomixmagazine 6430 Richmond Ave., Ste. 360 Houston, Texas 77057

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Table of Contents

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June/July 2017 | 5

WHAT’S

HAPPENING IN HOUSTON We’ve put together a list of the top upcoming events in Houston. Whether you’re looking for concerts, sporting events, live theatre, opera, community events – we have you covered. Visit urbanomixmagazine.com for a complete list of events.

July 2017 July 1 Diana Ross in Concert

Smart Financial Centre 18111 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 207-6278

July 1 Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 2 Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 3 Carlos Santana in Concert Smart Financial Centre 18111 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 207-6278

July 4 Freedom Over Texas Eleanor Tinsey Park 500 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77002 downtownhouston.org

July 5 Houston Dynamo vs. Montreal Impact BBVA Compass Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003

(713) 276-7500 • houstondynamo.com

July 6

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Roger Waters in Concert Toyota Center 1510 Polk St Houston, TX 77002 (866) 446-8849

July 8 Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns BBVA Compass Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003

(713) 276-7500 • houstondynamo.com

July 11 Concacaf Gold Cup

BBVA Compass Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003

(713) 276-7500 • houstondynamo.com

July 12 Journey in Concert with Asia Smart Financial Centre 18111 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 207-6278

July 13 Rock the Dock

Kemah Boardwalk 215 Kipp Ave Kemah, TX 77565

July 14 Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 15 Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 16 Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 17 Latin Beats

Downtown Aquarium 410 Bagby St. Houston,TX 77002

(713) 223-3474 • aquariumrestaurants.com

July 17 Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 18 Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 19 - 23 Houston World Series of Dog Shows NRG Park One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054

nrgpark.com/event-calendar

July 19 Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford Houston, TX 77002

(713) 259-8000 • houston.astros.mlb.com

July 19 Manchester United vs. Manchester City NRG Park One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 (713) 629-3700

July 21 Summer Music Festival Four Seasons Hotel 1300 Lamar St. Houston, TX 77010 (713) 650-1300

July 24 Aquarium Pyramid Moody Gardens 1 Hope Blvd Galveston, TX 77005 (800) 582-4673

July 25 Big Ass Blues Jam

August 6 Wet’n’Wild SplashTown Presents Latin Fest Wet’n’Wild SplashTown 21300 Interstate 45 Spring, TX 77383

August 7 Da Vinci: The Exhibition Moody Gardens 1 Hope Blvd Galveston, TX 77550

August 8 Movies at Miller: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030

August 10 Cristian Castro in Concert

3122 Dunvale Houston, TX 77063 (713) 977-3515

Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002

July 26 Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum

August 11 Movie Release: Anabelle 2: Creation

5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030 (713) 639-4783

July 28 Nickelback in Concert

2005 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 363-3300

July 29 Cody Johnson

Sam Houston Race Park 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 807-8700 • shrp.com

July 30 Vans Warped Tour NRG Park One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054

nrgpark.com/event-calendar

August 2017 August 2 Houston Shakespeare Festival: Richard III Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030

August 3 The Last Wife

Main Street Theater 2540 Times Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

August 4 Movie Release: Dark Tower Houston, TX

August 5 Queen and Adam Lambert in Concert Toyota Center 1510 Polk Street Houston, TX 77002

Houston, TX

August 12 Rod Stewart and Cindy Lauper in Concert Smart Financial Centre 18111 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, TX 77479

August 13 Ron Mueck Closing Day Museum of Fine Arts 1001 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77005

August 14 Party on the Plaza

1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, TX 77010

August 15 BBVA Compass Broadway : The Bodyguard Hobby Center 800 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002

August 16 Movies at Miller: La La Land Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030

Houston, TX 77030

August 22 Linkin Park in Concert Toyota Center 1510 Polk Street Houston, TX 77002

August 23 Andres Serrano, “Torture”

Station Museum of Contemporary Art 1502 Alabama St. Houston, TX 77004

August 24 Lyle Lovett And His Large Band in Concert Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002

August 26 Texas Wine & Spirits Festival Bayou City event Center 9401 Knight Rd. Houston, TX 77045

August 27 Lady Antebellum in Concert

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. Houston, TX 77380

August 28 Cutthroat Comedy Open Mic PJ’s 614 W. Gray Houston, TX 77019

August 29 Big Ass Blues Jam

The Hideaway On Dunvale 3122 Dunvale Houston, TX 77063

August 30 Gallery Talk with Robert Buzzanco Blaffer Art Museum 120 Fine Arts Building Houston, TX 77004

August 31 Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys NRG Stadium One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054

August 18 Deep Purple and Alice Cooper in Concert Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr Houston, TX 77380

August 19 Foreigner in Concert with Cheap Trick Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr Houston, TX 77380

August 20 SEETHER, Poison The Parish World Tour House of Blues 1204 Caroline Street Houston, TX 77002

August 21 Faces From the Southern Ocean Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dr.

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10 THE

TOP

THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON

Houston; Texas’ biggest city is now the fourth largest in America. Houston is renowned for its ethnic and cultural diversity and offers an amazing number of activities and places to visit. With the current increase in both visitors and tourists, you may be wondering what you can do and see in Houston - It is very easy to get confused. Here are some of the things that made it to the URBANO list.

The Houston Grand Opera

A place that precedes its reputation, if you’re a lover of the classical and seeks a night of luxury then here’s the place to chill. Witness a world-class operatic art that provides access to music’s boundless power and beauty right in the heart of Houston.

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Skydiving

I think every fun person should have this on their bucket list, well, if you do and have not crossed it then here’s your chance. Skydive Spaceland is just the place for this awesome experience with really fun and friendly instructors that’ll help you through. In one sentence a warm atmosphere, filled with exciting memories - you don’t want to miss this.

Deep Sea Fishing

A truly incredible experience, filled with exhilaration and peace. Deepwater fishing in Galveston brings game fishing to whole new level. If you enjoy fishing at all, you will love the excitement that comes from going deep into the Gulf of Mexico to catch yellowfin tuna, shark, blue marlin, and swordfish

0

The Natural History Museum

With a vast collection of breathtaking beauty captured in nature and other historical artifacts and exhibit each reflecting the city’s cultural mix and civic aspirations. And the fun part is everyone can visit.

The Downtown Aquarium

Dedicated to the aquatic ecosystem, take a tour of this amazing spot for sea life with your whole family. This one-of-akind 500,000 gallon indoor aquarium is home to over 200 species from around the planet. With a full service restaurant, geographic exhibits, and lets not forget a Ferris wheel, this place has it all.

Space Center

Want to give your kids something to both remember and talk about for a very long time? Then the space center is the coolest place for a visit - As this will take them to a whole new dimension, from how it feels to fly a plane to the complete space experience (NASA-wise).

Kayaking

Experience the finest kayaking at the Bayou City Adventures which is truly the source for all sorts of outdoor fun in Houston. There are no dull moments as the place showcases an entirely beautiful scenery , wildlife, skyline views, and a real nature play area.

The Houston Polo Club

The largest Polo Club in the nation is right here in our back yard. The sport of kings, has a glamorous past and an exciting future. The Houston Polo Club was founded to promote the sport, as well as serve the community as a cultural attraction.

Market Square Park

Need a place to simply just walk around and chill, then head to the Market Square Park. Especially if you’re just visiting, this is a cool place to sit on a bench, relax, and absorb in the life around you. Definitely an Urbano Mix favorite.

The Houston Ballet

The Houston Ballet Theater has been transformed into an enchanted experience with elegant and mysterious surprises featuring lots of creative dancers to give you a spectacular, beautiful and imaginative performance.

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M A S T E R J E W E L E R S T O T H E R O Y A L F A M I L Y A N D N O W… Y O U R F A M I L Y. HIGHL AND VILL AGE, 4078 WESTHEIMER RD., HOUSTON, T X 77027 713.961.4500

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CELEBRATING THE BEGINNING OF OUR 112th YEAR IN BUSINESS AND OUR 12th YEAR IN HOUSTON NEW ORLEANS | HOUSTON | LUGANO |TORINO | ANOTHER LO CATION ON THE WAY

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ART

“ m a c a m

The History in Images of Soc What is Art? – Art is the artist’s personal way to express his feelings by creating a unique piece of work, and trying to make a statement.

Beginning of Art in America Before colonization, there were many years of flourishing traditions of Native American Art. After the Spanish colonization the early colonial art on the East Coast relied mostly on artists from Europe, a fine example; the works of artist John White (1540-1590), the earliest example of this influence.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, artists primarily painted portraits, some landscapes and handmade craftsmen fancy pottery objects influenced by English style, very much “a la mode” The first sign of an emerging force in Western Art, had been marked by the works of two American artists Benjamin West and John Singleton Copley, who during the late 18th century were considered in London, the most successful painters, and their works was regarded as the highest form of art.

American artists who remained at home became increasingly skilled, although there was little awareness of them in Europe. In the early 19th century the infrastructure to train artists, began to be established, and create original paintings to match the large scale of American landscapes (known as Hudson River School - 1820). Inspired by “The America Revolution”, artists start to produce an impressive patriotic art, especially history painting, while other artists recorded the frontier country.

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After 1850 the European style flourished, and as richer Americans became very wealthy, the flow of European art, new and old, to the US began, and has continued ever since. Larger museum began to be opened in New York - presenting much of this “art crossing”, which after War II, the city became one of the most important art center replacing the one in Paris.

Since then many American movements have shaped Modern and Post Modern Art in the United States, covering today a huge range of styles, such as:

Abstract Art Abstract Art observed in America as early in 1923 – where the forms disappear most of time and what counts are the artist’s experimental aspectual manner of a vibrate explosion of colors which are intertwined with each other engaging in a dialog and inspiring the public to add to it, the forms or an image according to the viewer taste style and like.

Art Deco Art Deco of the years 1930 – 1945 and almost immediately, after WW II followed by POP ART, New York remaining for many years the shore of “art crossing” land and the important nation “ Centre of Arts” to influence the artists and their new expression in arts.

C

F b a b h s

H e d e i o

M s a c w

T

“Each year we experience an interesting movement and a phenomenon of young artists, architects and designers inspired by the old craftsmanship, but finding the way to express and produce their own style in the modern market.”

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, 1851. Creative Commons.

ociety’s Evolution Contemporary Art & the Internet For few years now, the Internet became a new platform of dialog between high and popular culture, experimental practices and wide audience, and while on-line platforms with no artistic agenda may be better understood to terms developed by art criticism, and art projects have became extremely popular in non-art contexts, giving to many surprising questions about the future of ART.

An Illustration of the New World by John White, 1585. Creative Commons.

HOUSTON is a city that surprises many people. Each year we experience an interesting movement and a phenomenon of young designers inspired by the old craftsmanship, but finding the way to express and produce their own style in the modern market. Many important companies have moved their major projects here – this sort of activity shows a dynamic shift towards inevitable progress.

My mission is to conduct a modern yet classic chronological update of special moments in our society life style, which is captured by artists and presented through art. Texas is a place of great energy, where all creative disciplines are growing super fast, always giving us - “in the art world” something to talk about.

“Art is the world history in images and artists are the historians to share it with us.”

– Elina T. Htun.

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, 1851. Creative Commons.

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of

SUGAR LAND Phone: 281-530-3673 | Web: www.helfmanmaseratiofsugarland.com

Solve for X x= (Performance + Design + Exclusivity)

2

HINT = The all new 2017 Maserati Ghibli 14 | June/July 2017

June/July 2017 | 15

MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

BY CONNECTING YOUR PASSIONS WITH PURPOSE

The greater Houston area has tons of both charities and nonprofits who are making a difference every day in our community. Chances are, you or someone you know has been directly impacted by one of these organizations. Getting involved is a great way to give back to your community, meet new friends, and have fun.

Charities vs Nonprofit Organizations

a whole.

Before we get too far, let’s explain the difference between a charity and a nonprofit organization.

Charities, on the other hand, are nonprofit organizations that benefit a wide range of causes. Generally, they are much wider in scope than other nonprofit organizations and often, charities financially support other organizations or causes.

The term “nonprofit organization” or “nonprofit” generally describes any organization that exists to support a specific group, organization, cause, or issue rather than to make a profit. There are many different types of nonprofit organizations. These include civic organizations, homeowner’s associations, churches, social or community clubs, and organizations which exist to support a specific purpose. Most of the time, nonprofit organizations benefit a specific group, cause, or purpose rather than society as

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Why Get Involved?

Participating in charities and nonprofit organizations can be both fun and personally fulfilling. Getting involved in charities and nonprofits can also be a great way to meet new people in your community.

Houston has a ton of charities and nonprofits organizations which are in constant need of volunteers. Some of the most recognized names include the YMCA of Greater Houston, and the United Way of Houston, Houston Children’s Charity, the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, and the Houston Food Bank. However, there are also tons of smaller organizations that may align with your interests or passions. If you like dogs, how about donating your time, or just helping to spread the word about Guide Dogs for the Blind? If you prefer gardening, you might check out on of Houston’s many gardening clubs. Or maybe you’re interested in delivering meals one day a month for Meals on Wheels?

Many people say that giving back to the community makes them feel positive, productive, and a part of something bigger than themselves. Additionally, getting involved with charities and nonprofits can be very rewarding.

How to Get Involved The primary ways to get involved in charities and nonprofit organizations are through volunteerism, membership, and financial support.

Volunteering is easy and most organizations welcome volunteers with open arms. Perhaps the best part is that you can volunteer in your spare time, committing as much or as little time as you want.

Some organizations exist for the benefit of their membership and immediate community. These typically include churches, homeowner’s associations, and civic or community clubs. Often, these organizations encourage you to become a member or pay membership dues in order to receive the benefits provided by the organization.

Most every charity and nonprofit organization is also actively seeking financial support. Many charities and nonprofit organizations now have easy and secure ways to provide financial support right from their websites, and donations to qualified nonprofits are typically tax-deductible. You can also contribute through supporting and attending fund-raisers, or taking part in

dinners, galas, and community events. These activities are a great way to meet people in your community and have fun at the same time.

Where to Start One of the best places to start is within your own network.

Chances are than you have friends or family members who are already actively involved with charities and nonprofits across Houston.

There are also several online resources to find volunteer opportunities and research charities and nonprofit organizations: charitynavigator.org – Charity Navigator is one of the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluators of charities. The organization has examined tens of thousands of non-profit financial documents and has used this knowledge to develop an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess over 8,000 of America’s best-known and some lesser known, but worthy, charities. The rating system examines two broad areas of a charity’s performance; their Financial Health and their Accountability & Transparency.

Our ratings show givers how efficiently we believe a charity will use their support today, how well it has sustained its programs and services over time and their level of commitment to good governance, best practices and openness with information. houstonservice.org – Provides a searchable online directory of nonprofit organizations and opportunities to get involved across the Greater Houston area. idealist.org - Idealist is all about connecting “idealists” – people who want to do good – with opportunities for action and collaboration. Their website, idealist.org, includes more than 120,000 organizations from all over the world. volunteerhou.org – Also provides a searchable directory of nonprofit organizations in and around the Greater Houston area.

In addition, you can find information about community service days, special events, and volunteer expos where you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from various nonprofits in and around Houston.

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URBANO MIX SOCIAL SCENE Haras Spring Festival Filled with excitement and a blue chip list of guests, the Haras Spring Festival is but a preview of HARAS CUP, The Premier Working Equitation Championship in the United States, featuring participants from across North America and Europe. This three day event will showcase their talents in various disciplines including dressage, obstacles, and speed.

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URBANO MIX SOCIAL SCENE A Night of Class and Speed at de Boulle The lush de Buolle jewelry store hosted distinguished guests to toast the Champions on a very special night indeed. Congratulations to Nick Boulle, James French, Kyle Masson and Patricio O’ Ward for their victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

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URBANO L

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. OWN DOWNTOWN. 20 | June/July 2017

O LIVING

The Marlowe – A New Standard in Downtown Luxury Living

T

he demand for luxury rentals has been consistently growing in the Houston area, and developers are looking to build more luxury units catering to wealthy individuals and celebrities, and no one knows more about this niche market than Carnan Properties CEO, Carmina Zamorano.

The downtown market has the highest average rental rates in the entire city, and close to 20 percent of these new builds will cater to the luxury apartment market, and allowances like months free of rent, gift cards and incentives such as EV5 visas have been given to help promote this urban palace.

Out of the many luxury real estate options found within Houston today, more and more Houstonians are choosing The Marlowe.

This could be because of its great location or the exclusive luxury living it personifies.

“I am honored to partner up with such a prestigious company like Randall Davis to promote the Marlowe” Randall Davis and Roberto Contreras with Houston-based DC Partners are known to for their experience in all stages of the development process and in-depth knowledge of the Houston market allows them to apply unique features and added values that are truly custom to each property.

Carmina Zamorano, CEO Carnan Properties, is taking things to a whole new level with her unique approach and her real estate marketing know-how. Having built quite a reputation over the years for providing residents with the finest, unparalleled living experience throughout Houston, it only fits that she’s the one representing The Marlowe.

The twenty-story, podium-style building which features 93 residences, and 7 penthouses offering: • 24-hour Concierge • Valet Parking • Private Garages • Storage Units • Steam Room • Massage Room • Pied-A-Terre for Guests • Starlight Pool and Hot Tub • Fitness Center • Sauna and Fire Pit The slogan, “Love Where You Live,” defines what awaits residents of The Marlowe.

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URBANO MIX SOCIAL SCENE 2017 UMF Expo Food and philanthropy united for Urbano Mix’s 2nd Annual UMF Expo at Ansen Aviation. A must-attend event for fanatics of fine brands and luxury living, featuring Bentley, Rolls Royce, Hublot, Engel Volkers, and Republic Harley Davidson, among others.

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URBANO MIX SOCIAL SCENE Runway Houston Kickoff Party Presented by Momentum Porsche, and supporting Houston Crime Stoppers and Yellowstone Academy, guests were able to preview collections from Houston designers Thao Le and Meru Merus as well as art by Kelley Devine and Shawn Artis at the 2017 Runway Houston Kickoff Party.

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C COOL CUSTOM(ER)

By David Peck

P

eople assume that I love what I do. The simple answer is that I do, but not for the reasons that they might suspect. Fashion is perceived to be glamorous, full of fun parties, fashion shows, and celebrities. All that can be true, but what drives me as a designer are the relationships that I have been able to develop with my clients. For many people, the thought of having custom made clothing is out of reach, something that they wouldn’t even consider unless they have a special occasion like a wedding.

That’s what makes my job fun and something that I love. I get excited every time I’m able to help a client understand that no matter their size or insecurities, clothing can and should be a tool that helps them feel beautiful. Fashion with a capital “F” is often off-putting. What is often shown on runways is not relatable. For someone who doesn’t love fashion, it’s a big leap from the runway to reality.

What we do at Miles David is special. The process is relatively simple. When a client walks in the door, the first thing I usually ask them is how they want to feel. It’s so important to understand, especially for a big moment like a wedding, how they want to be perceived and how they want to feel in the moment. We dress many mothers, and for them,

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finding a dress can be challenging. How do you look like yourself, not upstage the bride, and be a gracious host, all while feeling comfortable? It’s a challenge.

Beyond how they feel, there are practical considerations to think of too. Do they want to dance? Are sleeves important? Is comfort king or is how the dress looks? All these ideas are then funneled through my brain while pulling examples of dresses I think they will like and pulling bolts of fabric from the back to give an idea of color and texture. My job is to offer options while not making my client feel overwhelmed.

Once we’ve decided on a general direction, it’s important that each custom dress feel special.

Sometimes, we hit on what that is right away, but in other instances, it’s by going through the fitting process and getting to know the client that I’m able to infuse their personality into the dress. Depending on the type of dress, it can take several fittings for dress to be made. During the fitting process is when I really get to know a client and can make sure that every decision we make is one that makes her feel more like herself in the dress. It’s important to me that the client truly feel comfortable and like the best version of themselves.

C

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I often see a look of awe on a client’s face when we start pinning for the first time. Most women are not a standard size and may be one size on top and another on the bottom. When we make a custom dress, we aren’t making a size, we are making it for YOU. A dress may start out like a sad sack of fabric, but by knowing where to nip and tuck, we can 30 | June/July 2017

create proportions and a fit that is truly flattering.

Custom is cool. It’s a process, and one that I enjoy.

Clothing may not be the answer to world peace (as far as we know), but by working with a designer you can trust, you can rest assured that you will look your best, and probably have a little fun in the process!

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Photography: Arthur Garcia, Designer: David Peck, Jewelry: Kaira Jewelry, Location: “The Silo”, Creative Director: M.C. 32 | June/July 2017

CROSSFIT

Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.

ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?

What is CrossFit?

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program consisting in performing “functional movements that are constantly varied at high intensity. The CrossFit program is designed to elicit as broad an adaptational response as possible. CrossFit is not a specialized fitness program but a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains.

They are cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.

The CrossFit Program was developed to enhance an individual’s competency at all physical tasks. Athletes are trained to perform successfully at multiple, diverse, and randomized physical challenges. This fitness is demanded of military and police personnel, firefighters, and many sports requiring total or complete physical prowess. CrossFit has proven effective in these arenas.

The CrossFit programming is meant to be scaled and suitable for all ages and physical conditions. The philosophy behind CrossFit training is an all-inclusive lifestyle change. The program is distinctive, if not unique, in its focus on maximizing neuroendocrine response, developing power, cross-training with

multiple training modalities, constant training and practice with functional movements, and the development of successful diet strategies.

Who is CrossFit Good For?

Everyone to be honest. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true.

Parents, college students, adults, teenagers, youth, many professional and elite athletes are all participating in the CrossFit Program.

CrossFit has tested its methods on the sedentary, the youth, overweight, pathological, and elderly and found that these special populations met the same success if they commit to the program.

“CrossFit is based on a team/group workout environment. Very different from the commercial gyms.”

Commercial Gyms vs. The CrossFit Method

CrossFit is based on a team/group workout environment. Very different from the commercial gyms; there are very few open gym times and almost no traditional machines. All participants in that class warm-up together, work on skills together and perform

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the workout of the day. As a team, as a family, as a unit, they start and end the workout together; pushing, encouraging, and helping each other along the way. In gyms and health clubs throughout the world the typical workout consists of isolation movements and extended aerobic sessions. The fitness community from trainers to the magazines has the exercising public believing that lateral raises, curls, leg extensions, sit-ups and the like combined with 20-40 minute stints on the stationary bike or treadmill are going to lead to some kind of great fitness.

“All participants in that class warm-up together, work on skills together and perform the workout of the day.”

Another one of the biggest problems with commercial gyms is the lack of training and knowledge passed on to the client. Teaching correct form and technique from day one and educating all members on how to perform every movement they will encounter in the CrossFit environment can mean the difference between an injury and a forever healthy and limber athlete.

With CrossFit, the athlete works exclusively with compound movements and shorter high intensity cardiovascular sessions.

We’ve replaced the lateral raise with push-press, the curl with pullups, and the leg extension with squats. Why, because compound or functional movements and high intensity or anaerobic cardio is radically more effective at eliciting nearly any desired fitness result.

Startlingly, this is not a matter of opinion but solid irrefutable scientific fact and yet the marginally effective old ways persist and are nearly universal CrossFit endeavors to bring state-of-the-art coaching techniques to the general public and athletes.

Don’t take our word for it, prize-fighters, cyclists, surfers, skiers, tennis players, tri-athletes and others competing at the highest levels are using the CrossFit approach to advance their core strength and conditioning.

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URBANO DRINKS HOUSTON IS HOME TO TONS OF GREAT BARS AND RESTAURANTS SERVING UP SOME OF THE VERY BEST DRINKS AROUND. THE URBANO MIX TEAM SEARCHED THE CITY FOR THE HOTTEST SPOTS AND BEST DRINKS IN TOWN TO COME UP WITH THIS LIST OF THE 9 BEST COCKTAILS IN HOUSTON. HEAD OUT TO ONE OF THESE SPOTS THIS WEEKEND, AND BE SURE TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY – OR AT LEAST CALL AN UBER.

Photography courtesy of Victor Escalante.

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“Barrel-Aged Manhattan”

“Blue Wave”

“Frozen Passion”

Ingredients: Bourbon, Vermouth, and Bitters

Ingredients: Pineapple Juice, Blue Curacao, and Vodka

Ingredients: Effen Vodka, St. Jean Bijou Rose, Passion Fruit, and Strawberry

Bar Bleu 2506 Robinhood St. Houston, TX 77005

Cle 2301 Main St. Houston, TX 77002

“Carlos Danger”

“Flor de Menta”

“Diablito”

Ingredients: Jose Cuervo, 100% Blue Agave Tequila Infused with Pineapple & Jalapeño, Pineapple Agave Lime Juice, and Triple Sec

Ingredients: Tequila, Mint, Peach Bitters, Agave Nectar, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, and Hibiscus

Ingredients: Demetario Tequila, Lime Juice, Blackberry Jalapeno Syrup, and Ginger Beer Topper

1919 2736 Virginia St. Houston, TX 77098

La Grange 2517 Ralph St. Houston, TX 77006

Pistoleros 1517 Westheimer Houston, TX 77006

Rosemont 2750 Grant St. Houston, TX 77006

“Art Deco”

“Spring Berry Punch”

“Thai Mule”

Ingredients: Plantation Rum, Campari, Pineapple juice, and Toasted Coconut

Ingredients: Mulberry Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Acuavit, Grapefruit Juice, and Soda

Ingredients: Hangar One Vodka, Coconut, Fresh Lime, Curry, and Ginger Beer

Boheme 307 Fairview St. Houston, TX 77006

Stone Throw 1417 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77006

House of Blues 1204 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77002 June/July 2017 | 37

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