Houston’s Style Set Gathered At The Post Oak Hotel For The Sold-Out Event, Where Acclaimed Designer Bach Mai Unveiled A Breathtaking 75-Look Runway Collection And Was Honored With The Global Icon Award During An Afternoon Celebrating Fashion, Culture, And Philanthropy

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography By Daniel Ortiz

THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for an afternoon that has quickly become a must-attend event of the city’s vibrant social scene. The sold-out crowd, featuring nearly 300 community leaders, fashionistas, sociables, and philanthropists, turned out for the second annual Runway to Asia. Benefiting the Asia Society Texas Center, the afternoon featured great food, amazing company, and a stunning fashion show.

THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd brought an array of vibrant looks that matched the energy of the patrons. In the crowd, one could spot looks in every color of the rainbow, with an eclectic yet cohesive mix of solid colors, bold prints, and floral ensembles. The result was a festive, welcoming crowd eager to experience an afternoon of fun and fashion.

The afternoon began with a champagne reception in The Post Oak Ballroom Foyer. During the reception, guests had the opportunity to mingle and were offered a sneak peek at looks from Bach Mai’s latest collection, on view in the lobby for admiring.

Others took the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for an array of luxury goods and experiences, including a black Napa lamb leather vest by Bach Mai, a culinary package featuring dinners and tastings at several of Houston’s hottest restaurants, and a self-care package with sleep essentials from Hästens and a Biologique Recherche facial experience.

Revelers then headed into The Post Oak Ballroom for the luncheon and main program. Houston media personality Rekha Muddaraj served as emcee, keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace throughout the afternoon.

While guests dined on their delectable multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for being a part of such a special afternoon. The program was capped off with Bach Mai receiving the Global Icon award in recognition of his artistry and influence on fashion worldwide.

Upon the conclusion of the luncheon, the main event began: a dazzling runway presentation by acclaimed designer Bach Mai. Presented by TOOTSIES, the stunning collection featured 75 exquisite looks that spanned the artistic journey of Bach Mai’s incredible career from the beginning to a sneak peek of his latest collection. The looks were broken into three garden-themed collections: A Garden in Winter, A Garden at Night, and A Garden in Bloom, each featuring one distinct, dazzling look after another and capping off an incredible afternoon that beautifully showcased how Houston embraces fashion-forward creativity. 

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Runway to Asia, chaired by Divya Brown and Janae Tsai, raised funds for Asia Society Texas Center. Proceeds from the event will support education, programs, and strategic initiatives that advance the organization’s mission to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Asian experiences, inspire empathy, and foster a better understanding of our interconnected world.

Here Are The 7 Standout Highlights From Asia Society’s Runway To Asia Luncheon…

The Post Oak Hotel Hosted One Of Houston’s Most Fashionable Afternoons
Nearly 300 stylish guests gathered for the sold-out luncheon benefiting Asia Society Texas Center.

Guests Enjoyed A Glamorous Champagne Reception
Attendees mingled in the ballroom foyer while previewing standout looks from Bach Mai’s latest collection.

Luxury Raffle Packages Added Excitement To The Afternoon
Coveted prizes included a Bach Mai black Napa lamb leather vest, exclusive Houston dining experiences, and a luxury Hästens and Biologique Recherche wellness package.

Rekha Muddaraj Kept The Celebration Flowing With Style
The Houston media personality served as emcee, guiding the afternoon’s festivities with charm and energy.

Bach Mai Received The Prestigious Global Icon Award
The acclaimed designer was honored for his artistry and influence on the global fashion landscape.

The Runway Presentation Featured 75 Breathtaking Looks
Presented by TOOTSIES, the show highlighted the evolution of Bach Mai’s career through dramatic couture and artistic storytelling.

Three Garden-Themed Collections Delivered A Couture Fantasy
“A Garden in Winter,” “A Garden at Night,” and “A Garden in Bloom” captivated guests with bold elegance, theatrical beauty, and fashion-forward creativity.