THE EN'S ISSUE!

Water Boys: Fashion Makes a Splash Slam Dunk: Jocks Rock the Biz World! Playing With Ire: John Alexander Does the MFA
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FILM STAR SEAN FARIS BELTING OUT 'BILLY BUDD' MODERN MAN: STYLE HITS HOME & ALL THE BEST PARTIES

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THE

NOW!
SHOE STOPPER
The devil wears Allison

[THE EAT SHEET]

Bagley? Piperlime.com-the online shoe shop from Gap Inc.-recently picked the Houston native from hundreds of footwear fanatics in an essay contest for the title of "Ultimate Shoe Lover." The prize package included the chance to design a heel of her own with shoe guru Bettye Muller. Bagley flew to New York to meet with Muller at hcr Manhattan showroom. And after a Cinderella moment-'They'd pulled all the shoes in my size to try on and pick a pair," says Bagley-the two teamed up to design something for Muller's spring '08 line. The limited-edition rcdsatin platform, called "Breeze" ($395), just premiered exclusively to Piperlime shoppers. Bagley even scored a sneak-peak pair but has yet to actually wear them out on the town. "My friend wore them last night," she says, "and got a bunch of compliments." -Elyse Weidner

THE 'DUMPLING' GANG, SEXY AND *17!

Another exciting Galleria newbie: Gigi's Asian Bistro and Dumpling Bar
(5085 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.8889).

Veteran restaurateur Cigi Huang debuts a hip, warm space that includes a pretty Cherry Blossom Room with pink blossoms dangling from the ceiling. Rcnowned New York chef and Thailand native .Junnajet Hurapan is whipping up the modern Asian cuisine. Bistro Don Camillo has flung open its FrenchItalian doors (6510 Del Monte Dr.,
713.782.3011) and it's just as charming

as Bistro Provence, also owned by.Jean-

[OVERNIGHT RIGHT]

Philippe Cuy. The menu is a crowd pleaser, complete with pizza, salads, roasted chicken, fish dishes and chocolate gateau for dessert ... More new eats can be found at the The Reserve Room inside The Tasting Room
(1101

SHAPE SHIFTER
That weekender bag's never had it so good. Forget overpacking with Lilla P's origami wrap shirt ($86) that, when folded, can transform into 12 different styles. The pima cotton top comes in seven colors, including aquamarine and pistachio, and can be shaped into a bolero, tunic and shawl, among others. Look for it on Katy babe Renee Zellweger, who reccntly scored a couple at a Brooklyn shop. Available at

Uptown

Park Blvd.,

713.993.9800). Chef Connie Altieri is

dishing out upscale bites like shrimp cakes, roasted duck and grilled salmon.
. * 17 Restaurant (In the Alden Hotel, 1117 Prairie St., 832.200.8800) gets a

Muse, Club,

2411 3941

W Alabama St., San Felipe St,

713.520.6873

and Cotton

71.3.522.9101.

-Cara Jordan

breath of fresh air with the arrival of two new youthful chefs: Exec Chef Wesley Morton and Exec Pastry Chef .Jami Kling. Morton has experience at restaurants in California and D.C.; Kling was previously at Bistro Moderne. . Bells
&

Whistles Cafe (1501

Texas Ave., 713.224.1501) has opened Downtown. Lunch on horne-style faves like cheeseburgers, pan-fried pork chops and house-made desserts.. Bombay Brasserie has opened a second location (3005 W. Loop S.,
713.622.2005). Expect the same Indian fare plus a bar, a semi-private room

for 50, and a wine cellar that scats 12. -Robin Barr Sussman

Send restaurant news to Robin Barr Sussman, edithouston3@modernluxury.com

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