On Ally and Marion: Custom one-piece swimsuits by Cesar Galindo.

HOUSTON HAS A few favorite playgrounds — the Texas Hill Country, Aspen, Cabo. But none are more beloved than the sultry, always just a bit scandalous Big Easy, whose towering new Four Seasons has been described as a must-hit by H-Town’s travel-savviest. It’s the perfect place to stage CityBook’s annual Sexy Issue fashion shoot highlighting swimwear, lingerie and other racy little numbers right off the runway from Gucci, Versace and much more, oui?

Carved from the historic mid-century skyscraper formerly home to World Trade Center New Orleans, the Four Seasons and Private Residences New Orleans underwent a $450 million renovation and has reopened where Canal Street meets Old Man River. Just steps from the French Quarter and across the way from the Harrah’s casino complex now being expanded and redeveloped by Caesar’s, the hotel is a sparkling, bustling showplace of marble columns and Dom Perignon toasts under a mammoth crystal-dripping lobby chandelier — with a sleek cabana-happy pool deck overlooking the river and touting a delightful herbed frosé. Nobody’s had so much fun on the Mississippi since Huck Finn.

Unique details abound, from the speakers pumping jazzy rock tunes underwater in the pool and the spa’s citrus-scented massage inspired by Sazerac cocktails, to the fabulous Miss River restaurant’s signature chicken that’s buttermilk-marinaded and fried whole. Miss River’s chef Alon Shaya, by the way, is only one of the James Beard-winning chefs under roof; Donald Link presents Chemin à la Mer on floor five, where you can nibble foie gras while watching paddle boats go by.

But, then again, you may never leave your beautiful room, especially if you’re lucky enough to stay in the corner Presidential Suite, which has, among other well considered luxuries, a team shower of Carrera marble and lots of peekaboo glass. Now that’s sexy.

Art Direction by Patrick Magee

Hair and Makeup by Edward Sanchez

Models: Joao Diniz, Luke Keogh, Ally Rosinsky and Marion Sealy

Styling Assistance by Aldyn Gremillion

Shot on Location at Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans

On Luke: Jeans, $189, by Seven for all Mankind at Neiman Marcus. On Marion: Negligée, $40, by Simone Perele at Neiman Marcus.

On Joao: Orange speedo, $19, by Aimpact on Amazon.

On Marion: Swimsuit, $330, by Maygel Coronel, and sunglasses, both at Tootsies.

On Marion and Joao: Custom swimwear by Cesar Galindo.

On Ally: One-piece swimsuit by Versace.

On Ally: Gown by Valentino with diamond necklaces, yellow-gold bangles and a rose gold ring, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.

On Ally: Suit, belt and jewelry, all by Chanel; Bella bralette, $125, by Else at Neiman Marcus.

On Joao: Swim trunks, $22, by Coofandy on Amazon.

On Ally and Marion: Custom one-piece swimsuits by Cesar Galindo.

On Marion: Dress by Gucci with onyx and diamond earrings by Valobra Master Jewelers.

On Luke: Three-piece suit by Gucci with diamond choker and studs by Valobra Master Jewelers.

On Ally: Custom swimwear by Cesar Galindo.

On Marion: Custom lingerie by Cesar Galindo.

On Marion: Dress by Gucci, black onyx earrings from Valobra Master Jewelers

On Joao: Pants by Gucci

Owner, Summerwood Pharmacy and Compounding

Trusted Community Resource and Innovative Pharmacist in Northeast Houston

Tell us about what makes Summerwood Pharmacy & Compounding unique? We focus on empowering patients through education, working with providers to solve complex cases through the art and science of personalized medicine, and guiding patients on the proper combination of nutritional supplements with prescription medications and a variety of disease states. As the only member of the professional compounding centers of America in the area, Summerwood Pharmacy and Compounding offers patients and physicians unique solutions using state of the art equipment. The pharmacy also offers concierge pharmacy services to high-profile Houstonians backed with absolute privacy.

Why did you choose to become a pharmacist? Because of an overwhelming desire to help people live happier and healthier lives. My grandfather’s healthy lifestyle further inspired me to help people in a more meaningful and holistic way. When I changed my focus to a more holistic and integrative approach to patient care, I realized that I could help patients better address their needs and this has been very rewarding!

In what way are you an innovator? I empower patients with education. I am the only pharmacist in Lake Houston who regularly hosts educational events at the pharmacy, community centers, online, and at Lone Star College. This year, I also successfully launched “The Children’s Apothecary.” This is an innovative and interactive Summer Camp designed to spark children’s interest in STEM fields. During the camp, children not only make non-medicinal versions of compounded medications, but they learn about drug safety and the opioid epidemic, as well as the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” My passion is to change the world by offering patients accurate and valuable health and wellness advice from a pharmacist they can trust.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work? The problem-solving process. We have a saying that goes: “There is never a dull moment at Summerwood Pharmacy and Compounding.” On any given day, we may have a patient walk through the door with questions on how to safely do a detox while properly controlling their diabetes, a physician calling for compounding suggestions for a patient who experiences gastrointestinal distress on Metformin, or a veterinarian calling for suggestions on the perfect medication for a parrot who has an infection, and more. It is very humbling that so many patients and providers rely on our expertise, and we value the privilege of serving our community on a daily basis.

What do you hope your patients tell others about about you? That they were empowered to sit at the decision-making table of their healthcare, and felt more educated about their health after visiting me. I also hope they tell others of my commitment to help patients feel supported, safe, and cared for in a very compassionate way.

Jim and Whitney Crane with Allie LaForce and Joe Smith

FORMER ASTROS PITCHER Joe Smith and his sportscaster wife Allie LaForce hosted a gala at Minute Maid Park's Union Station in an effort to raise funds and awareness of Huntington’s Disease, which took the life of Smith’s mother in 2020.

Smith and LaForce established their nonprofit HelpCureHD, which provides support for those suffering from the progressive brain disease. Huntington’s Disease hereditary, and there’s a 50 percent chance of passing the gene along to offspring. However, going through IVF and screening embryos before implantation is one way to eliminate the risk, and HelpCureHD has committed to help couples cover the cost of that process. A number of babies and children who are HD-free thanks to the nonprofit’s grant program attended the gala, and Smith and LaForce are currently expecting their first HD-free child.

Silent and live auctions included items like a trip to the Four Seasons in Napa and Diamond Club seats for an Astros game. Anticipating yet another stellar season, a popular live-auction package was two tickets to every ’Stros playoff game (including the World Series!). Those prizes, plus a raffle for a 22-carat Asscher-cut tanzanite ring donated by Shaftel Diamonds, contributed to a total till of more than $500,000.

Among those raising a glass for the cause were Whitney and Jim Crane, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, sports reporter Julia Morales, and Astros players Ryan Pressly, Kyle Tucker and Tony Kemp.

Amanda Boffine, Julie Chen, Brooke Bentley Gunst

Charisse Mayer, Cynthia Wolf, Shelley Boyar

Jessica Roupe, Rachel Bagwell, Adrienne Crane, Julia Morales

Christian and Megan Pratt with baby Lincoln, and Morgan and Matthew and Gothard with baby Addie Ruth (photo by Rae Tay Photography)

Danny Shaftel, Allie LaForce and Iraida Brown

New Jenni Kayne in River Oaks District

CELEBRATE SUMMER’S END with sales and shopping! Great deals, transitional pieces and new boutiques await.

After years of operating their successful Montrose salon and spa Estilo, brother-sister duo Mario and Vanessa Tort has opened a home boutique by the same name. Estilo Home has a stylish mix of furniture, art and accessories, with a “distinct emphasis on natural elements and distinctive textures” — plus beauty products and clothing — all abiding by Estilo’s catchphrase, “guaranteed gorgeous.”

In celebration of International Dog Day, Outdoor Voices (645 Heights Blvd.) and Wild One, a one-stop shop for pets and their people, are hosting a pup-friendly sweat around the neighborhood. Run, jog, or walk with the local Outdoor Voices team Fri., Aug. 26, from 6pm — then enjoy refreshments by Topo Chico and Watertight Cocktail Co., complimentary pet portraits and customized paw print keychains by A. Rios Fine Art! In addition, Houston Pets Alive will be on-site with adoptable pups.

California-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne recently opened its doors in River Oaks District (4444 Westheimer Road, #D115). The 2,056 square-foot space will feature timeless bedroom and living room furniture, accessories, linens, and apparel and beauty from Kayne's apothecary brand, Oak Essentials. This marks the first-ever Texas store for the laid-back brand known for its tastefully minimal apparel and built-to-last furniture.

McClure and Breen (photo by Jhane Hoang, grooming by Sara Eudy)

The Houston-born fashion line by Katie McClure and Erin Breen boasts comfy-chic caftans and party-ready dresses, beautiful robes and more, all inspired by global travels. Mirth’s end-of-summer sale runs through Aug. 24; take 30 percent off sitewide and an additional 30 percent off sale items. But hurry! Items are selling fast.

Photo courtesy of Swiggard Creative

In Montrose Collective, find the first Houston outpost of Reformation, boasting its signature eco-friendly dresses and tops; summer staples like skirts, shorts, mini dresses; and celeb-beloved novelty denim styles. A selection of Ref Shoes is also available. Ref Houston also showcases the brand's one-of-a-kind, tech-driven retail concept, which brings the best of its online experience to its physical doors, resulting in a more customer-centric shopping experience while remaining environmentally conscious.

Direct-to-consumer eyewear brand Warby Parker announced its fall collection featuring 30 optical and 13 sun styles with prices starting at $95. This collection includes a range of widths and fits to suit every face shape comfortably. As seasons change, so do trends, silhouettes, and colorways. This fall, Warby Parker features the timelessness of tortoise, available in tonal variations and dual-toned options; seasonal hues; and bold shapes.

Since its inception in 1995, Diamonds Direct has grown into what it's known for today — a leader in diamond sourcing and consumer education. On Tues., Aug. 30, Le Jardinier hosts an exclusive, ticketed dinner with Diamonds Direct. Each dish in the four-course dinner will be paired with bespoke pieces from the Houston showroom. Seating is limited; tickets can be purchased online via Resy.