Paper City Article

Bella Bridesmaid's Open House

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:21:50 GMT

2011 Houston Culinary Awards

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:45:33 GMT

The ChatRoom Red Carpet Affair

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:25:21 GMT

Joan Pillow Bridal Salon honors its 2011 Debutantes

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:03:26 GMT

Rent the Runway

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:10:15 GMT

Dallas Symphony Rocks the Casbah

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:09:18 GMT

What happens when glamazon Barbara Daseke meets larger-than-life party planner Todd Fiscus to design a black-tie gala? Fireworks. It was an explosion of Moroccan flamboyance at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center when Barbara and husband, Don Daseke, chaired the Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT%26amp;T Gala: %26ldquo;All the Raj.%26rdquo; The night proved all the rage, indeed, as world-class music met belly dancers, Moroccan tents and colorful attire. It was all a feast for the senses %26mdash; from Culinaire exec chef Tim Semenuk%26rsquo;s seated dinner to the incomparable performances by violinist Joshua Bell and the Dallas Symphony with its maestro Jaap Van Zweden to the late-night after-party chaired by Jaap%26rsquo;s daughter, Anna-Sophia Van Zweden. Also in attendance: honorary chairmen Julie and Joe Straus, Holly Reed, Jennifer Clark, Jennifer Houser, and Carmaleta Whiteley.%26nbsp;

2011 Fort Worth Opera Ball

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:27:52 GMT

When guests received their invitations to attend the Fort Worth Opera%26rsquo;s annual fund-raising ball, this year themed %26ldquo;A Secret Affair,%26rdquo; it was protocol for each attendee to channel his or her inner spy. See, the cleverly coded invite called for a clear objective, target, secret identity and special instructions: Guests were to convene at the Omni Fort Worth %26mdash; wearing James Bond%26ndash;approved black-tie attire %26mdash; where they would generously participate in a benevolent casino and silent auction. Was the evening a mission accomplished? In spades, as could be seen by the plethora of partygoers who turned out for the occasion, including chairman Sandy Cook, Rebecca and Daren Nelson, Traci and Jed Richards, and Rita and Charles O%26rsquo;Farrell.

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture Inaugural Council Meeting

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:33:57 GMT

Hotel Za Za Hosts Elie Saab Le Parfum Sneak Preview

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:05:09 GMT

2011 Medical Bridges Kick Off

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:48:47 GMT

A Celebration of Entrepreneurs

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:42:19 GMT

Hotel Galvez' Centennial Weekend Celebration

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:39:10 GMT

The Leadership Gala 2011

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:53:50 GMT

Delish Dish with Armando Palacios, Armando's

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:19:45 GMT

Mental Health of America Gala

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:39:48 GMT

Pottery Barn Bridal Event

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:52:38 GMT

Asian Pacific American Heritage Association 19th Anniversary Gala

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:34:16 GMT

An Evening with Michael McDonald

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:02:39 GMT

The Houston Sounds 2011 Spring Concert Series

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:51:44 GMT

Career and Recovery Barrier Breaker VIP Reception

Tue, 31 May 2011 07:00:46 GMT

Mrs. John L. Strong at David Brown

Tue, 31 May 2011 06:08:52 GMT

Amid the lush blooms of David Brown%26rsquo;s Uptown Park floral shop, Jacqueline Kotts displayed the newest offerings of her fine stationery business, Mrs. John L Strong. The venerable Manhattan-based company has been the go-to source for social stationery, paper goods and invitations for more than 80 years; Kotts, who has Houston ties, acquired the firm in 2009. She flew in from New York to tempt guests including Lynn Wyatt, Patti Bruni, Meredith Riddle, and Annie Cater with color palettes, engravers%26rsquo; plates and a selection of the new Ready to Write collection, printed on the coveted Strong%26rsquo;s Vanilla paper stock. Perfectly calligraphed: Colleen and John Kotts, Cornelia and Meredith Long, PaperCity%26rsquo;s Laurann Claridge with William Zeitz, Janet Tallerine, and Heather Harrison.

Young Friends of Houston's Ronald McDonald House 4th Annual Country Ball

Tue, 31 May 2011 04:39:38 GMT

"Get Rich Click" Launch Party

Fri, 27 May 2011 05:38:41 GMT

Houston NEWH 2011 Student Day

Fri, 27 May 2011 05:40:28 GMT

2011 Art Car Parade VIPit Party

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:24:45 GMT

Montblanc Patron of the Art Cocktail

Mon, 23 May 2011 02:42:19 GMT

Katherine Houston Art Launch

Mon, 23 May 2011 02:08:00 GMT

Sharon Kopriva and Angelbert Metoyer Opening at Colton and Farb

Fri, 20 May 2011 01:16:36 GMT

The Glassell School of Art Benefit and Auction

Wed, 18 May 2011 05:17:08 GMT

Eye Impact Grand Opening

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:14:51 GMT

Guests were all eyes when Gary Nguyen welcomed them to the grand opening of Eye Impact, the country%26rsquo;s first all-green optometrist office. Potential patients sipped wine while browsing through hundreds of unique frames, including some crafted from recycled materials and others that have never been carried in the States before. Admiring the framework: Hope Nguyen, Sean Finn, Ignacio Carrion, Long Le, and Jesus Galvan.

Consular Ball 2011 Soiree at Saks

Mon, 02 May 2011 03:47:01 GMT

FENDI's Fatto a Mano for the Future with Aranda/Lasch

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:55:58 GMT

Decorative Center Houston's 2010 Design Excellence Awards

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:17:55 GMT

Three Notables, a Singular Topic
Decorative Center Houston was the HQ for a standing-room-only panel that kicked off its Fall Market by bringing together three accomplished voices discoursing about a lively, innovative topic: “Fresh Design: Merging Art, Architecture and Design.” At the dais of DCH’s Ground Floor Gallery: DCH owner Charles Cohen, who’s known for making a commitment to significant contemporary art in his coast-to-coast design centers, and the moderators, PaperCity’s Holly Moore and Laurann Claridge, who queried designer Marjorie Skouras, in from Hollywood; Manhattan-based über-designer Miles Redd, who is also creative director for Oscar de la Renta Home; and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s curator of modern and contemporary decorative arts and design, Cindi Strauss. Design disciples: Found’s Ruth Davis and Aaron Rambo, Ellie Taghdisi, gallerists Sonja Roesch and Chris Skidmore, Lynne T. Jones, and Cecilia Pacheco.

Rolling Out the Aubussons
Act two took place that evening, at the biennial Design Excellence Awards sponsored by PaperCity magazine, which bestowed honors on designers and architects in categories from residential interiors to retail and preservation. (For the winning projects, see pages 50 through 53). Among those walking away with accolades: Marlys Tokerud, Courtney Hill Fertitta, Karen Lantz, L. Barry Davidson, Lauren Rottet, Diane Alexander, Lauren Kass, Lauren Amber Prestenbach, Andrew Brochtrup, Pete Ed Garrett, Ketan Kapasi, Chandos Dodson, and Ken Kehoe, alongside Galveston Historical Foundation and firms Gensler and Stern and Bucek Architects. The first-place winners each took home an Elsa Peretti crystal wave box from Tiffany %26amp; Co. The party, catered by DCH’s Decco Café, wrapped with the design disciples and honorees viewing the Design Loves Art exhibition “Alexis Laurent: Be a Flâneur.” The San Francisco-based master of many media conducted tours of his immersive, avant-garde urban environment that combined shiny metal sculpture and real plant life.

Carolyne Roehm at Greenwood King

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:15:32 GMT

Greenwood King’s handsome space for new home seekers, The Lobby, was once again the place for an illuminating lecture and an illustrious guest. Influential, graceful tastemaker Carolyne Roehm (whose eclectic resume includes fashion, floral and interior design, and penning 10 books to date) came in from Manhattan to enlighten a throng of rapt listeners including hosts Julie Greenwood and Linda King, Lynn Wyatt, gallerist Sandy Parkerson with pals Carol Barden and Christina Girard, Aileen Gordon and daughter Frann Lichtenstein, Rachel Rosson, Susan Elias, Jennifer Wallace, Anne Farish, Kay O’Toole, Dan Bishop, and Becky Birdwell. Roehm charmed the crowd, who stayed to acquire her latest volume, A Passion for Interiors, while she signed bons mots and dispensed decorating advice.

Carol Piper Rugs Debuts New Showroom

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:13:11 GMT

Carol Piper presided over a smart convergence of design and art types who came to admire the clean-lined redux of her West Gray rug boutique, Carol Piper Rugs; welcome Veranda magazine%26rsquo;s new editress Dara Caponigro; and preview a new collection by Houston artist Randy Twaddle. Guests clinked cocktails to the new space and took in Twaddle%26rsquo;s tapestries and rugs, which improbably feature electrical transformers. Making for one high-voltage night: jewelry designer Coomi Bhasin, who contributed a pair of gold-and-diamond earrings to a lavish door-prize drawing; Twaddle%26rsquo;s dealer, gallerist Betty Moody; Lawndale Art Center%26rsquo;s Christine West with husband Ramon; designer Pam Pierce; Katie and Stanton Scott; Sally and Norman Reynolds; Cathy Chapman; Betsy Phillips; Saba Jawda; and developer Joey Romano with best gal Nicole Laurent.

Wayne Smith Jewels Store Opening

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:54:03 GMT

There was some serious gem-gazing when our town%26rsquo;s most illustrious purveyors of coveted creations set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other eye-catching gemstones hosted beguiling bashes. We flitted from store to store, alighting at a swell suite of stops including Marion Glober%26rsquo;s Past Era Fine Antique and Estate Jewelry; A.A. Benjamin, Ltd. (greeted by jewelry maven Amy Lawch); I W Marks, where brothers Daniel and Brad Marks graciously donated all proceeds to Camp for All; and finished with a flourish at Wayne Smith Jewels, where we wished the very talented designer Mr. Smith the best on his sparkling new Uptown Park emporium.

Red Bull Illume

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:33:37 GMT

Red Bull Illume, a worldwide competition and exhibition for extreme sports photography honors those who have risked it all for that one perfect shot. Making its stateside debut at Discovery Green, judges sorted through thousands of submissions to find the best 50 for display at the VIP gala on opening night, %26nbsp;featuring, of course, Red Bull cocktails, as well as a first look at the exhibition. Hyped up on Red Bull: skateboarder and emcee Ryan Sheckler, Heather Wagner Reed, Morgana Davila, Elaine Dillard, Sophia van der Dys, Christi and Dan Workman, and Aaron Courtland.

Christian Eckart Artist Reception at McClain Gallery

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:38:31 GMT

The self-described %26ldquo;absurd%26rdquo; entities in Christian Eckart%26rsquo;s latest show at McClain Gallery %26mdash; %26ldquo;The Absurd Vehicle and Other Propositions,%26rdquo; through March 5 %26mdash; were the perfect foil for the altogether with-it observers at the opening-night reception. Eckart explores notions of the sublime in the post-modern world through such works as Hexagonal Perturbation, which suggests the most beautiful piece of shattered glass we%26rsquo;ve ever seen. Post opening cocktails, Amy and David Kapiloff hosted an artful dinner in the sculptor%26rsquo;s honor at their Memorial home. Engrossed guests: gallery proprietor Robert McClain, Pepper Paratore, Sharon Engelstein and Aaron Parazette, Judith Oudt, Linda and Peter Zweig, Leslie and Brad Bucher, Claudia Schmuckli and Matthew Drutt, Mimi Kilgore, Leigh and Reggie Smith, and David Brown.

Couple Cake War

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:59:49 GMT

88 Keys - The Piano Bar Grand Opening

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 02:25:34 GMT

Consular Forum Toasts 2010 Ball

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:44:06 GMT

Moores School of Music Society's 24th Annual Dinner Concert Kickoff Party

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:01:35 GMT

“Texas Artists Today” Book Signing at the CAMH

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 04:34:22 GMT

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston provided a forum for artists, commentators and art enthusiasts to admire and be inspired by the new book Texas Artists Today. The life of the party was PaperCity%26rsquo;s own Catherine D. Anspon %26mdash; author of the grand, handcrafted volume, which features 62 leading figures of the Texas art scene and is the first survey on Texas creative types in a decade. In the crowd: art headliners Forrest Prince, David McGee, Tara Conley, Augusto Di Stefano, and Angelbert Metoyer; cover co-designer Poppi Massey; contributing photog Jenny Antill, Zo%26euml; Jackson-Jarra, and DJ Ill-Set.

Signature Chefs Gala: Krewe de Cuisine

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:59:10 GMT

Krewe de Cuisine was the theme, and the culinary delights of the Crescent City were celebrated at March of Dimes%26rsquo; exuberant Signature Chefs Gala at the Westin Galleria. More than 750 revelers convened to raise a chart-topping $520,000, as more than a dozen top toques oversaw groaning food stations, overseen by lead chef Randy Evans of Haven. The fun co-chair ladies, Debra Grierson (accessorized with mammoth Mardi Gras beads) and Julie Oliver, presided and toasted the honorees: pediatrics physician and professor Susan Denson; Brennan%26rsquo;s Alex Brennan-Martin, whose New Orleans culinary heritage inspired the evening; and Millette and Haag Sherman, who moved the crowd with the story of their daughter Julia%26rsquo;s premature birth and lifesaving care at the NICU of The Woman%26rsquo;s Hospital of Texas (Julia is now a happy, healthy four-year-old). The University of Houston was also honored, while presenting sponsor Wells Fargo and Fund the Mission sponsor Cigna received applause, too.

The f%26ecirc;te crescendoed with a live auction of lavish goodies including a New York Fashion Week excursion plus a stay at the Ritz Carlton, nabbed by Stephanie and Bill Perkins, and a tony private dinner by chef Robert Del Grande in Gina and Devinder Bhatia%26rsquo;s famous wine cellar, won by Elizabeth and Gary Petersen and Millette and Haag Sherman. The 2011 co-chairmen, Rosemary Schatzman and Vanessa Sendukas, were there taking notes and cooking up themes for next year%26rsquo;s Signature Chefs.

The Woman’s Hospital of Texas’ Labor Day Luncheon and Style Show

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:00:36 GMT

The season began with a confectionary-themed afternoon at InterContinental Houston, where a bevy of ladies came together to inaugurate the fall social swirl, shop 26 pop-up boutiques, enjoy a seated luncheon and, above all, raise money for the March of Dimes. The Woman%26rsquo;s Hospital of Texas stepped up again for their signature Labor Day Luncheon and Style Show, which broke records in attendance with a crowd of 600, as well as in dollars, with Woman%26rsquo;s Hospital picking up the tab so that proceeds could go to a special cause:%26nbsp;the about-to-launch NICU Family Support Program at Woman%26rsquo;s Hospital. Woman%26rsquo;s CEO Linda Russell did event chair honors, while MOD Guild prez Amy Lee chaired the luncheon portion. Cathy Cleary Fitzpatrick gave the popular style forecast via her quick-change artistry, while fashion show producer Todd Ramos choreographed the runway looks. Front-row types: Merele Yarborough, Stephanie Cockrell, HCA Gulf Coast%26rsquo;s Maura Walsh, Phyllis Williams, Tama Klosek, and March of Dimes executive director Darcie Champagne, who welcomed a new son weeks later at Woman%26rsquo;s Hospital. %26nbsp;

Lectures at Charlotte Nail Antiques

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:09:33 GMT

Those with a passion for provenance recently gathered at Charlotte Nail Antiques in The Houston Design Center not once, but twice for stimulating lectures. First up was acclaimed interior designer Bill Stubbs, whose projects have taken him around the globe. Next, former ASID president Hallie Radcliffe-Canalli elaborated on Paris%26rsquo; undisputed influence on design. Enthusiasts: Sheri Roane, Heather Maedgen, Regina Dorsett, Gentre Bradford, Betty Clark, Abby Lestin, Alton LaDay, and Joy Dowell.

Houston Ballet Ball Kickoff at Festari for Men

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:04:33 GMT

Debbie and Rudy Festari hosted the kickoff party for the Houston Ballet Ball at their boutique, Festari for Men, with a portion of shopping proceeds benefitting Houston Ballet. En pointe: kickoff party chairmen Beth and Bryan Muecke, Ballet Ball chairs Jo and Jim Furr, and Rose Cullen (who will be honored with her husband Harry). Save the date: Ballet Ball, Saturday, February 19, at Wortham Theater Center.

MFAH Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Latin American Art Department

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:52:06 GMT

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of its Latin American art department with %26ldquo;Cosmopolitan Routes: Houston Collects Latin American Art%26rdquo; (through February 6), the first in a number of exhibitions lauding those who supported the nascent department almost a decade ago. Guests %26mdash; hosted by the board of trustees %26mdash; enjoyed cocktails amongst the art, which included more than 100 extraordinary works by artists from Gego to Joaqu%26iacute;n Torres-Garc%26iacute;a, before savoring a seated dinner. Culturally cognizant: Gibert Vicario, curator of the Des Moines Art Center; Mary and Roy Cullen; Cornelia and Meredith Long; and the MFAH%26rsquo;s esteemed Wortham Curator of Latin American Art, Mari Carmen Ram%26iacute;rez.

Rice Design Alliance Gala 2010

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:50:42 GMT

Rice Design Alliance Gala %26mdash; themed %26ldquo;Progressive Art: Infrastructure, Greenspaces, Waterways%26rdquo; %26mdash; made real progress itself by raising more than $500,000. Chairmen Norma and David George oversaw the seated dinner at the Hilton Americas%26ndash;Houston, which honored Art Storey, whose work has improved the city%26rsquo;s bayous and government%26rsquo;s approach to flood control. Constructing the night: Lisa and Doug Combes, Francesca Vitelli and Filo Castore, Kate and Josh Turner, and RDA executive director Linda Sylvan and board prez Kimberly Hickson.

Houston Antiques Dealers Association's Fall 2010 Preview Party

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:42:47 GMT

Partying With Timeless Treasures

"Everything old is new again" and "Antiques: the ultimate green choice" were concepts underscored at Houston Antiques Dealers Association (HADA) Fall Antiques Show and Sale, a venerable, beloved Texas antiquing tradition since 1964. This year, a few new touches enlivened the aisles of vetted treasures at the George R. Brown Convention Center: Cocktail chatter and early perusing were in order at the show's first-ever Preview Party (held the night before the three-day show opened), enhanced by personal appearances and book signings by an intriguing trio: architect and designer Bobby McAlpine, glamorous decorator Jan Showers and over-the-top artist and Tony Duquette prot%26eacute;g%26eacute; Hutton Wilkinson, who all stayed over the following day for book signings and lectures in the PaperCity Style Salon.

%26nbsp;Who - And What - Caught our Eye?

Spanning generations, the eagle-eyed, design-minded, style seekers, the curious and knowledgeable antiquarians all stopped by - well, actually rushed in. This was a serious crowd intent on the hunt, skipping past cocktail stations to delve deep into the 150 booths whose contents ranged from the exquisite Edwardian and Art Deco baubles of HADA member Past Era Antique Jewelry to an extraordinary display of exhuberant Victorian-era oyster plates at Monique's Antiques, distinguished and often surprising volumes at Hayden %26amp; Fandetta Rare Books (including a first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous), impressive sets of baroque and rococo revival sterling-silver flatware at the Antique Cupboard and a lush pomegranite brooch in gold and rubies designed by Salvador Dali in the stand of Rabideau %26amp; McKerrow.

Antiques gazers: HADA Show president and exhibitor Larry N. Bahn, proprietor of Country Gentleman Antiques, and HADA marketing guru/exhibitor Karim Bousfiha of The Blue Saffron Company; Bayou Bend Collection's director Bonnie Campbell; jeweler/bijoux designer Wayne Smith; Houston Arts Alliance's Jonathon Glus and Alton LaDay; artists and porcelain collectors Mary Margaret Hansen and Earl Staley, who have an art-packed house in the East End; Gwen Koch of Trees of Hope; More Than You Can Imagine's Vicki Rizzo, dishing with daughter Mauri Oliver; Ceron; pals Jennifer Wallace and Susan Elias; HADA member/exhibitor David Lackey of Antiques Roadshow; Donae Cangelosi Chramosta and Rob Chrasmosta; furniture maven Meredith O%26rsquo;Donnell, who now holds court in her new Post Oak Boulevard store; gallerist Apama Mackey, who%26rsquo;s planning a Museum of Drawing for Houston; Harriet Gertner; and designers Jow Shaffer, Chandos Dodson, and Randy Powers, who shared his finds with us, including a pair of marble obelisks and a de-accessioned Jean Cocteau from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

Before we left, we checked the date for the HADA Spring Show: February 18 to 20, 2011, at the George R. Brown. We%26rsquo;re preparing our wish list %26ndash; and measuring our rooms %26ndash; now.

The first-ever PaperCity Style Salon and Book Boutique was brimming with the latest design tomes, as well as coveted vintage books by meisters from Billy Baldwin to David Hicks. PaperCity, the media sponsor of the 2010 HADA Fall Show and Preview Party, tapped Richard Flowers to create this unique Versailles-themed space %26ndash; all cream, black and taxidermy, punctuated by a pair of over-the-top peacocks. Book signings and lectures by authors Hutton Wilkinson, Jan Showers and Bobby McAlpine filled day one of the HADA show.

%26nbsp;

The Marks Collection Welcomes New U of H Faculty Members

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:17:01 GMT

The Marks Collection toasted the University of Houston%26rsquo;s new faculty members, including video artist David Politzer, at the art-filled home of Penelope and Lester Marks. Collegiate contingent: Brian Rod, Shirley Marks, Cody Ledvina, and director of the UH graduate school of art John Reed with wife Esther Mera.

Kickoff Party for the Houston Fine Art Fair

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:39:28 GMT

Victoria and Marshal Lightman opened their sleek tin house for a kickoff party for the Houston Fine Art Fair (save the date: September 15 through 18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center), for visualists Barbara Davis, Janet Hobby, Gus Kopriva, Minnette Boesel, and Fair founder Rick Friedman, in from Southampton.%26nbsp;

Houston Grand Opera’s Opening Night

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:16:10 GMT

The Houston Grand Opera kicked off its 56th season with Puccini%26rsquo;s Madame Butterfly, followed by an opening-night dinner in a tent decked out with %26mdash; what else? %26mdash; butterflies. Anthony Freud, the opera%26rsquo;s general director and CEO, welcomed guests to the evening chaired by Margaret Williams and underwritten by Donna and Robert Bruni, which honored Franci and Jim Crane. Beneath the butterfly-encrusted chandeliers, opera enthusiasts dined on Asian-inspired food from Tony%26rsquo;s and chocolate %26ldquo;sushi.%26rdquo; Aria admirers: Anne and Albert Chao, Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand, Susan Krohn and fianc%26eacute; Patrick Gehm, Cornelia and Meredith Long, and Lynn Wyatt, who were joined by soprano Ana Mar%26iacute;a Mart%26iacute;nez, Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, HGO music director and conductor Patrick Summers, director Michael Grandage, and designer Christopher Oram.

Host Committee Celebration for AIDS Foundation Houston’s art auction

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:55:17 GMT

Supporters of Art4Life %26mdash; AIDS Foundation Houston%26rsquo;s upcoming curated art auction, set for Saturday, January 22, at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art %26mdash; gathered for a host committee celebration at the home of co-chairmen Heidi Schwarzwald and Bryan Rosenstrauch. (How would you like to hyphenate those two last names?) Bonding over cocktails and their shared passion: co-chairman Barbara Davis, Neal Hamil, Linda Darke, Scott Strasser, Patricia Bruni, Scott Evans, and Terry Zmyslo.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Grand Gala Ball

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:39:40 GMT

Cocktails and a Mighty Canvas
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston%26rsquo;s Grand Gala Ball %26mdash; the undisputed pinnacle of the fall social season %26mdash; lived up to its reputation and more, with an epic salute to one of its signature departments and collecting areas: American art. Reigning over the literally and figuratively monumental evening was a masterpiece canvas by the incomparable Frank Stella (in from NYC with wife Harriet), Damascus Gate (Stretch Variation III) from 1970, a showstopping 10-by-50-foot painting with vibrant planes of color in orderly geometric fields, suspended over the vast expanse of Cullinan Hall as the ultimate party motif. The ball%26rsquo;s invitations paid homage to this recent acquisition, while the big-ticket, black-tie night coincided with the publication of a book that documents the MFAH%26rsquo;s deep commitment to the field signaled by the Stella: American Art %26amp; Philanthropy: Twenty Years of Collecting at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. (Guests each received a volume in their end-of-evening swag bag, underwritten by H-E-B%26rsquo;s philanthropic chairman, CEO and avid American collector Charles Butt.) Bravo to Carol and Michael Linn, the evening%26rsquo;s chairmen, for connecting the ball to one of the museum%26rsquo;s acclaimed departments, and also for departing from tradition in ways grand and small, beginning with relocating the point of processional arrival to the front of the Law Building, where the stately, neoclassical entrance of the original 1924 William Ward Watkin building reminded revelers of the MFAH%26rsquo;s heritage. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Grandees and Grand Dames Dine with the Ab Exes
Report from the Upper Brown Pavilion: Another new gesture upon this ball%26rsquo;s canvas was moving the entire gala upstairs, rather than the long-standing division of placing the biggest table buyers downstairs during the seated dinner, while smaller-pocket patrons dined upstairs in the Upper Brown Pavilion. The new democratic arrangement worked perfectly, with cocktails downstairs in Cullinan Hall, and one and all seated upstairs in Upper Brown for a classic (and occasionally canvas-inspired) dinner composed by Tony%26rsquo;s Catering, where the surrounds showcased the museum%26rsquo;s stellar collection of American abstract expressionist painters installed for the occasion by curator Alison de Lima Greene. Greene%26rsquo;s father was the art professor of Mr. Stella, which led to the discovery of Damascus Gate during a studio visit and facilitated its acquisition by the MFAH in 2009.

%26nbsp;Now back to the party palette. This %26ldquo;Celebration of American Art Grand Gala%26rdquo; hit the $1.2 million mark and, in lieu of silent-auction goods, enjoined guests to sponsor ongoing MFAH education programs from scholarships to the Glassell Junior School to community-arts initiatives with the Texas Children%26rsquo;s Hospital Cancer Center, HISD and more. Here%26rsquo;s who painted the scene with broad and bold brushstrokes: big-vision director Peter Marzio, who%26rsquo;s been at the helm of the museum since 1982, with wife Glassell gold curator Frances Marzio, whose expertise extends to the ancient African Kingdom of Ife (on view through January 9); power couple Cornelia and Meredith Long, ardent champions of American art through their gallery Meredith Long and Company (established 1957), with daughter Martha Long; Fayez Sarofim with Dena Albea; Rose and Harry Cullen; Nancy and Rich Kinder; Sheridan and John Eddie Williams; Margaret Williams with Jim Daniel; Sherry and Jim Smith; Anne and Charles Duncan; Bayou Bend benefactor deluxe Jeanie Kilroy with Ed Becnel; Ileana and Michael Trevi%26ntilde;o; Randa and Charlie Williams; Linda Finger with gallerist pal Sandy Parkerson; Susan Krohn and her steady date Patrick Gehm; Diane Lokey Farb in ethereal Oscar de la Renta, hitting the dance floor as Yvonne Washington and The Mix performed: former MFAH development guru Paul Johnson, dropping in from his new post at the Brooklyn Museum; colorfield collectors Nancy and Erik Littlejohn, who admired a Jules Olitski on view; Nidhika and Pershant Mehta, whose name graces the MFAH Arts of India Gallery; newlyweds Divya and Chris Brown and his dad, architect and civic leader Peter Brown; and Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs, who were announced that evening as 2011 Grand Gala chairmen. %26ldquo;We have a small show called %26ldquo;King Tut%26rdquo; opening around that time,%26rdquo; Peter Marzio quipped, %26ldquo;so you probably should get ready for an Egyptian theme.%26rdquo;

Manolo Blahnik Personal Appearance at Neiman Marcus

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:18:22 GMT

Manolo Blahnik, the godfather of sole, made a personal %26mdash; and very personable appearance %26mdash; at Neiman Marcus for a special shoe signing. Hundreds of Houston women, many of whom have been enthralled with his designs for years, were charmed by the shoemaking master, who has won numerous awards over the decades for his professional craftsmanship and distinct silhouettes. Head over heels: Phyllis Williams; Kari Govin; Lin Cooper; artist Bennie Flores Ansell, who designed the store windows for the occasion; and Josette McAdams, acquiring 10 pairs.

MFAH Unveils new Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Arts of China Gallery

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:53:48 GMT

Asian-art enthusiasts converged when the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, revealed its new Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Arts of China Gallery. The cultural crowd was greeted by MFAH board chair Cornelia Long and the 42 large panels of artist Cai Guo-Qiang%26rsquo;s permanent installation Odyssey, specially commissioned for the space. The piece %26mdash; Guo-Qiang%26rsquo;s first site-specific work in the U.S. %26mdash; was created only days before by igniting gunpowder atop the 162-foot-long drawing. Guests enjoyed cocktails in the gallery before sitting down to supper. Oriental enthusiasts: MFAH power duo Frances and Peter Marzio; Meredith Long and daughter Martha; Nidhika and Pershant Mehta; Gallery benefactors Anne and Albert Chao; President of the American Association of Museums Ford Bell; Asian art curator Christine Starkman, who tapped Cai for this bold Portal Project; Leslie and Brad Bucher; and Jeanie Kilroy.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s “Paper Runway”

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:12:47 GMT

Texas%26rsquo; mecca for all things craft, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC), curated an over-the-top convergence of fashion and art at its recent %26ldquo;Paper Runway%26rdquo; exhibition. The outrageous opening night, co-sponsored by PaperCity magazine, drew a crowd of 500 to take in the show concurrently presented with the exhibit %26ldquo;In Residence,%26rdquo; as well as open studios of artists-in-residence. Catwalk kings and queens: Craft Center director Julie Farr, Houston Arts Alliance%26rsquo;s Jonathon Glus and Alton LaDay, Chris Goins with beau Josh Pazda, Lawndale Art Center%26rsquo;s Christine Jelson West, and HCCC resident artist Elaine Bradford of the exuberant knitted taxidermy sculptures, who collaborated on PaperCity%26rsquo;s September 2010 cover.

Grand Opening of Haut Chocolat in River Oaks Shopping Center

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:01:22 GMT

Guests sipped champagne and %26mdash; appropriately enough %26mdash; chocolate martinis when Haut Chocolat, owned by Linda Cunningham (whose retail spots include both Haut Chocolat and her eponymous boutique on Edloe), opened its doors in River Oaks Shopping Center. Haut Chocolat stocks designers such as Ali Ro, Robert Rodriguez, Voom, Robbi %26amp; Nikki, Hype and an exclusive collection designed by Cunningham, coming soon. Fashionable guests: manager Laura Kreft, Cathy Borlenghi, Becky Lambert, Mojdeh Pourmahram, Misti Pace-Krahl, and Anette Sandoval.

HMFT Launch Party

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:47:42 GMT

Beautiful Skin Revealed

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:20:39 GMT

Vicente Wolf Lectured and Signed New Book at Luxury Design Facility

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:11:36 GMT

Houston Fine Art Fair Kick-Off Reception

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:24:24 GMT

Phoenicia Specialty Foods Breaks Ground

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:21:38 GMT

Nest McKinney Avenue Opening

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:59:33 GMT

Menil Contemporaries’ Fall Membership Mixer: Magritte and Martinis

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 06:22:09 GMT

One Surreal Night
At the Menil Contemporaries%26#8217; second annual fall membership mixer, Magritte and Martinis, the luminous evening might have been painted by Ren%26#233; himself. But since the late surrealist master%26#8217;s canvases are often devoid of people or hauntingly silent, the analogy ends here. For on this particular night, 500 bright and beautiful young things came out to gaze upon Michael Heizer earthworks, marvel at a crimson Jim Love sculpture that resembles a gargantuan jack, not to mention explore one of the world%26#8217;s greatest private museums. Inside, the action continued, with DJ Brasko spinning tunes and slideshow images by Brian Eno flashing upon walls that normally showcase Rauschenbergs. Other nifty, artful touches: Warholian photo-booth portraits by Photo Con Queso, cocktails curated by Anvil Bar %26amp; Refuge, hand-picked wines by 13 Celsius, cupcakes crafted by Celebrity Cupcakes and goody bags stocked with chocolates shaped like tiny palettes, courtesy of The Chocolate Bar. %26nbsp;

On hand to address the throng of current and future Menil Contemporaries was museum director Josef Helfenstein, who offered welcoming remarks while praising the vision of late founders Dominique and John de Menil. (His upcoming Art and Activism book on the de Menils, penned while serving as co-curator of the now-on-view Kurt Schwitters collage show, is among fall%26#8217;s must-have volumes.) Enthusiastically applauding were colleagues, the party%26#8217;s organizers Elsian Cozens, Amanda Shagrin, and Jennifer Hennessy; and Menil curators Kristina Van Dyke and Michelle White.

Performance Art

Among the tribe of gallerists, burgeoning collectors and hot Texas artists: Christie%26#8217;s Jessica Phifer; Connie McAllister from the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston with Whitney Biennial-exhibited beau Dario Robleto; Wade Wilson Art gallerina Susanna Kise; Tina and Josh Zulu with artist pal Selven O%26#8217;Keef Jarmon, who dropped in from South Africa; Claudia Sol%26#237;s; Samira Anne Salman; Mitchell Center%26#8217;s Karen Farber, who told us about her newborn daughter; Annie Criner; Adrian Patterson; Ramon Manning; about-to-be-wed Lauren Creager and Will Page; Art Palace%26#8217;s Arturo Palacios; Hanh Nguyen dishing with JeMille Javier; dashing artist Kyle Henricks, whom we remember from his Commerce Street Artists Warehouse days; installation artist/photog/after-party hostess Molly Gochman, with Chip Schneider; gallerist Barbara Davis, spotted in an earnest dialogue with Robert Burnside (the pair later headed to Armandos for salsa dancing); Box 13%26#8211;exhibited artist JoAnn Park; Cecilia Alatriz, who arrived with Rice%26#8217;s Kevin Foyle; Adriana Perez; Aurora Picture Show%26#8217;s Delicia Harvey; Christina Sol%26#237;s with her dashing gent Graham Gaskill; photographer of icy climes Libbie Masterson; husband-and-wife creative types Mick Johnson and the Menil%26#8217;s Melanie Crader; former DiverseWorks director turned art advisor Sara Kellner, who promised to give us the scoop on METRO%26#8217;s latest art commissions; Michelle Avi%26#241;a with Peel Gallery%26#8217;s Steven Hempel; and sculptor Haden Garrett %26#8212; whose best gal is Menil curator Miz White, in case you didn%26#8217;t know.

%26nbsp;

Party Query: Coveted masterpiece at The Menil Collection?
Caroline Starry LeBlanc: The Jim Love sculpture titled Jack. Love was a beloved and very talented Houston artist, and I love that the Menil displays his work so prominently and also worked with another museum [CAMH] to make his much-deserved retrospective happen a few years ago.%26nbsp;It takes a village!
Joi Maria Probus: The de Menil house.%26nbsp;
Jessica and Jay Earnest: The bodysuit with nails in the Wunderkammer.
Eric Wolf: Barnett Newman%26#8217;s Broken Obelisk at the Rothko Chapel.
Courtney Leverette: Magritte%26#8217;s L%26#8217;empire des lumi%26#232;res.
Hugo Chambon: The Greek statues.
Jessica Ninci: The Cy Twombly Gallery.

Lyn Devon Trunk Show

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:19:48 GMT

Fashion Houston’s Front-Row Bash

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:34:33 GMT

Stop: Fashion Houston%26#8217;s Front-Row Bash
Vibe: The delightful Laura Bhatia welcomed a coterie of %26#8220;It%26#8221; gals and guys to her Memorial casa to select their VIP front-row seats for year one of Fashion Houston Presented by Audi. Runway royals: Audi%26#8217;s main man and Fashion Houston president Jared Lang, Judith Oudt, Susan Plank, Ursaline Hamilton (who knows her way around a catwalk), and Fashion Houston%26#8217;s team, Rob Rutherford, Nancy Golden, Bambi Lynn, Erica Garza, and Cara Morales.

Houston Symphony Opening Night Gala

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 02:54:34 GMT

Johann, Hans and Frank Plus the Sounds of Old Vienna
Houston Symphony orchestrated a classic score %26#8212;%26nbsp;a Mozart Sinfonia Concertante and four timeless Johann Strauss Jr. opuses capped by On the Beautiful Blue Danube %26#8212;%26nbsp;for its Opening Night Gala, aptly titled Vienna Soir%26#233;e. The theme was an ode to both the night%26#8217;s musical menu and Austrian-born artistic director Hans Graf%26#8217;s decade with the symphony, which was celebrated with pomp, ceremony, an HG 10th Anniversary Season logo and a special portrait unveiling of the maestro conducting The Planets last winter at Carnegie Hall. Other high notes included Beijing-born, Houston-raised violinist Frank Huang%26#8217;s debut as concertmaster, acknowledged with a large-screen video tribute on the stage of Jones Hall, and a rousing
rendition of Strauss%26#8217; Radetzky March as the grand-finale encore.

Cascades of Lace, Tortes Galore and a Philip Johnson Skyscraper
In act two of this elegant eve, 300 graceful guests strolled from Jones Hall to the halls of the
Bank of America Center, one of Philip Johnson%26#8217;s signature skyscrapers with its memorable postmodern Dutch-gabled facade. Inside, the soaring space was transformed by designer Darryl Murchison into a Viennese party palace complete with towering candelabra, acres of brocade and profuse blooms. Chairmen Nancy and Robert Peiser (the pair who had the initiative to shake up Opening Night%26#8217;s ritual by going with a new venue) greeted the swans and swells, who buzzed about the evening%26#8217;s romantic Strauss waltzes, then savored a Jackson and Company seated dinner replete with Austrian motifs, from goulash to a suite of Linzer and Sacher tortes. The high-voltage band Toast and Jam, which performed for the chair couple at their wedding, moved the evening musically from the Blue Danube to Blue Bayou. Next came a salute to honorees Barbara (in Lanvin) and Ulyesse LeGrange, who have been integrally involved with every aspect of the Symphony League and Society for the past 25 years (he currently serves as president of the Houston Symphony Endowment Fund).

%26nbsp;Making beautiful music: last spring%26#8217;s What a Wonderful World! Symphony Gala chairs Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein, she in whispery black lace Chanel (many of this soir%26#233;e%26#8217;s leading ladies pulled out the lace to recall the fabled days of the Austrian and Austro-Hungarian empires); patroness supreme Beth Madison in opulent jewel-hued Carolina Herrera, with Ralph Burch; Symphony Society chairman Ed Wulfe with wife Lorraine; Society board prez Bobby Tudor with preservationist wife Phoebe, a standout in diaphanous Zac Posen; Margaret Williams, who trained as an opera singer, with Jim Daniel; Betty and Jess Tutor; new Symphony CEO Mark Hanson and his wife, Shepherd School grad Christina (great excitement swirls around Hanson%26#8217;s arrival in Houston, evidenced already in contemporary touches such as this evening%26#8217;s large-screen concertmaster interview); distinguished architect Louis Skidmore, who gave us the dish on the PJ-designed building; Omana and Sam Abraham whose Abraham%26#8217;s Oriental Rugs lent European antique carpets to the decor; underwriting chairmen Viviana and David Denechaud, she a classically trained vocalist; Tara and David Wuthrich; Alton LaDay, who exclaimed, %26#8220;I loved the Strauss percussion; it brought back being a cymbalist in the marching band,%26#8221; and Houston Arts Alliance%26#8217;s Jonathon Glus; newlyweds Mary Ann Reynolds Wilkins and Robert Wilkins (he%26#8217;s working on a musical about Galveston); Kathi and Bill Rovere; Symphony League Prez Nancy Littlejohn and husband Erik, hosts for the underwriter bash weeks earlier; Helen and Jim Shaffer; adorable Danielle and Josh Batchelor; board member Brian James with new best gal Ryland Holmes; Diane and Harry Gendel heating up the dance floor; gallerists Wade Wilson and Susanna Kise of Wade Wilson Art, she in a vintage 1920s black lace dress that belonged to her Philadelphia society grandmother; April and Tom Lykos; Stacy Soefer; Shepherd School dean Robert Yekovich and wife Michele; Mach family Cora Sue and Harry and Joella and Steve; composer Todd Frazier; Stephanie Jones; Elizabeth and Gary Petersen; and 2009 Opening Night chairs Judy and Scott Nyquist, she to be honored at the 2011 Winter Ball as a Woman of Distinction. What a waltz of philanthropy!

German Impressionist Landscape Painting Opening Reception %26 Dinner

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:16:46 GMT

This fall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is focusing on the other side of the Atlantic. The venerable institution celebrated the opening of %26#8220;German Impressionist Landscape Painting: Liebermann %26#8211; Corinth %26#8211; Slevogt%26#8221; (through December 5) with a lecture by the co-curator, the MFAH%26#8217;s Helga Kessler Aurisch, followed by a reception and seated dinner in the Beck Building. Das art set: Martha and Richard Finger; Hamburg art dealer Thomas Le Claire; exhibition co-curator G%26#246;tz Czymmek, in from Cologne; MFAH chairmen of the board Cornelia Long with gallerist husband Meredith; and life trustee Marjorie Horning.

Female Success Factor's Top 25 Women of Houston

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:15:57 GMT

A Conversation with Phil Collins

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:06:32 GMT

Headlining Act: The spotlight shone on rock star Phil Collins at the Dallas Historical Society's event at the Hall of State at Fair Park, during an on-stage interview moderated by entertainment mogul Angus Wynne and civic leader Lindalyn Adams.
Top Ticket Holders: Deborah Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Elizabeth Keeler, Joe Dealey, DHS executive director Jack Bunning, and DHS chair Diane Bumpas listened as Collins discussed his Grammy-winning music career and childhood-obsession with the television series Davy Crockett.

Grand Opening of Michael’s Cookie Jar

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 05:21:14 GMT

This grand opening had everyone licking their lips. When owner Michael Savino cut the ribbon on Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar, hoards of cookie monsters were waiting for their fresh-from-the-oven homemade treats. Sweetest of all, a percentage of the afternoon%26#8217;s proceeds went to Big Brothers Big Sisters%26#8217; 60th anniversary. Sugar mamas: Chocolate Pizazz co-owner Jeri Wolff, Sparkle Anderson of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Maru Medina-Hollman.

Graffiti Art Foundation

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:13:21 GMT

The Graffiti Art Foundation found the perfect venue for its Graffiti Gala kickoff: progressive art space Aerosol Warfare in the up-and-coming East Downtown district. Guests gazed at a wall-to-wall graffiti installation curated by Skeez181, a full bedroom decked out in spray paint by Gonzo247 (whose art takes him next to Nigeria), video productions, a debut of the year-round exhibition on Aerosol Warfare%26#8217;s online gallery and DJ jams by Mad Turtle, Dam Shane, BMC, and Thurs One. Rebel raisers: Merge360, Nate Nash, Tenshn, and Tina and Josh Zulu.

Style That Rocks

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 02:24:21 GMT

J.Paul Skin Care for Men

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:56:31 GMT

Elaine Turner Turns Ten

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:03:39 GMT

Celebrating Isaac Raijman MD

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:03:50 GMT

An Evening with Royal Chef Darren McGrady

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 01:01:22 GMT

Houston Arts Alliance Toasts Oppenheim

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:31:11 GMT

When renowned New York%26#8211;based artist Dennis Oppenheim came to town for the official reveal of his gateway artwork at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it was all about movement. Oppenheim%26#8217;s monumental Radiant Fountains masterpiece (which simulates a droplet%26#8217;s %26nbsp;plummet into water) was commissioned by Houston Arts Alliance on behalf of the Houston Airport System. HAA teamed with host Devin Borden Hiram Butler Gallery, which represents the international sculptor, for an artist reception that allowed the cultural cognoscenti to view Oppenheim%26#8217;s creations, which included the model for the striking IAH public project. Art gazers then adjourned to the house of Texas art advocates Victoria and Marshal Lightman for a celebratory dinner. Art folk: Clint Willour of the Galveston Arts Center; HAA%26#8217;s Jonathon Glus and Alton LaDay; Judy Nyquist; Houston Airport System%26#8217;s Pam Ingersoll; Claudia Schmuckli; Ryland Holmes with Brian James; artists Hana Hillarova, Lisa Ludwig and Joe Havel; gallerists Devin Borden and Hiram Butler; and Leslie and Brad Bucher.

2011 Dallas Symphony Debutante Tea at Warren Baron Bridal

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:21:21 GMT

Elaine Turner Commemorates Ten Years of Brand Success

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:32:34 GMT

Steel Lounge Underground

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:42 GMT

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston teamed up with Derek Jones and Josh Zulu to present Steel Lounge Underground. The eclectic set included DJ Melodic and Fly Girl T, plus a visit from the Fusion Taco truck. Music mavens: Lauren Von Drehle, David Tong, Jennifer Gaines, and the CAMH%26#8217;s Connie McAllister.

Moët Sex and the City 2 Reception and Screening

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:13:41 GMT

The Little Galleria Presented by MD Anderson and The Galleria

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:50:57 GMT

The Dallas Historical Society's Tom Lea Reception

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:56:15 GMT

On the Auction Block: An Opportunity to Assist

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:34:51 GMT

Pull yourself out of the pool for a second and consider a childhood without summers. For us we no longer really have one without camp, summer trips, Fourth of July fireworks, swimming at night or spending time with friends being, well, just a kid.

For Lucy Schuler, this isn't simply a consideration; it's life. Recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Schuler is missing out on what being a kid is all about due to spinal taps, chemotherapy and other treatments.

Enter I W Marks, aware of the toll Lucy's condition must be taking on her parents emotionally, physically and financially they'll graciously host a live auction Thursday, July first from 5 to 7pm at their flagship jewelry store at 3841 Bellaire Blvd. to raise funds to cover Lucy's medical costs. Be there, we know we don't want her and her family suffering the hardships any longer; after all, where's the fun in summer if you're watching it go by from a hospital bed and not a beach chair.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Abi Ferrin Fall 2010 Unveiling

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:08:27 GMT

Dionysus Salon Grand Opening

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:44:50 GMT

Nouvea Art Bar Opening

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:32:35 GMT

"Kissed By An Angel" Girls Night Out

Wed, 26 May 2010 03:49:07 GMT

Big Bang Catastrophe Gala

Tue, 25 May 2010 05:08:32 GMT

BB1 Classic + Dominic Walsh

Mon, 24 May 2010 02:00:04 GMT

Belle Mariée Bridal's Unveiling

Wed, 19 May 2010 03:11:49 GMT

Love and marriage were in the air when Belle Mari%26#233;e Bridal celebrated its grand opening in River Oaks. Owner Erika Ferretti and managing partner Jillian Plachy drew upon the pedigree of the shop%26#8217;s environs to fashion their French-inspired nuptial HQ, which bewitched brides-to-be at the unveiling with an array of contemporary gowns by designers such as Ines Di Santo, Jorge Manuel, Aquachiara, Selia Yang and Badgley Mischka. Walking down the aisles: Christina and Alan Knust, Andrea and Donnie Blanton, Linda King and Les Allison, Brooke Malone, and Russell Green with Karen Hendrix Couture, in from Nashville. %26nbsp; %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Decorative Center Houston's 2010 Spring Market

Fri, 21 May 2010 05:24:32 GMT

Louis Vuitton NBA All-Star Shopping Brunch

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:54:06 GMT

Of all the star-studded parties during the NBA All-Star Weekend, Tracy and Alonzo Mourning's shopping brunch at NorthPark Center's gargantuan Louis Vuitton boutique topped our list of must-attends. French-toast bites were passed, mimosas sipped, and plenty of monogrammed goodies purchased, with a portion of sales benefitting the Alonzo Mourning Charities' Honey Shine Mentoring Program. All-star shoppers: Cookie and Magic Johnson, Katherine Parker, and Dianne and Daryl Johnston, along with store manager Kelly Gates and LV VP Kim Harrington.

TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:57:36 GMT

When it comes to exclusive affiliations, few groups are more resplendent than the TACA Silver Cup Award recipients. This year, Cindy Rachofsky and John T. Cody Jr. joined those revered ranks %26#8212; Rachofsky for her tireless hosting of Two x Two for AIDS and Art and her patronage of contemporary art, Cody for his unprecedented volunteer work for The Dallas Opera. Chairman Rebecca Fletcher and admirers including Lynn McBee, Rebecca Young, and Lisa Kazor gathered at the Hilton Anatole to watch the charitable duo receive their awards. Rousing entertainment included emcee Lee Cullum's eloquent witticisms and a powerhouse opera performance by Juan Jose de Le%26#243;n.

Underwriter Dinner for Music Matters! What A Wonderful World

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:42:51 GMT

After Saks Fifth Avenue treated this year%26#8217;s Houston Symphony Ball underwriters to dinner at Grille 5115, gala chair Kelli Fein brought the evening to a crescendo with a speech touting honorees Aileen Gordon and Cora Sue Mach, as well as honorary chair Margaret Williams and corporate honoree Fidelity Investments, represented by Jeanie Reckart. Melodic ones: Viviana and David Denechaud, Nancy and Bob Peiser, Anna and Hal Holliday, Saks%26#8217; Terry Zmyslo and Sylvia Forsythe, maestro Hans Graf and wife Margarita, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and gala chair Martin Fein.

Houston Grand Opera's Competition for Young Singers

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:37:56 GMT

The Comfortable Home

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:07:00 GMT

Home-furnishings masters Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams flew in from North Carolina for a personal appearance at their eponymous Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Signature Store on Kirby Drive. On the agenda: signing copies of The Comfortable Home, their new decorating manual on how to invest in your nest and live affordably. Home bodies: Ken Hipp, Ingrid de Alba, H%26#233;ctor Salazar, Brian Hull, Michael Broderick, Paulina Garcia, Adriana Gonzalez and Eric Villase%26#241;or, and Bobby Van Lenten.

Houston Symphony's The Planets World Premiere

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:58:20 GMT

Houston Symphony's LINN Energy Private Rehearsal

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:37:01 GMT

Sophistication %26 Sleekness at Highland Tower

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:48:02 GMT

Redesigning Downtown

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:15:15 GMT

Men of Menil Night

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:23:56 GMT

Nite SPA Presents Mark Morris Dance Group

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:22:26 GMT

El Koval Designs at Crawford Renovation

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:16:06 GMT

McKay Otto Reception %26 Opening

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:32 GMT

The Social Book 2010 Launch Party

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:53:15 GMT

Jonathan Adler Personal Appearance at Nest

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:31:38 GMT

Hadleigh's Opening Celebration

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:04:45 GMT

Ocean Prime Preview Dinner

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:27:54 GMT

DSM's 2010 Curtain Call Kick Off

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:12:05 GMT

DSM's 2010 Curtain Call Kick Off

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:45:34 GMT

Bernar Venet Exhibition

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:30:39 GMT

Sculptures By Design Art Exhibit

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:03:38 GMT

The Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners "Hard Hat Tea"

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:04:17 GMT

Joan Hornig Jewelry Launch at Tootsies

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:46:50 GMT

The Women's Board of the Dallas Opera Champagne Tea

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:21:11 GMT

Steaming teapots and fizzy flutes decorated Marion Moore%26#8217;s gorgeous home as she welcomed members of the Women%26#8217;s Board of the Dallas Opera for its Spring Champagne Tea and Annual Membership Meeting. Chairman Connie Klemow toasted incoming board president Tamareh Tuma, before Tincy Miller presented Carmen S. Glenn with an engraved silver platter to commemorate her own service as board prez. Tea partygoers: Kaki Hopkins, Gloria Rege, Marnie Wildenthal, Mollie Young, Joyce Moore, Julie Nelson, Kathleen Lavinger, and Pat McLaughlin.

Methodist Health System Foundation Folsom Leadership Award

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:06:59 GMT

Guests glammed up for a swish soir%26#233;e at the Hilton Anatole to recognize the Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Awardee. Chairmen Ross Perot, Doug Brooks, and Pete Schenkel applauded the evening's distinguished honoree, Norman Brinker, who sadly passed away after the event. After the award presentation, guests settled down to a delectable dinner. Embarking on the gourmet feast: Marianne Staubach, Holly Brooks, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, and Lyda Hill.%26#160;