Breathtaking New Houston Hotel Serves as Launch Pad for Storied Antique Show’s New Look

What: Theta Design Weekend launch party

Where: Hotel Alessandra

PC Moment: A new name, a new logo and a twist on the 65-years strong Theta Charity Antiques Show was celebrated in style at the spanking new Hotel Alessandra on the edge of downtown. Theta Design Weekend (TDW), December 1 to 3 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will for the first time pair the treasured antique offerings with art, architecture, landscaping, home decor, lighting, and textiles. Consider it a three-day home decor shopping weekend and interior design showcase.

The celebratory evening was a double header for show friends, design lovers and members of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, which planted the seeds of the charitable fundraiser in 1952. Not only was there the excitement of the rebranding but also the opportunity to tour the newly-minted hotel, designed by the San Francisco office of Gensler with interior design by Rottet Studio.

The event took place on the hotel’s third floor ballroom where floor-to-ceiling windows afforded breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. On arrival, guests were greeted by bellmen outfitted in mid-century inspired uniforms, a nod to the hotel decor, and escorted up the grand marble staircase, focal point of the lobby in the posh hotel. A further taste of the new hotel was provided by chef Jose Hernandez of the caravansary’s sleek restaurant, Lucienne.

Who: TDW event chair Waverly Gage; interior designer Lindsey Herod and husband Clint; Sarah Eilers and Sandy Lucas from Lucas-Eilers Design Associates; L & P Marketing’s Renee Lewis; Hotel Alessandra’s Director of Sales & Marketing Ray Guyton and Director of Food & Beverage Luis Soto; Camp for All’s Liz Rigney, Laurie Dorfman, Josie and Fred Nevill; abstract artist Kellie Morley’ PBS’s Ernie Manouse,  jewelry designer Melissa Savarino Ellis, and publicist Stuart Rosenberg.