Generous philanthropist Margaret Alkek Williams never fails to dress in theme even when the dress code is somewhat removed from her comfort zone. So it was no surprise that for Houston Ballet’s season opener saluting artistic director Stanton Welch’s Pecos Bill, the petite diva donned the requisite Western chic attire in suede and fringe. Albeit in pink and sparkling with rhinestones.
Williams was among the various Houston Ballet supporters who embraced the attire suggested by the invitation. Cowboy hats, bolo ties and fringe punctuated the post-performance fashion parade. Even many of those who opted for more traditional cocktail attire accessorized with Western boots.
Thus, the onstage tableau with decor by Bergner & Johnson had a decidedly Texas accent.
The evening, which raised more than $320,000 for ballet coffers, was chaired by Kris and Richard McGee and honored Carroll and Hugh Ray, who have committed four decades of exceptional generosity and leadership to Houston Ballet. Carroll Ray is a member of the company’s Board of Trustees executive committee.
While the program concluded with the whimsical Pecos Bill, two ballets preceded — Houston Ballet’s premieres of George Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante and American choreographer Lar Lubovitch’s Meadow. Lubovitch watched from the audience and sat with Houston Ballet artistic director Julie Kent at the dinner.
Embracing the theme. City Kitchen delivered a hefty short rib dinner with biscuits and okra and a classic Texas chocolate pecan tart served with vanilla bean gelato and raspberries, finished with chocolate espresso sauce.
Kent and artistic director Stanton Welch both gave a nod to the Western theme in their fashion choices. She with a prairie skirt, denim jacket and turquoise jewelry, and he with touches of leather trim on his suit and bolo tie.
PC Seen: Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Shawn Stevens and Jim Jordam, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Ileana and Michael Treviño, Mark Sullivan, Jennifer and Chris Laporte, Leigh and Chris Joseph, Michele Leal and George Farah, Melza and Ted Barr, C.C. Conner and David Groover, Jo Furr, Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether.