Houston’s Top 10 International Power Players Revealed at This Glamorous Bash: It’s a Global Night in the City

What: Lights, Camera, Action (LCA) Houston holiday party and winter cover reveal

Where: Kiran’s Restaurant

PC Moment: A glamorous coterie from the city’s international set gathered at the popular Indian restaurant to salute  Brigitte Kalai of Egyptian heritage and Sippi Khurana of Indian heritage, the cover girls of the winter issue of the magazine, which throughout the year focuses on Houston’s global social set. The “Stylishly Generous, Houston Strong” theme was the brainchild of LCA editor Ruchi Mukherjee.

The timing could not have been more appropriate for only a few days earlier, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston announced a $1 million gift from Brigitte and Bashar Kalai for the Plaza of Respect at the Interfaith Ministries headquarters at 3303 Main Street.

While spotlighting the exciting cuisine of chef Kiran Verma, the festive evening also focused on fashion designer Houston native Simran Rihal, noted for her namesake clutch collection. Sales from the evening benefited the SmahrtGirl Foundation. 

The winter issue also noted its choice for the top 10 individuals of 2017 — Miss Houston 2017 Hannah Johannes, Alicia Smith, Bashar Kalai, Minal Patel Davis, Travis Torrence, Kiran Verna, Michael Chabala, Rania Mankarious, Nicole O’Brien Lassiter, Arpan Gupta and Rebecca Brinkley.

Who: Chilean Consul General Jose Luis Briceno, Travis Torrence, Gia and Antonio Merlo, Susan Boggio, Debbie Festari, Nicole and James Lassiter,  Mandy Kao, Alice Mao Brans, Clifford Pugh and John Dascoulias, Krupali Laxmidas,  Sandra Manala, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, Kim Padgett, Laura Pennino, Janine Iannarelli, Stephanie Von Stein, Mario Gudmundsson, Darrin Davis, Teresa Cox Reading and Blaine Ochoa.