Sleek New River Oaks Home and a $285,000 Handbag Wow a Powerhouse Crowd

In this era of seemingly limitless creativity in the marketing of high-end, luxury residences, the sophisticated gathering at 2419 Del Monte surely approached the pinnacle. A string quartet held forth in the vast 10,000 square foot River Oaks home. There was a charity component, a tempting sushi bar and on display was a to-die-for collection of designer handbags, so valuable that cotton gloves were required to touch the merchandise.

Hello, Nan and Company Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate, hosts of the twilight fête that featured the spanking new contemporary dwelling created by MC2 Architects.

Nan & Co. founder Nancy Almodovar welcomed guests to the open house along with Christie’s Caitlin Donovan, who jetted in from New York with a collection of jaw-dropping luxury handbags including a $285,000 Hermès Birkin with diamond clasp.

Guests were encouraged to buy raffle tickets, benefiting the Sunshine Kids, for the chance to win a gift from Balani Custom Clothiers. Also welcomed were outright donations to the charity.

MC2 Architects Chung Q.B. Nguyen and Chuong Q.B. Nguyen, both University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture & Design graduates, guided visitors through the sleek home, the design of which allowed an unexpected warmth in such a modern setting. Adding to the allure of the spaces was artwork on loan from Yvonamor Palix Fine Art.

Who: Listing agent Julia Wang, UH architecture dean Patricia Oliver, UH architecture professor Shafik Rifaat, José Almodovar, Jane and Paul Wang, Dominique McGhee, Brian Gipson, Mary and Mauricio Lacouture, Theresa Roemer, Jason Nguyen, Katy To and Andrew Lin.