Houston’s Chicest Crowd Turns Out for Ralph Lauren’s Galleria Opening

The ingredients for a perfect night were spot on when Ralph Lauren teamed with PaperCity to celebrate the opening of the beloved label’s new digs in The Houston Galleria. Caviar, champagne, specialty cocktails and the world of Ralph Lauren fashion were staples for a night that was so lively, it went on long after end time.

And what a chic crowd, many sporting Ralph Lauren, it was at the invitation-only event. With a host committee that included such influencers and style setters as Blakely and Trey Griggs, George Lancaster, Monica and Curtis Bickers and Francine and Westy Ballard, one would expect nothing less.

In addition to the always fab Ralph Lauren clothes and bags, the new store boasts an expansive collection of vintage silver jewelry, handpicked by Doug Bihlmaier, the label’s head of vintage buying. His niece, Nancy Bihlmaier, was among those dressed in Ralph Lauren, including her denim jumpsuit and reams of silver given to her by her uncle.

While guests perused the fashions, accessories and silver jewelry, A Fare Extraordinaire wait staff swirled through offering party bites including caviar. And then there were the adult libations — champagne, wine and specialty cocktails. Few could pass up the tasty Old Fashions and Ridgway Margaritas. (Ridgway is the name of the Colorado town where Ralph Lauren has his ranch.) Both were served with charming wooden drink stirrers in the shape of polo mallets, reminiscent of those used in the famed Polo Bar.

The evening was not without an altruistic turn as 10 percent of sales on this night was dedicated to Trees for Houston.

PC Seen: Ashlee and Benton Love, Anne Lee and Matthew Phillips, Nancy Bihlmaier, Sarah Jawda, Saba Jawda, Christy and Mike Sullivan, Marnie Greenwood, William Finnorn, Carrie Brandsburg-Dahl, Traci Ling, Cherry Damianoff, Leslie Pitts, Emily Andrews Purselley, Lindsey Looke,  Lacy Baird, and Ralph Lauren general manager Kyle Wilcox.