Houston’s New Jewelry Party Palace Teases a Men’s Fashion Extravaganza

Step Into an Italian Dream

By Shelby Hodge // Oct 10, 2018

Photography Quy Tran Photography

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Una Notte in Italia kick off luncheon at Tenenbaum Jewelers

Sneha Merchant, Nancy Almodovar

When Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black began planning their new location on Westheimer, they divined their Tenenbaum Jewelers emporium as a place not only to house fabulous jewels but also as a salon for swank gatherings. Thus, their space was designed not only with state-of-the-art security but also with open space for entertaining. And the parties have ensued.

Most recently, a swell clutch of “Una Notte in Italia” supporters rolled in for a luncheon kick off for the men’s fashion extravaganza, set for November 2 and benefiting the Houston Area Women’s Center. Bradfield and Tenenbaum’s always-lovely Christina Stith welcomed 40 women to the midday fête that had a decidedly Italian flavor, a nod not only to the theme but also to the Festari for Men DNA. (Festari produces the annual benefit which this year celebrates two decades of charitable fundraising.)

Models in fashions from Tootsies and draped in jewels from Italian houses strolled through the luncheon setting. On display were to-die-for pieces from Aletto Brothers, Antonio Papini and Bulgari. Swoon! Monarch Hospitality provided the fare that included ravioli al formaggi and pistachio pound cake with raspberry gelato sauce. Another swoon!

Luncheon chairs Rachel Bagwell and Stacy Soriero set the fashionable pace that was enhanced by gala chairs Melissa Mithoff and Brigitte Kalai and honorary chair Debbie Festari. They, among others, melted over the centerpieces from JoyBox Fine Flowers, each adorned with pieces of magnificent jewelry.

The event was not without an earnest message. Houston Area Women’s Center’s development director Chau Nguyen spoke on the support that the center provides for families affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Lunching ladies: Sippi Khurana, Courtney Hopson, Hallie Vanderhider, Laurel Ross, Eloise Frischkorn, Jennifer Pinkertono, Stacey Lindseth, Michelle, Diane Lokey Farb, Dominque Sachse, Tiffany Wong, Duyen Nguyen, Sneha Merchant, Nancy Almodovar and Iradia Brown.