Houston’s Stylish Young Professionals Swarm Tootsies For Must-Attend Summer Party — Women of Wardrobe Keep the Magic Going

Who cares what the mercury outside reads when the coolest party ending one season and signaling the harbinger of another takes place in the chilled environs of Tootsies? Just ask the 325 Millennial and Gen Z femmes who poured in for the 23rd annual Women of Wardrobe Summer Soirée.

In late August each year the young professional arm of Dress for Success Houston celebrates the accomplishments of the nonprofit while savoring fall fashions, congeniality and philanthropy. Leading the WOW throng were Summer Soirée chairs — PublicContent’s Anna McGrath and PaperCity’s own Dani Kattan.

Hunter Bell was the fashion designer of the night and 100 lucky VIPs (based on level of ticket purchase) had a preview hour to schmooze with the wildly popular creative who calls Houston home. Once the full contingent had arrived, Courtney Zavala led a fireside-style chat with Bell, who reflected on her past two decades of design, her creative inspirations and her vision for the future.

“Tootsies is thrilled as always to host this iconic kickoff to a fashion filled fall season,” Tootsies experience director Shelley Taylor Ludwick says. “This is a signature event for both Tootsies and DFS Houston. It has become one of the Not to Miss parties every August.”

DFS president Lauren Levicki Courville and DFS Houston co-founders Nancy Levicki and Susie Cunningham made the scene as did WOW co-founder and KHOU Channel 11 news anchor Mia Gradney.

Tootsies owners Donna and Norman Lewis, along with the boutique’s creative fashion director Fady Armanious, were among the store team mingling through they stylish clutch.

Entertainments included music from DJ Johnny Bravo, food and drink from  a variety of Houston restaurants and swag bags brimming with gift cards and more from additional restaurants and items from other businesses.

PC Seen: Linda Padon, Bella Villareal, Ellie Delgado, Grayson Gabrisch, Stefani Farris, Tiffany Ingram,  Lara Bell, Dylan Milam, Ellie Francisco, Mick Pritchett, Caroline Fertitta, and Miya Shay.