ROMANCING THE STONE

ROMANCING THE STONE

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, San Antonio

Celebrity Designer Bob Mackie Jewelry Stuns

By Lance Avery Morgan  Photography by Greg Harrison

THE SETTING: Recently, at two spectacular private residences, the buzz was palpable as celebrity fashion designer Bob Mackie wowed a crowd of attendees with the launch events of his Bob Mackie Fine Jewelry collection. The jewelry pieces, set in precious stones including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, coral as well as favorites like coral and turquoise set in white gold, rose gold and yellow gold.

THE SCENE: The chic residences of Kim Lewis and Sonya Medina served as the venues for each chic gathering. Cocktails flowed and bites were nibbled as prominent San Antonians met and mingled with Mackie, who lent his design expertise as well as insightful stories about Cher, Carol Burnett, Ann Margaret, and other Hollywood legends he has designed for over the years. Currently, Mackie is the toast of Broadway due to his costuming for the hit musical, The Cher Show. In fact, he designed the over-500 costumes for the sparkling production.

We love that the Bob Mackie Design Group has partnered with renowned jeweler Nigaam on the new collection of fine jewelry. The collaboration weds Bob Mackie’s exquisite sense of glamour and sophistication, with Nigaam’s precious stone expertise.

The result? A stunning showcase of beautiful craftsmanship and spectacular color. Upon his arrival, Bob and his team were welcomed in true Texas style by Nancy Hernandez and her staff at the iconic Little Red Barn Steakhouse – an evening to be remembered by all. As a tribute to the designer, artist Analy Diego created a piece for Sonya’s party depicting Bob through her vector illustration technique and is available for collecting at Anarte Gallery. During their visit, Mackie and his team were squired about in brand new Cadillac SUVs provided by Ken Batchelor and Cavender Cadillac who combined efforts to provide the luxe transportation.

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GREEN GODDESS

GREEN GODDESS

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, Houston

Discovery Green Celebrates With Lively 10 th Anniversary Gala

By Jennifer Roosth       Photography by Jenny Antill

THE SETTING: The evening began with cocktails under the oaks along the park’s Brown Foundation Promenade. Guests enjoyed performances by silk aerialists, Flamenco fusion music by Amin Safari and Robert Feliciano, and the glow of GUST, an interactive site-specific artwork by Mexico City-based design studio Cocolab consisting of nearly 2,000 custom-made pinwheels. While guests enjoyed a dinner
catered by City Kitchen, the Discovery Green Conservancy showed a series of videos that celebrated the park and its impact over the past 10 years in three acts: Heritage—From Parking Lot to Paradise, Family—The Heart of Discovery Green and Community—The Promise of Discovery Green.

THE STYLE: After emcee Dominique Sachse welcomed guests to the gala tent on Discovery Green’s Jones Lawn, Board Chair Roxann Neumann, along with event chairs Zane and Brady Carruth, recognized the individuals, corporations and foundations who have supported the park since its opening in April 2008, and announced plans for improvements on the eve of its next decade, including a new playground, a new northwest corner and updated lighting throughout the park.
The black-tie evening also recreated some of the experiences that park visitors have come to love, including performances by DB Duo, a Houston-based hand-balancing act; Two Star Symphony, a local ensemble performing all original compositions; NAACH Houston, a multigenerational, community-based Bollywood dance company; Archie Bell, who performed at Discovery Green’s opening gala ten years ago, and The Allen Oldies Band. The night concluded with dancing to Bombón, a DJ collaboration between Houston DJs Gracie Chavez, Navó, OG Bobby Trill and Principe Q with percussionist Ilya Janos and La Comadre Mel on hand for the festivities.

THE PURPOSE: Over 400 guests raised $1.2 million dollars for the Discovery Green Conservancy, a  501(c)(3) that maintains the park and funds more than 700 free public events each year.

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JEWEL TONES

JEWEL TONES

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, San Antonio

The German Club Celebrates Debutante Ball At St. Anthony Hotel

By Jake Gaines   Photography by JB Lyde of Parish Photography

THE SETTING: San Antonio’s debutante scene did not disappoint this season as the Jewel Ball shone as bright as a diamond at the St. Anthony Hotel. The evening’s families honoring their daughters were Jessica and Joe Bakke with their daughter Hannah Bakke, Carrie and Tom Green with their daughter Caroline Green, Betty and Daryl Lansdale with daughter Kelsey Lansdale; Amy and Doug Ryder with their daughter Elizabeth Ryder, and Niti and John Volpe with their daughter Alegra Volpe.

THE STYLE: The invitation that arrived set the tone as the theme was brought to life through a series of spectacular moments using creative designs, lovely linens and fabulous finishes at the venue. The theme was inspired by Jewels, a three-act ballet created for the New York City Ballet choreographed by George Balanchine. After visiting legendary jewelers Van Cleef and Arpels as research, Balanchine selected the three most precious stones: emeralds, rubies and diamonds for his three acts, all the colors that were woven into the evening’s décor. In fact, each room at the event was uniquely resplendent in the vibrantly jeweled colors.

Cloche Designs, founded by event industry veterans Laura Nell Burton and Christin Gish, designed and executed every aspect of the ball to its last detail. The duo created a series of spectacular moments brought to life by their team of best-in-class vendors from all over Texas and beyond including floral design, balloons by Botanical No. 9 and entertainment by Taylor Pace Orchestra.

THE PURPOSE: Steeped in tradition, the San Antonio German Club was formed in 1880. Each year since its inception, the organization has presented its debutantes during San Antonio’s social season.

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SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS

SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, Houston

Greater Houston Children’s Charity’s 22 nd Gala Raises Funds

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Alexander Fine Portraits, Gregg Harrison and Michelle Watson

THE SETTING: Approximately 650 guests, who arrived on the red carpet at the stunning Post Oak Hotel for the 22nd Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala, received a red rose and enjoyed the energetic evening. Dave Ward and Gina Gaston opened and emceed the event that honored one of Houston’s most philanthropic duos, Jana and Richard Fant, for their continued generosity, compassion and devotion to support children in need. Then, guests enjoyed a five-star meal, a fabulous filet mignon dinner and heart shape chocolate mousse desert topped with fresh raspberries created by the hotel’s Executive Chef Jean Luc Royere. A signature libation was also created specifically for the evening that kicked off the night’s purpose of fundraising for Houston’s special children.

THE STYLE: Following dinner, guests participated in exciting live and big board auctions. Sought-after items included a trip to the home plant of the BMW Group in Munich, Germany to pick out your 2019 all new M850i xDrive Coupe; Jeff Hanson Art, a dinner with Jeff Bagwell and Alex Bregman, a Scotch adventure in Scotland, and a road trip with the Rockets. The highlight of the night was a live performance by the legendary rock band, Styx and the dance floor mania completed the evening.

THE PURPOSE: An astounding $1.9 million dollars was raised for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. CEO, President and Executive Director of Houston Children’s Charity Laura Ward officiated the live auction, which was a smashing success as her enthusiasm for helping Houston’s underprivileged children is contagious. BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest returned as the event’s title sponsors for an unprecedented 11 years of the event.

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SEEING RED

SEEING RED

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, Dallas

American Heart Association Dallas Raises Record-Breaking $1.8 Million Luncheon

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Dana Driensky, James Edwards and Scogin Mayo

THE SETTING: More than 1,200 attendees gathered at the Omni Dallas gathered to unite in the fight against heart disease and stroke at the 2019 Dallas Go Red for Women luncheon. Guests took part in health screenings, makeup touch-ups from Blushington artists, hands-only CPR training, women’s health education opportunities and a silent auction during the event.

THE STYLE: The ballroom was filled with a sea of red outfits that paid homage to the organization. This year’s luncheon featured ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton as the keynote speaker and was nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Texas Health Resources and Aimbridge Hospitality.

Fifteen years ago, Go Red For Women was born as a campaign to raise awareness among women about their great health threat–heart disease. Slowly, the campaign grew into a movement–one that not only brought together thousands of women annually but became the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to eradicate heart disease and stroke all over the world. Go Red For Women provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives, and drive collective action for community transformation.

THE PURPOSE: Judy Hendrick, Katherine and Key Coker were the co-chairs for the annual event benefiting the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives. It raised a record-breaking $1.8 million dollars and counting. Launched in 2004 as an awareness campaign, the Go Red for Women movement has saved the lives of 670,000 women.

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ART IS A GIFT

ART IS A GIFT

by | Apr 30, 2019 | 2019 May June, Parties, Austin

Blanton Museum Of Art Gala Receives Major Gift From The Moody Foundation

By Rob Giardinelli   Photography by Tyler Schmitt and Julie Skarratt
Photography

THE SETTING: The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin was the recent setting of their 2019 biennial gala. Over 250 of the top patrons of the arts throughout Texas were on hand for an evening of fun that also announced a major donation that will further transform of one of Austin’s most venerable cultural institutions into an international arts destination.

THE STYLE: The festivities began in the foyer of the Blanton Museum for 
cocktails. While some mingled over cocktail chatter, others headed to see a sneak peek of the Blanton’s latest exhibit Words/Matter: Latin American Art and Language at the Blanton. After cocktails the partygoers headed to a tent erected on the Blanton Courtyard for the main program. As guests dined on a multi-course meal courtesy of Chef Elmer Prambs of the Four Seasons, they heard words from top supporters of the Blanton, which included Austin Mayor Steve Adler. The best was saved for last as the Moody Foundation announced a $20 million gift to transform and reimagine the Blanton grounds bringing the crowd to their feet and capping off a spectacular evening that those fortunate enough to attend will always remember.

THE PURPOSE: The gala, hosted by Gregory Fenves, Simone Wicha and Janet Allen raised almost $800,000 for the Blanton Museum of Art beyond the Moody Foundation gift. Proceeds from the 2019 gala will go toward providing essential funding to the museum’s programs.

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