Per Vitem! Ad Vitam! Through the Vine, Toward Life!
By Rose Betty Williams Photography by Charles Quinn Photography
Kent and Connie Sullivan
THE SETTING: The Austin Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine of America recently hosted the 21st annual Grand Assemblage and Enthronement Dinner at the Hotel Granduca Austin. Upon arrival, the members, happy to see each other after months of separation due to Covid, enjoyed lively conversation and a champagne reception in the veranda and outdoor patio with passed hors d’oeuvres. A plated dinner prepared by Executive Chef Collin Kaskel followed in the Salone Ducale ballroom with wines especially chosen to complement each of the five courses. The wines served, all rated 92 and above, included a 2010 Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut, a 2016 Simonnet Febvre Chablis Les Presuses Grand Cru, a 2019 Chene Bleu Rose, a 2016 Occidental Pinot Noir Freestone Occidental, a 2016 Argiano Solengo Super Tuscan and Graham’s 20-year-old Tawny.
Ron Mullen and Lynnda Colby Carter Mullen
THE STYLE: Toasts to KOV camaraderie echoed throughout the ballroom as the members watched a slide show of past KOV events that was produced by Austin Chapter Master Commander Jerry Gatlin. The Austin Chapter Cadre is comprised of Gatlin, Master Vice Commander Randy Groves, Master Commander Emeritus Ed Auler, Master Commander Emeritus J. Buckner Hightower, Master Gastronome Susan Auler, Master Roving Ambassador Jan Burrow, Master of Amity Jim Green, Lady Oenophile Jo Green, Cellar Master Chris Hightower, Master Councilor Bill Krumpack, Master Scribe Forrest Preece, and Master des Partis Rose Betty Williams.
Rose Betty Williams, Jerry Gatlin and Susan Auhler
Kelly and Travis Lightfoot & Dana and Dennis Jakubowicz
THE PURPOSE: The KOV Austin Chapter Cadre along with Robert C. “Buddy” Hagner, Jr, Grand Commander of the Knights of the Vine of America, walked in procession to the front of the ballroom for the enthronement ceremony.
Gatlin welcomed everyone and called on Susan Auler to introduce the new members: Daniel and Maria Bleier, Lynnda Carter Mullen and Ron Mullen, William Deaton and Cecilia Neuhaus Deaton, William Denigris and Penny Jamrack, Austin Dula and Amanda Massey, Don and Christa Heath, Ann Kugler, John and Nancy Mullen, Skip and Biddie Porter, John Robinson, William Stassen and Deborah O’Connell, Jim and Terry Whorton, and Tom Wilkinson and Lynn Nolen.
Buddy Hagner
Jim Whorten and Linda Ball and Forrest Preece
Founded in 1964 and in the tradition of wine brotherhoods around the world, KOV seeks to promote the US wine industry and educate members to the benefits and enjoyment of wine. KOV strives to promote American wines and wine producing regions; to introduce and recognize quality wines from around the world; and rekindle the respect of wine and wine culture for mankind and country. Currently, there are 16 chapters in the U.S.
Nini Jewels Partners With Saks Fifth Avenue To Debut Fall Collection
By Eleanora Morrison
Ethelyn Berino, Cliff Bueche and Nini Hale
THE SETTING: In preparation for the 25th Anniversary of the Nini Jewels partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks San Antonio hosted an exclusive in-store luncheon in Nini Hale’s honor to showcase her new fall collection. Invited to the event was an intimate gathering of clients and Saks Fifth Avenue general management. Heidi Parkhurst, Vice President General Manager and Susan Rice of the Saks jewelry department welcomed their guests in attendance.
Nini Jewels, Fall ’21 Collection
Rooted in History & Rich in Culture, this is Nini’s Story
Nini’s Jewelry was first showcased at Saks Fifth Avenue where the designs continue to be sought after by women with impeccable taste. Every precious NINI piece is hand made with the commitment of the best craftsmanship and attention. Each piece will bring joy to the person who puts it on. We integrate the ancient world to spring modern designs.
THE STYLE: Nini’s fall collection was debuted at the luncheon in a showcase of autumnal technicolor. Featuring nature’s kaleidoscope of deep emerald greens, topaz golds, Bordeaux burgundies and marvelous mauves, the jewels were brought to life in all of their shimmering splendor, wowing and inspiring guests to add the pops of timeless glitz to their glamorous collections.
Madeline Slay, Denise McCrea and Charmaine Gomez
Luncheon Ambiance, Saks Fifth Avenue San Antonio
Heidi Parkhurst and Susan Rice
THE BRAND: Jewelry designer Nini Hale comes from an artistic Thai family whose clients have included celebrities, art collectors and sophisticated jewelry buyers from around the globe. Every Nini creation is brilliantly and vibrantly colorful and engineered with innovation for lasting value and generations of enjoyment. Nini Jewels spans generations, starting from Nini’s grandmother, who perfected the art of the “birdcage” bracelets. Driven by her vivid imagination since childhood, Nini Hale created Nini Jewels as an outlet for creative expression. Founded in the 1900s, Nini Jewels expanded into the United States in 1992.
Experience The Passion, Live On Stage Oct. 22nd-Nov. 7
Photos by Lynn Lane, courtesy of Houston Grand Opera
A tragedy of obsessive love, Bizet’s Carmen from 1875 is considered the most popular opera in the world today. It is impossible not to smile with recognition when the well-known first notes of the prelude ring out from the orchestra. Mezzo-soprano and HGO Studio alumna Carolyn Sproule takes on the role of the famous bohemian whose beauty, confidence, and provocative lifestyle captivate the soldier Don José, sung by incredible tenor Richard Trey Smagur, although his jealousy will ultimately destroy them both. Bass-baritone Christian Pursell in his HGO debut as the bullfighter Escamillo and Houston favorite and HGO Studio alumna soprano Heidi Stober as Micaela are ensnared by the passion of the two lead characters. Expect striking costumes and gorgeous dancing in director/choreographer Rob Ashford’s acclaimed production, conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya in her HGO debut.
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Visit the Houston Grand Opera website HERE to book your tickets today.
Met Ball 2021 Dazzles With A Return To High Fashion
By Lance Avery Morgan Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren
We all know that the Met Gala is the toughest ticket in town. Since it’s invitation-only, we wanted to share how the festivities shaped up last night to inspire your own fall dressing, with a bird’s eye look at the event…
With the cancellation of the event in 2021, due to the pandemic, plans have been in the works for its comeback. Part 1, last night, was centered around this year’s exhibition, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. The second part, slated for next May, when the gala usually occurs, is sure to be a showstopper.
The hosts of this year’s event, media stars Timothée Chalamet, Naomi Osaka, and Billie Eilish, didn’t disappoint with their Tik Tock generation P.O.V. An energetically youthful swagger throughout the event’s red carpet was palpable.
Iman in Harris Reed
In fact, we’ve all come to expect opulent, extravagant fashion, really, costumes, at this Oscars for the fashion crowd. Yet, this year is special due to the pent-up demand of all-out glamour due to COVID-19. Were there any surprises? Sure. Was there the feeding frenzy of the most visually appealing outfits by the paparazzi? You bet.
One thing you can be sure of with the Met Gala is that the lucky guests (and their style teams) put their all into what envelops their bodies for the occasion. Here’s a look at both our favorites, as well as some classics, that will invigorate your gala and red carpet dressing…
Hats, Heart and Horseshoes Derby Party For Bo’s Place
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
Christie Sullivan, Millette Sherman and Alissa Maples
THE SETTING: The Houston Polo Club was the perfect setting recently for the fifth annual Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo’s Place. The green fields and the polo horses watching from their stalls made this year’s event extra special after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic. With social distancing protocol in place, over 250 supporters were excited to be dressed in their finest attire to watch and celebrate the running of the Kentucky Derby.
Deanna Barton, Paige Fertitta and Karen Thompson
Neil and Maria Bush
THE STYLE: The fabulous hats and beautiful dresses, made for perfect people watching as tables were scattered under many tents. Guests socialized throughout the grounds, sipping traditional mint juleps and nibling on lite bites. Puppy Pals, a racing wall raffle, and purchasing a rose for a friend kept the crowd busy until post time. Multiple large screens gave all the guests a perfect view to watch the race. As the race got close to the finish line, many people started standing and cheering at their tables to see Medina Spirit win the race.
Bill Baldwin, Hallie Vanderhider and Fady Armanious
THE PURPOSE: Mary Beth Staine, the executive director of Bo’s Place, said, “Bo’s Place helps families who are grieving in their journey to find a renewed hope for the future.” Chairs Alissa and Kevin Maples, Millette and Haag Sherman, and Christie and Mark Sullivan, along with Honorary Chairs, Paige Fertitta, Megan and Luke Hotze, Hannah and Cal McNair, Hallie Vanderhider, and Kelli and John Weinzierl were thrilled to raise over $280,000 for grief programs at Bo’s Place.
Aaron and DeeDee Howes
BoHats, Hearts & Horseshoes Event Benefiting Bo’s Place
The Women’s Fund For Health Education And Resiliency In Houston Hosts Win Dinner
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Michelle Watson
Brad and Joanna Marks & Hannah and Cal McNair
Gary Petersen and Laura Hatfield
THE SETTING: Over 130 supporters brought an appetite to experience an intimate in-person event with exceptional wine, culinary delights, and entertainment to benefit The Women’s Fund’s mission was at the 6th Annual Wine Dinner at Tony’s restaurant in Houston, with pandemic protocol in place.
Regina Garcia, Trini Mendenhall and Philamena Baird
Elizabeth and Alan Stein
THE STYLE: Inside the venue,Houston restauranteur Donna Vallon guided guests through an exquisite four-course meal with wine pairings that included: Genovese salad paired with 2017 Hudson Ranch, Hudson Ranch Vineyards, Chardonnay; Tony’s infamous “flaming fish” salt crusted gulf red snapper paired with 2014 Domaine Anderson Estate, Pinot Noir; Prime truffled filet of beef paired with 2016 Carpe Diem, Cabernet Sauvignon…and Grand Marnier soufflé paired with Masottina Brut, Prosecco.It was a feast for all who attended. How could it not be?
Beth Wolff and Cynthia Wolff
Donna Vallone and Linda Rhodes
THE PURPOSE: The event’s chairs, Joanna and Brad Marks, the generous sponsors, and guests raised more than $135,000 to ensure Houston-area women and girls have free access to tools they need to be advocates for their health through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health, and wellness. President of the Board of Trustees, Kathy Johnson, and the Marks highlighted The Women’s Fund’s accomplishments and continued commitment to providing free and virtual health services to Houston-area women during these unprecedented times. Additionally, they thanked Plains Capital for sponsoring the evenings entertainment, Vincent Powell and the Houston Ensemble Band.
