Houston's first big gala of the winter season made for great glimpses of gorgeous gowns. Here are some of our favorites from the 30th anniversary Diamond Winter Ball celebration honoring the city's Women of Distinction, which was held Saturday night at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
-------------------
Woman of Distinction honoree Dr. Sippi Khurana, with Ajay Khurana
Gown: Naeem Khan
Quote: "I wanted something sophisticated yet blingy for the Diamond Ball theme," Khurana said.
Merele Yarborough, with Dr. Roland Maldonado.
Gown: Badgley Mischka
And don't forget the guy: Maldonado wore a custom-made tuxedo by Festari, paired with Chuck Taylor kicks by Converse in metallic gun metal.
Beth Muecke, with Kyle Hanson.
Gown: Jovani, with Valobra jewels.
Christina Stith
Gown: Halston Heritage, with jewels from Tenenbaum Jewelers.
Patti Murphy
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Quote: "I love Audrey Hepburn and the '50s look, and wanted to wear something classic. The purse is my mother's from that era," Murphy said.
Woman of Distinction honoree Jo Furr
Gown: Houston designer Jonathan Blake.
Quote: "Four or five years ago he did this dress in red, which I own. I loved it so much that I asked him to do it again. This time in purple, and with a longer train and more roses," Furr said.
Woman of Distinction honoree Kim Tutcher
Gown: Esme Vie
Gayla Gardner
Gown: Theia, with Nancy Gonzalez handbag.
Woman of Distinction honoree Kelli Weinzierl
Gown: Zac Posen
Quote: "I put it on and it was perfection. It's drama with a cape," Weinzierl said.
Woman of Distinction Winter Ball honorary chair Margaret Alkek Williams and event chair Franelle Rogers
Williams' gown: Ripetta
Rogers' gown: Talbot Runhof
Philamena Baird
Gown: Oscar de la Renta
Carolyn Faulk, with Pat Studdert.
Gown: St. John, with Oscar de la Renta long coat.
Cindi Rose
Gown: Naeem Khan
Judi McGee, 2017 Woman of Distinction Ambassador
Gown: Roberto Cavalli