Any lingering doubts about this city's robust economy were soundly put to rest earlier this week when Verdura, hailed by the New York Times as "America's crown jeweler," dropped in for a few days of appointments and one brilliant shopping party. On the first day, within just a few hours, 10 pieces from the collection, ranging from $7,000 to $2 million, had been sold.
Verdura vice president Jim Haag presided over the Tuesday night cocktail party, held in the ballroom of a River Oaks home, where a select group were invited to view and, the hope was, to buy. Verdura president Nico Landrigan came in from New York as well and visited with long-time friends such as Lynn Wyatt, stunning in her Verdura cuffs and earrings.
On the first day, within just a few hours, 10 pieces from the collection, ranging from $7,000 to $2 million, had been sold.
The options among the 183 pieces, both vintage and current, ranged from cuff links and rings to earrings, brooches and necklaces — offerings in turquoise, coral and diamonds, loads of diamonds. The most eye-catching item in the collection was the serious seven-figure diamond necklace that CBS CEO Bill Paley presented to his wife, Babe, on their 10th wedding anniversary.
Laura Wheless, Stormy Hull and Greggory Burk were among those admiring their images draped in the necklace comprised of massive diamonds.
Others admiring the magnificent collection included Alexandra Knight, Meredith Barineaux, Elyse Lanier (who has her own Verdura collection), Courtney Sarofim, Diane Lokey Farb, Minnie and Will Baird, Judith Oudt, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Jeanie Kilroy and Tony and Isaac Arnold, long-time friends of Verdura chairman and CEO Ward Landrigan.
