We can't be sure if the handful of ladies dining at 51fifteen were more inclined to swoon over the Le Labo fragrances or over the dinner host — dashing Frenchman Fabrice Penot, co-founder of the perfume house. Whatever the stronger influence, the femmes sat mesmerized for almost four hours as Penot held court.
He was in Houston visiting Saks Fifth Avenue for the promotion of the hand-manufactured, high-end fragrance line that he launched after years working for Giorgio Armani in perfume development. Saks in the Galleria is the only store in Texas to carry Le Labo.
Fashion editor Kate Stukenberg had met the Frenchman several months ago when she interviewed him for PaperCity. She organized the intimate dinner party that included CultureMap's Meredith Riddle, Monica Bickers, Katherine Phelps, Luvi Wheelock, Aimee Woodall, Melissa Woodall, Melissa Edwards, Deli Cole and Lucia Clark.
The stars at night
They were big and bright at the University of Houston over the weekend for "Legacy: A Celebration of the UH School of Theatre & Dance." Star alums from the school took the stage at the university's Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre for an evening of songs and stories.
Headliners were Brett Cullen, Brent Spiner, Robert Wuhl, Billy Stritch, Sally Mayes, Sharon Montgomery and recent grad Jenna Simmons. UH president Renu Khator closed out the evening by joining the performers on stage with a big thank you for their support of their alma mater.
Before things got rolling on stage, special guests were invited to a backstage reception with the stars. Among those were Alley Theatre managing director Dean Gladden, Theatre Under the Stars artistic director Bruce Lumpkin, TUTS CEO and president John Breckenridge, TUTS board member Melissa Edwards and UH supporters Lillie Robertson, Nancy and Rob Martin and Shirley and Don Rose.
Fund for Teachers star power
Vicki and Steve Farris and Leticia and Steve Trauber, chairs of the Fund for Teachers dinner benefit Oct. 17, are kicking up their heels with announcement that Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss will be on hand to help raise funds for and honor teachers.
For reservations and details on the event to be held at Hotel ZaZa, call 713-296-6141.
Fleming's on the charity beat
Say thank you to Fleming's Prime Steakhouse operating partner Sam Governale for a month filled with giving. Oct. 8 through Nov. 4, Fleming's River Oaks celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special menu that each week benefits a different charity.
The generous three-course menu is priced at $59.95 per person, not including tax and tip, and $10 of each meal goes to that week's selected charity.
Beneficiaries are the Sunshine Kids, United 2 Cure, Candlelighters and City Art Works.
