It seemed that everyone's inner rocker was outward bound Thursday night when Joyce and Hugh Echols opened their River Oaks mod pod for artist Richard Grieco's show of 14 wildly contemporary (he calls it "abstract emotionalism") paintings.
The invitation called for "rocker chic" attire and with the hipster Echolses as hosts, few dared enter without at least a swath of leather, a little exposed flesh or a serving of bling. In fact, Grieco's powerful paintings almost played second fiddle to the wild fashion display.
And then there were the generously tattooed, if scantily-clad waitresses.
Consider the hostess in a fetching peekaboo black dress by Isabel Marant, cinched by a wide Balmain belt and accented with a necklace from Agent Provocateur.
And then there were the generously tattooed, if scantily-clad waitresses — a special request from event organizers Reyne Hirsch and Nancy Marcus Golden — providing an edge that complimented the risky nature of the paintings that filled the walls of the Echols home.
Those attending the cocktail showing received invitations to Grieco's first major show, an exclusive event on Nov. 2 and 3 at Wyland Galleries — Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Beyond the energy generated by the paintings and by the risqué fashion, the arrival of master chefs Daniel Boulud and Jerome Bocuse accompanied by jeweler Franco Valobra caused a secondary ripple through the gyrating crowd. After perusing the art work, the trio headed for the kitchen where Houston's own celebrity chef and their pal Charles Clark worked his magic on scrumptious hors d'oeuvres.
The crowd spread across the various rooms of the contemporary house where fashionistas included Becca Cason Thrash in a glittering Givenchy top that she had originally purchased for a Duran Duran party, Diane Lokey Farb in bling-encrusted party dress by Miu Miu and Mauney Mafrige in hot white wig and skin tight leather leggings.
Among those checking out Grieco's works were Aries Milan, Bubba McNeely, Regina and Mark Duke, Liz and Tom Glanville, Trey Schwarz, Marcy de Luna, Stephanie Eustis, Michael McConnell, Debbie Festari, Judith Oudt, Beth Muecke, Heidi and Ali Davoudi, Souad Malouf Bejjani and Angelica and Ed Chapman.
