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    It's Party Time

    Leather and Laces, Part II: Fierce models, reality TV billionaire and UH football coach celebrate

    Jayme Lamm
    Jayme lamm
    Feb 6, 2017 | 6:00 am

    Emily Ratajkowski knows how to work a red carpet. At the Saturday night edition of Leather and Laces at Hughes Manor, the model/actress and party co-host donned a bright mini sequined dress that looked as if it was made for her and posed for photos with complete and utter fierceness, though notably skipping every interview.

    After appearing topless in the infamous Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines" video (which sort of jump started her fame), a red carpet is clearly a piece of cake for Ratajkowski, all in a day's work.

    At least she showed up. By 12:30, there had been no sight of co-host Sara Sampaio, so the model either took fashionably late to a whole new level, or she chose another event Saturday night. Or maybe that Washington Ave. traffic got the best of her.

    Seen walking the red carpet were model Alessandra Ambrosio, Houston billionaire and reality TV star Tilman Fertitta, University of Houston head football coach Major Applewhite, and players Christian Covington (Houston Texans), Paul Francisco (New England Patriots), Vonta Leach (Texans), Jason Horton (Green Bay Packers), and Remy Adoyle (New Orleans Saints), as well as NFL alums Ryan Neufeld and Randal Williams.

    As guests finally migrated away from the red carpet and into the party areas, the club was soon packed with mingling, drinking and dancing until the closing hours. Not much talk about football, just good times and embracing the Houston party life.

    The popular party celebrated its 14th anniversary, having been founded in Houston back in 2004, leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII.

    Guests lingered throughout the club, enjoying drinks, good music and a diverse crowd to people watch. Cirque USA was onsite, doing mini performances, even swinging and performing over top of the crowd, taking social media posts to new heights.

    Another highlight was the massive and well-maintained silent auction, spread out throughout the Manor. Among the items were a signed JJ Watt jersey (valued at $2,800), a signed Matt Ryan jersey (this year’s new MVP, valued at $2,950) and a signed Tom Brady jersey (valued at $4,500).

    Model Alessandra Ambrosio.

    Leather and Laces Saturday night Alessandra Ambrosio
      
    Photo by F. Carter Smith
    Model Alessandra Ambrosio.
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    Roman Reverie

    Top Houston chef and Michelin sommelier help symphony raise $900,000

    Joel Luks
    May 14, 2025 | 2:03 pm
    Houston Symphony wine dinner and auction 2025
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Houston Symphony executive director and CEO Gary Ginstling, Margaret Ginstling; chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli.

    When spring gala season reaches full crescendo, few evenings deliver the kind of multisensory bacchanal as the Houston Symphony’s Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. On May 2, a sold-out crowd of 365 stylish guests made a grand entrance at Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, where fine wine, lavish décor, and a five-course feast awaited.

    Houston Symphony wine dinner and auction 2025
      

    Photo by Priscilla Dickson

    Houston Symphony executive director and CEO Gary Ginstling, Margaret Ginstling; chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli.

    A revelry worthy of Dionysus himself. In black-tie, of course.

    Leading the charge were Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, gala chairs and proud heirs of the famed Gabbanelli accordion family — a fitting touch of musical lineage. They were joined by Jack Matzer, whose stewardship of the collector’s auction helped orchestrate the evening’s finale: More than $900,000 raised for the symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives, which bring music to schools, hospitals, and underserved venues.

    The foyer buzzed with energy as guests in all their finery sipped champagne and circled the silent auction, eyes gleaming at the fabulousness of oenophilic riches. Standout lots included six vintage bottles of Red Bordeaux, two bottles of 1982 Château Margaux (yes, the unicorn vintage), and a week-long Tuscan getaway for those dreaming of vineyard vistas and sun-drenched serenity. Bidding was brisk and focused — more than one guest looked ready to conduct their own blind tasting right on the spot.

    At the dinner hour, the scene shifted dramatically as guests were ushered onto the Jones Hall stage, transformed by The Events Company into a sumptuous Roman mirage. Towering candelabras crowned with coral and ruby blooms stood sentry over lace-red linens strewn with votives, pomegranates, and overflowing grapes. Four statues, wreathed in greenery, added a mythic flair—as if Bacchus himself might pop out to pour the next glass. And the next.

    But it wasn’t just about the wine. Culinary star chef Danny Trace of Potente crafted an ambitious five-course menu that married elegance and indulgence. A standout starter of heirloom tomato and whipped burrata with cucumber ribbons gave way to Potente’s signature black truffle pasta, then diver scallops with sweet corn risotto and a show-stealing veal perigeux with goat cheese polenta. Dessert? A double chocolate cake kissed with Chambord and crowned with caramel crunch pearls.

    Wine pairings, curated by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, were introduced by master sommelier Steven McDonald, the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse wine expert who earned the sommelier award at the 2024 Michelin Guide Texas ceremony. Guests clinked, tasted, nodded in approval — oenophiles united in appreciation.

    Among those spotted in the stylish crowd were Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Janet Clark, Gary Ginstling and Margaret Lederer, Joan and Robert Duff, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara Burger, Lydia Gold, Quentin and Aerin Smith, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Mary Lynn Marks, Bob Weiner, Robert Sakowitz, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Aggie Foster and Steve Simon, Virginia Clark, Brigette Kalai, Farida Abjani, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades, and Sippi and Ajay Khurana.

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