Best Dressed Runway Swagger

Stylish crowd cheers for Houston's Best Dressed honorees and Zac Posen's runway looks

The cheering squads were at the ready at the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation at the Hilton Americas-Houston as the ballroom was transformed into something of a sporting arena of high fashion.

As the 10 Best Dressed honorees took their stroll in the catwalk spotlight at midday Tuesday, fans rose to their feet, raised placards in the air and hooted their enthusiastic praise for their fashionable friends.

Leading the fashion flock were Best Dressed Hall of Fame honorees, three women who attained that vaunted rank by making the list for the third time. Taking bows in their designer threads were Susan Sarofim, Rosemary Schatzman and Mary Tere Perusqia.

These and the other honorees were introduced by Houston Chronicle chairman Jack Sweeney and fashion and beauty editor Joy Sewing. Beaming over the coveted recognition were honorees Stephanie Cockrell, Laura Davenport, Isabel David, Gayla Gardner, Winell Herron, Sippi Khurana, and Millette Sherman.

Applause, applause for luncheon chair Dr. Yvonne Cormier and raffle chairs Valerie Dieterich and Mary D'Andrea whose support contributed to the 34th annual Best Dressed luncheon's success in supporting the March of Dimes.

Following presentation of the honorees, Neiman Marcus GM Bob Devlin announced the presentation of Zac Posen designs, the creative talent special guest of Neiman Marcus on this busy day. (Posen was feted at an intimate dinner party the night before at the home of Hall of Fame honoree Lynn Wyatt.)

Posen presented a portion of his well-received fall collection of day looks and floral gowns, which debuted at New York Fashion Week last month, and debuted a number lavish evening gowns just for the Houston audience.

The fashionable crowd included Sheridan Williams, Janet Gurwitch, Diane Lokey Farb, Ceron (in a floral Gucci suit that wowed the crowd), Jana Arnoldy, Staci Henderson, Courtney Toomey, Fady Armanious, Viviana Denechaud, Ashlee Love, Ting Bresnehan, Julie Brown, Patti Murphy, Laura Davenport and Kristen Nix.

Winell Herron, Gayla Gardner.

Photo by Gary Fountain

Winell Herron, Gayla Gardner.

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Chic Medicine

Ambassadors pack Houston club for Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew

Texas Children's Hospital Holiday Party 2025

Photo by Jenny Antill for Texas Children’s Hospital

Katie Dillon, Kelli Kickerillo, Todd Forrester, and Julia TenHoeve.

It was giving glamour and giving back.

More than 400 guests stepped into a nine-room wonderland as the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital staged a full-blown, deck-the-halls takeover of members-only club Park House for their annual holiday fête. Chaired by Mary and John Steen, the evening raised spirits and awareness for Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew, the elite medical transport team that might just give Santa’s sleigh a run for its money.

From the jump, the scene sparkled with oversized branded ornaments and a toy drive that set a festive, philanthropic tone. Each of the nine themed rooms offered a peek into the world of pediatric care, blending interactive workshops with unexpected touches, like editorial-style Vogue Vignettes and a tectonic plate simulation courtesy of the orthopedic crew. Who says medicine can’t be chic and competitive?

Guests grazed their way through a culinary passport of sushi, Italian bites, and tacos while learning about the hospital’s use of virtual reality to ease young patients’ anxiety. Memberships were even available on-site — tied to LEGO helicopter kits — as a nod to next year’s fundraising efforts.

Dr. Debra F. Sukin delivered heartfelt thanks before the dance floor lit up with a performance from Austin’s Down Hazy, whose members include former Texas Children’s patients.

Spotted spreading holiday cheer were Carolyn and David Anderson, Martha and Marc Carnes, Adoina and Kevin Cokinos, Megan Cushing, Heather and Kevin Faske, Ben and Jen Fink, Julie Friedman, Suzanne and Danny Grant, Erin and Boyd Heath, Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forrester, Alice and J.W. Lodge, Tiffany Masterson, Kusum and Cody Patel, Ben and April Renberg, Carolyn Sabat, Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Leah and Brice Simpson, Mary and John Steen, Alicia and Matthew Summers, Claudia and David Walkup, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Shiela and Ron Hulme, Brooke and Scott Hutson.

Photo by Jenny Antill for Texas Children’s Hospital

Katie Dillon, Kelli Kickerillo, Todd Forrester, and Julia TenHoeve.

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