All In The Family
Mother-daughter duos and Nanette Lepore rock the runway at Fashion Gene Awards
The adorable mother/daughter duos walking the runway at the Recipe for Success Foundation Fashion Gene Awards Wednesday proved beauty and generosity are indeed hereditary traits. Add a fun fizzy fashion show by designer Nanette Lepore and the evening at Tootsies was the perfect way to get Mother’s Day celebrations rolling early.
Lepore’s bright collection paired with her selection of platform sandals and chunky platform heels were a breath of fresh air as Houston women start to contemplate the summer temps coming soon.
The 20 women chosen for the awards were a mix of grandmothers, mothers, daughters, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law and all were dressed in their springy best from Tootsies. CultureMap editor-in-chief Clifford Pugh introduced the women as they hit the runway, sharing their style secrets and funny fashion mistakes.
Ashley, Debbie and Lexy Pakzaban started the show which also included Holly Smith and Ruth McNair Smith, Taylor Byrne Dodge and Teresa Byrne-Dodge, Alex Blair and Alice Phipps, Kathy Fountain Boss and Kelly Boss Shields, Mary Tere and Tessa Perusquia,Kathy Mann and Carolyn Mann, Alyssa Parsons and Kari Parsons, and Susan Arnoldy Hansen and Brittany Hansen Cassin. Each stylish set had their own take on the runway, strutting their stuff, blowing kisses, holding hands and even showing off dance moves.
Lepore and her daughter Violet Savage, both in from New York, were also honored with the Fashion Gene Award during the evening. Lepore’s bright collection paired with her selection of platform sandals and chunky platform heels were a breath of fresh air as Houston women start to contemplate the summer temps coming soon.
The evening was also a bit of a reunion for Lepore and Tootsies owner Mickey Rosmarin. Their first connection dates back to the late 80’s where Lepore says they first met in the Moschino showroom. “It was so fun to catch up with Mickey. We first met in Europe and we were working for two different companies. I just love seeing him,” Lepore said.
After the runway show, guests who love Lepore headed to gorgeous blue-and-white tablescape for a sit-down dinner by chef Barbara McKnight.
Seen in the crowd were co-chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson and Laura Max Rose, Patty Murphy, Ben Rose, Diane Lokey Farb, Carrie Cowen, Nina Delano, Bob Cavnar, Jessica Rossman, Miya Shay, Jana Arnoldy, Lindley Arnoldy, Yvonne Cormier, Jeff Shell, Kim Padgett, Michael Pearce and Hanh Tran.