Party Watch
New upscale Houston nightclub aims for sophistication and a VIP clientele, but membership is surprisingly easy
What: VIP grand opening of the luxe lounge Crimson.
Where: In the lounge's swank digs, next door to Lumen Lounge. And while some might call the location the Upper Kirby District, we would call it West University with 5018 Kirby Drive several blocks south of the Southwest Freeway.
The 411: High-level hobnobbing and quaffing premium liquids — Dom Perignon, Grey Goose and Circulo Tequila — were the order of the night in the new club where sophistication is the operative word. First-time visitors discovered a sleek vibe where white leather banquettes and tufted ottomans, white leather bar stools and sparkling chandeliers played to the owner's plan for an upscale approach to nightlife.
Hold on to your cellphones, kiddos, as this is a membership only lounge. But it's an easy membership — merely becoming a friend of Crimson on Facebook where you can check out photos of the interiors. Owner Joe Arbeely, we are told, is hoping to attract tastemakers and business professionals, basically an upscale clientele. Gold cards and Centurions welcome.
Who: Will Walsh, Lindsey George, Thomas Gribble, Scott Beverly, Chris Beverly, Saba Asfaha, Vanessa Hughes, Sarah Hartland, Anne Burgot, Ish Johnson, Naja Taylor, Meghann Smith, J.L. Carpenter and Brandee Karr.