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    Shelby's Social Diary

    A stunning, new-age $1.96 million gala rocks the MFAH's sedate traditions: Welcome to India!

    Shelby Hodge
    Oct 6, 2013 | 1:56 pm

    Not in two decades of covering H-Town society have we encountered a more alluringly self-confident gala chair. As she welcomed guests to the south entrance of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Friday night, Windi Grimes was a vision in a turquoise, pearl-beaded gown by Naeem Khan and a Kingfisher longneck in hand. The Indian beer was just a small indication of what was to come in a night that rocked the MFAH Grand Gala Ball's sedate traditions while raising a whopping $1.96 million.

    With "India!" as their gala theme, Windi and David Grimes envisioned a festive, energetic evening, one that would keep guests talking for weeks. And with the help of The Events Co., they succeeded.

    The splendid fun began on the museum lawn where photo ops with a massive elephant had guests standing in line. Young girls on platforms tossed showers of rose petals down on guests as they entered the museum where, just inside, a team of experts wrapped turbans on male guests who were game.

    More than 30,000 marigolds were employed in the decor that included flower garlands.

    In fact, various interpretations of India's national dress — some authentic, some modified for American sensibilities — seemed to be the fashion inspiration of the night. Even MFAH director Gary Tinterow gamely complimented his tuxedo with a billowing majestic turban, a gift from the maharaja of Rajasthan.

    While guests such as Nidhika and Pershant Mehta, Sultana Mangalji and Kathy and Marty Goossen wore authentic costumes, high fashion minded femmes including Phoebe Tudor, Diane Lokey Farb and Diana Hawkins opted for gowns by Naeem Khan, the famed Indian designer.

    Inside the museum's Cullinan Hall, the 530 guests found their places at oblong tables magically dressed in cloths in shades of orange and red shot with gold threads, lavish bouquets of marigolds running the table length. More than 30,000 marigolds were employed in the decor that included flower garlands and brightly-colored ribbons descending from the ceiling.

    The theme continued with contempo Bollywood dance entertainment by Ishaara, out of Los Angeles, and a flavorful dinner by City Kitchen that presented the best of Indian cuisine without the fiery spices.

    The night concluded with the sounds of the David Caceres Orchestra which had the dance floor packed with guests including Renu and Suresh Khator (both in their national dress), Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sara Dodd and Gregory Fourticq, Laurie and Reed Morian, Janet and Paul Hobby, Elena and Greg Davis, Melissa and Michael Mithoff and Roseann Rogers and Dr. Aashish Shah and Lisa and Paul Clemenceau.

    Grady and Sissy Roberts at the MFAH Grand Gala Ball.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Grady and Sissy Roberts at the MFAH Grand Gala Ball.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Recipe for Success

    Houston’s chicest support kids’ health at farm fashion show

    Joel Luks
    Jun 19, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Recipe for Success Fashion in the Fields 2025
    Photo by Michelle Watson
    Founder Gracie Cavnar, center, with the participating chefs.

    On a picture-perfect spring afternoon, Houston’s haute families traded their city stilettos for stylish wedges and sun hats at Hope Farms, where fashion met philanthropy at the Seventh Annual Fashion in the Fields Brunch and Fashion Show. With Japanese umbrellas dancing in the breeze and the scent of ranunculus and rose wafting from centerpiece watering cans, the event proved once again that cultivating health and style are not mutually exclusive.

    The star of the show — aside from the petal-perfect runway looks — was the event’s uniquely multi-generational leadership. Elizabeth Phillips chaired the event alongside daughters Ariel Lopez and Brittany Faulk, with granddaughters Finley Lopez, Hallie Faulk, and Rose Faulk making it a family affair to remember. Sheree Frede, Sarah Phillips, and Sara DeJay Willis served as co-chairs, reinforcing the event’s legacy-minded ethos.

    And legacy was the buzzword of the day.

    “To see the next generation picking up the torch is deeply inspiring,” said Recipe for Success founder Gracie Cavnar, who’s spent 19 years growing the organization’s mission to inspire children to eat fresh, nutritious food. That mission took center stage — quite literally — when a pack of pint-sized models dressed by Itsy Bitsy Boutique (and some dapper dads in M Penner) pranced down the runway to collective awws and camera flashes.

    Recipe for Success Fashion in the Fields 2025
      

    Photo by Michelle Watson

    Founder Gracie Cavnar, center, with the participating chefs.

    The main event unfolded with spring collections from presenting sponsors Mason’s Daughter, Sachin and Babi, and City Boots, punctuated by sustainable style highlights from Magpies and Peacocks. ABC13 Houston anchor and style savant Miya Shay emceed with flair, serving commentary as vibrant as the garments.

    Of course, no fashion fête is complete without a fitting feast.

    Guests noshed on a Michelin-pedigree brunch courtesy of a chef dream team: Tommy Laczynski (Barcelona Wine Bar), Barbara McKnight (Culinaire), JC Ricks (Dandelion Café), Drake Leonard (Eunice), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), and Patti Delgado (The Original Ninfa’s). Glasses clinked over Down the Rabbit Hole cocktails, a botanical blend with carrot juice from Hope Farms and wines courtesy of 55 Seventy Private Member’s Club.

    The day’s emotional high came during Paddles Up, raising scholarships for Hope Farms’ summer camps. Cynthia and Tony Petrello led the charge with a $5,000 gift to fund a dozen weeklong experiences for local kids. Raffle winners walked away with floral subscriptions, design consults, private cocktail classes, and fresh produce deliveries. The Foundation also honored Chef Kevin Bryant as Chef of the Year and Samuel Jackson as Volunteer of the Year for their unwavering commitment to sustainable food education.

    Looking ahead, Lyndsey Zorich, a Foundation Advisory Board member and fashion entrepreneur, is already at work assembling next year’s dream team of stylish moms to chair the 2026 event.

    Among the stylish crowd were Beth Harp, Gayla Gardner, Celina Hellmund, Anita and David Garten, Rudy Guerra, Veronica Neal, Sara Morgan and Oscar Brown, Laura and Etai Funk, and Gina Gaston Elie.

    fundraisersfashion showrecipe for success
    news/society
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