Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball

It's all about the gown

Pat Breen chose a black-and-white ball gown that was a highlight of the Oscar de la Renta fall 2009 collection. "I really have a lot of black and a lot of white, but not mixed together," she said. "I just fell in love with it."

Bill Olive

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball seemed toned down from previous years. But you couldn't tell it from the glamorous attire worn by Houston's Smart Set.

Martha Oti picked this backless gown (designer unknown) because the Houston weather has been unusually warm. "But, oops, that Norther came in at just the wrong moment for me," she joked about the suddenly chilly weather Friday night.

Events-MFAH Ball Oct. 2009-Martha Farish

Bill Olive

Martha Oti picked this backless gown (designer unknown) because the Houston weather has been unusually warm. "But, oops, that Norther came in at just the wrong moment for me," she joked about the suddenly chilly weather Friday night.

unspecified