Bling and Ballet, a Beautiful Partnership

Chopard's champagne-infused grand opening features dazzling baubles that are stars' lucky charms

The always elegant, Houston Ballet Board chair Phoebe Tudor never looked more dazzling than she did for the opening celebration of the Chopard boutique in River Oaks District. Wearing a simple but striking black cocktail dress, she accessorized with Chopard diamond earrings and diamond-framed watch.

The dynamite earrings, Phoebe allowed, were worn by Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the 2015 Emmys at which she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Addressing the trés chic gathering, Chopard U.S. president Ralph Simons said that the company's diamonds seem to be lucky charms for numerous Oscar and Emmy nominees, who now ask to wear Chopard for awards ceremonies.

Simon also announced that 10 percent of sales through the end of the year would go to Houston Ballet when purchasers mention the partnership. (We think that Bobby Tudor, Phoebe's husband, might be on the hook for either the earrings or watch, both priced easily into the six figure range.) We know for certain that Rini and Edward Ziegler were doing a bit of holiday shopping in the watch department.

The elegant evening, highlighted by the Taittinger champagne tower, was hosted by Houston magazine, represented by publisher Peter Remington, editor Jeff Gremillion and national advertising director Isabel David.

For this opening of Chopard's first store in Texas and only the fifth in the U.S., the 155-year-old Swiss firm created a limited edition Happy Texas watch embellished with a small diamond star in the face.

Swooning over the champagne and hors d'oeuvres from Tony's catering were guests including Diane Lokey Farb, Leigh Smith, Ceron, Patti and Don Murphy, Karina and Carlos Barbieri, Ting Bresnehan, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Karen Payne, Milton Townsend, Saba Jawda, Sarah Jawda, Mark Sullivan and Courtney Toomey.

Charlotte Johnson, Colin Moussa.

shopping jewelry openings galas

Twinkling Nights

Houston sneaker heads gather on the bayou for a night of conservation

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Rich and Nancy Kinder, Mayor John Whitmire.

Under a canopy of twinkling lights and to the hum of bird song, a spiffy throng of Houstonians in sneaker-chic threads lauded the green revitalization accomplishment of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The nonprofit’s 2024 Gala, aptly themed “Belonging on the Bayou,” was a vibrant reminder of the city’s roots and a celebration of the al fresco spaces that bridge the past, present, and future.

Held at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park on November 7 and chaired by Julie and Seth Barrett and Marie Louise and David Kinder,the evening unfolded with a casual meet-and-greet reception where supporters, nature lovers, and visionaries convened, all committed to the mission of cultivating welcoming parks, trails, and public spaces that unite the city along the historic bayou.

Guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the Houston Groove Society set the sunset mood with jazzy tunes, and artist Texas Tim entertained with custom caricatures. Guided tours were offered to Rachel Rossin’s immersive art installation, Haha Real, tucked away in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern—a captivating installation that invited reflection.

As dusk turned to evening, the crowd moved upstairs to The Brown Foundation Lawn, where a grand tent adorned with greenery, wooden chandeliers, and a projection of birds welcomed them. Tables were decorated with nature-inspired florals donated by H-E-B, each arrangement an artistic nod to the bayou’s flora and fauna.

Emmy-award-winning Derrick Shore of KPRC’s Houston Life took to the stage as emcee. Mayor John Whitmire shared thoughtful remarks on the bayou’s impact on the Bayou City’s identity and growth. Marie Louise Kinder underscored the significance of the organization's ongoing work, envisioning a future where more Houstonians feel at home.

Funds raised will support continued work on projects that expand and improve Houston’s green spaces, including upcoming efforts to enhance pathways and recreational areas. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will continue to bridge neighborhoods, and connect communities.

Familiar faces included board chair Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Houston Parks and Recreation Department director Kenneth Allen and wife Delaina, Mike Garver, Liz and Andrew Ziccardi, Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga, Julie Peak and David Hightower, Emily Keeton, Cabrina and Steven Owsley, Monica and Bradley Radoff, Regina and Frem Reggie, Jessica Feinstein and Taylor Chapman, and partnership president Anne Olson and husband Tom.