With the season of charity fundraisers rolling into high gear, it seems that it's nearly impossible to walk across the street at noontime without bumping into a benefit luncheon or two, some infinitely more fun than others.
One of those ranking on the high side of the fun equation was the intimate gathering in the Galleria's Fendi boutique.
Fendi manager Karin Hargett rolled out the red carpet for more than two dozen fashionistas, who arrived in high style in support of "Una Notte in Italia," that rocking men's fashion event sponsored by Festari and benefiting Family Services of Greater Houston.
Ten percent of the Fendi sales Thursday through Sunday from these ladies will go directly to the non-profit. And we expect that to be no small change. The counter was stacked high with purchases made during the champagne reception. Chairs of the Nov. 5 benefit Joyce Echols and Millette Sherman and honorary chair Debbie Festari were among those eyeing and buying the fall goods. The stylish handbags, in particular, flew off the shelves.
The ladies themselves were decked in designer threads — Jennifer Brown in BCBG, Ericka Bagwell in a new label out of London, Royal Underground, a jacket worn over a Fendi dress — and designer footwear. Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo — all were represented.
Jessica Meyer caught all eyes for her amazing Bullet Girl collar necklace, a gilded piece that she "threw" together from a grouping of brass bullets. All her pieces are out in the market so she had to make this one-of-a-kind just for the luncheon.
Hot news from Meyer's travels to Fashion Week in New York: Jewelry designer Nicholas Varney has signed on to create a signature clasp for her bullet pieces.
While the chitchat ranged from UT and LSU football, to the Houston Texans, to kids, the most important intelligence at this gathering was the resource for the ultimate false eye lashes — Walgreen's where the Revlon self-adhesive lashes are said to be the best. At least according to Festari and friends.
The ladies sitting down to a genteel lunch of chilled sea bass by Jackson & Co. included Elizabeth Petersen, Beth Muecke, Rachel Brown, Stephanie Perkins, Suzanne Getty, Yvonne Stern, Natacha LaFrancesca and Mauney Mafrige.
The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal
The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal
