Typically Oscar de la Renta reigns as the favored designer at H-Town's resplendent charity balls. But for Friday night's Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball, de la Renta was nudged by Naeem Khan and his extraordinary beaded gowns. And with "India!" as the gala theme, why not?
Ball chair Windi Grimes set the pace in a stunning Naeem Khan sea foam gown lavished in pearlized beading. Gowns by the Indian-born American designer were favored by his close friend Becca Cason Thrash and by Diana Hawkins, Diane Lokey Farb and Phoebe Tudor, who dazzled in one of his spectacular kaftans.
Among the ladies in beautifully feminine gowns by Oscar de la Renta were Nancy Kinder, Pat Breen and Dancie Ware.
Of course, a cross section of designers were represented with Margaret Alkek Williams in a one-shoulder beaded gown by Ripetta, Beth Madison in Carolina Herrera, Carol Linn in Akris and Nidhika Mehta in a stunning Indian-inspired costume by Ecru. In fact, many of the ladies opted for national costumes, some having purchased their gowns in the array of sari shops along Hillcroft and others having their gowns custom made and some actually from India. Renu Khator, Roseann Rogers, Divya Brown, Carson Seeligson and Sultana Mangalji were among them.
One of the most striking ensembles was worn by Lynn Wyatt, a white dress over white leggings with beaded accessories and matching turban. The design was made especially for her by Karl Lagerfeld for a party that she hosted in Europe.
Carson Seeligson, Lynn Wyatt and Pat Breen represent the diversity of dress at the MFAH Grand Gala Ball.
