Houston's growing international profile was never more evident than in the chichi crowd that poured into the couture salon at Neiman Marcus Wednesday night for announcement of the Houston Chronicle 2016 Best Dressed honorees. While the buzz was all about the 10 over-the-moon thrilled honorees, the diversity of the glam guests was striking.
In what once was a fairly monochromatic gathering, those attending the 34th annual event hailed from China, Cuba, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and beyond, making for a pleasing multi-cultural tableau, all for the benefit of the March of Dimes.
Against this cosmopolitan backdrop, Houston Chronicle chairman Jack Sweeney announced the honorees that will be feted at the Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion presentation set for March 22 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. And a fashionable lot they were, escorted by Neiman's GM Bob Devlin and each stepping out in eye-catching designer cocktail attire.
Receiving bouquets as they approached the honoree platform were Stephanie Cockrell in Valentino, Laura Davenport in BCBG Max Azria Runway, Isabel David in Oscar de la Renta, Gayla Gardner in J. Mendel, Winell Herron in Armani, Dr. Sippi Khurana in Tom Ford, Mary Tere Perusquia in Marchesa, Rosemary Schatzman in Elie Saab, Susan Sarofim in Zuhair Murad, and Millette Sherman in Valentino.
Yet, we have to mention that the absolute best dressed woman of the night was Best Dressed Hall of Fame honoree Diane Lokey Farb, stunning in a Chanel couture dress topped with a Valentino couture bejeweled fur cape.
Among the international set attending were Mandy Kao, Savreet Singh, Karina Barbieri, Wayne Nguyen, Ruchi Murkejee, Vanitha Pothuri, Amy Dichoso, Sneha Merchant and Chau Nguyen.
Rounding out the well-heeled gathering were Best Dressed luncheon chair Yvonne Cormier, March of Dimes state director Darcie Champagne Wells, plus Christie Sullivan, Rufus Cormier, Sandy Barrett, Carol Linn, Grace Kim, Lora Clemmons, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Elaine Jefferson, Michael Pearce, Staci Henderson, Judge Clarease Yates, Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Jana Arnoldy, and Roz and Alan Pactor.
Laura Davenport, Gayla Gardner, Mary Tere Perusquia, Susan Sarofim, Winnell Herron, Rosemary Schatzman, Millette Sherman, Sippi Khurana, Isabel David, Stephanie Cockrell.
