The relevance of the fusion between fashion and philanthropy packed the River Oaks Country Club ballroom with a stylish coterie of ladies and gents who gathered to celebrate Houston Community College's annual Passion for Fashion luncheon honoring two equally stylish and philanthropic honorees.
Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, whose life focus includes medicine (she's a pediatric radiologist), family (mother of two and married to Martin Fein) and philanthropy (Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony . . .), received the HCC Design Society Fashion Icon award.
Passion for Fashion founding chair and HCC Design Society founder Julia Anderson Frankel received the first special award that henceforth will carry her name. Julia was recognized for her support of the college as well as her many charitable and philanthropic activities.
Confirming their fashion creds, both Julia and Kelli are members of the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Hall of Fame. For this special occasion and in honor of HCC student talent, Kelli tapped HCC student Jio'Zei Reyes to create a little black dress for her for the luncheon. Big round of applause for the designer.
The glorious day of fashion featured an interview with Houston/Thailand jewelry designer Nini Hale. CultureMap editor in chief Clifford Pugh asked the questions about her career and her beautiful jewels while Neal Hamil models strode the runway sporting the exquisite jewels while wearing designs from the Little Black Dress competition.
Among guests swooning over Hale's diamonds, ruby and emerald creations were previous Passion for Fashion Icons Phoebe Tudor, Sheridan Williams, Becca Cason Thrash and the first to receive the honor Diane Lokey Farb.
Applauding all aspects of the day were luncheon emcee KPRC news anchor Dominique Sachse, designer David Peck, hair stylist Ceron, Saks Fifth Avenue GM Bobby Dees, Houston Symphony CEO Mark Hanson, interior designer Lucinda Loya, KTRK Channel 13 news anchor Gina Gaston, Laura Mercier cosmetics founder Janet Gurwitch, former Passion for Fashion luncheon chairs Mary Ann McKeithan and Leisa Holland-Nelson, HCC design stalwart Kay King and Neal Hamil's Jeff Shell.
Honoree Kelli Cohen Fein, from left, Houston Community College chancellor Cesar Maldonado and honoree Julia Frankel.
