Say Cheese

FotoFest opening night party draws photo-loving crowd from around the world

Blame it on the camera-equipped smartphone — everyone is a photographer nowadays. But only a select few have the eye to transform the fast growing populist genre into fine art that stops viewers dead in their tracks to ponder composition, content and affect.

There's no question that Houston's affinity for photography roused a large crowd to pour into Spring Street Studios for the opening bash of the FotoFest 2014 Biennial Saturday. The collection of images by notable international talent filled the walls of the warehouse, offering artsy consumers a first look at the organizer's 15th show, themed "View From Inside: Contemporary Arab Photography, Video and Mixed Media Art," which runs through April 27.

Surely guest curator Karin Adrian von Roques and FotoFest founders Fred Baldwin and Wendy Watriss would love nothing more than to relive the moment.

Remarkable photographers such as Jerusalem-born Steve Sabella traveled from London and Khaled Hafez from Cairo to mingle with the who's who of the city's art cognoscenti, which included gallerists Anya Tish, Deborah Colton, Barbara Davis and Terry Hamman. Plus Contemporary Arts Museum Houston director Bill Arning and partner Mark McCray, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston photography curator Anne Wilkes Tucker, Houston Arts Alliance CEO Jonathon Glus and on and on.

Case in point: It was the trending affair of the weekend. Surely guest curator Karin Adrian von Roques and FotoFest founders Fred Baldwin and Wendy Watriss would love nothing more than to relive the moment.

Only major players — and there were many — enjoyed access to a party tent erected for the occasion. After noshing on a buffet catered by City Kitchen that dished up plates of chicken tagine, hummus and baba ganoush and the formalities of opening remarks, it was up to the exotic grooves of the Kinan Azmeh Quartet to liven up the ambiance.

Spotted in the crowd were Simone Anna Blumenthal, Moe Boughaba, Abdel Elkhadiri, Rudeina Baasiri, Steven Evans, David Klonkowski, Dania Dandashli, Wadih El Hajj, Wafa Abdin, Diane Barber and Karen Neimeier, Victoria and Marshal Lightman and Edge of Arabia artists Hamza Serafi and sisters Raja and Shadia Alem.

Moe Boughaba, from left, Abdel Elkhadiri, Rudeina Baasiri, Steven Evans and David Klonkowski.

Moe Boughaba, from left, Adbel Elkhadiri, Rudeina Baasiri, Steven Evans and David Klonkowski at the FotoFest opening party March 2014

Photo by Morris Malakoff

Moe Boughaba, from left, Abdel Elkhadiri, Rudeina Baasiri, Steven Evans and David Klonkowski.

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Haute Holiday

Macy’s and Saks bring holiday style to Houtson's Nutcracker Market

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brianna Maggi and Heidi Turney.

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market isn’t just a festive shopper’s playpen — it’s a glittery treasure hunt where holiday cheer meets the perfect excuse to shop ’til you drop — and maybe snack on something indulgent along the way. For the well-heeled crowd whose steps gain a joyful skip whenever fashion enters the scene, you can thank two of Houston’s retailers for exercising everyone’s capitalistic tendencies and giving Amex cards a hefty workout.

Over two days, the Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue fashion shows and luncheons brought high fashion and holiday cheer to the heart of NRG Center. Philanthropy and glam went hand in hand, with proceeds benefiting the Houston Ballet’s Academy and scholarship programs.

Against a backdrop of bustling booths featuring 270-plus merchants, the Nutcracker Market’s marquee fashion events jingled like ornaments on a Christmas tree. From themed ready-to-wear ensembles to runway-worthy couture, the shows united Houston’s chicest A-listers for a common cause.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Luxe and Luminous

On November 14, the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon turned the spotlight on high-end couture with Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston as a spirited emcee. With chairs Ileana Treviño and Beth Zdeblick at the helm, this gathering raised more than $451,000. The crowd strutted in strong with 1,470 trendsetters turning the scene into a style parade.

Models took to the runway in Sachin and Babi designs, set against an ethereal palette of whites and creams. A live violinist elevated the atmosphere, blending modern hits like Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss” with classic Christmas tunes. The sophistication of the fashion was matched by the artistry of the music.

Honoree Sharon Erskine, a longtime Houston Ballet Trustee and former Nutcracker Market Chair, was lauded for her dedication. Guests were treated to surprises, including a luxury Marc Jacobs handbag giveaway, and soon after, they poured into the Nutcracker Market for a festive shopping spree.

Spotted were Tracey Williford, Megan Kessler, Heidi Turney, Kristy Bradshaw, Lindsey Brown, Julie Kent, Jean May, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Martha Finger, Ann Graham, Jennifer Kushner, Susan Binney, Mignon Gill, Shawn Stephens, Blair Kessler, Jo Furr, C.C. Conner, Chita Kraft, Katrina Arnim, Tina Raham-Stewart, Sarah Davidson, Leigh Smith, and Ann Bean.

Macy’s Fashion Show: A Holiday Spectacle

Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon, chaired by Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson, and Michelle Jeffery also welcomed more than 1,400 spirited guests, raising $373,350 for the ballet.

With KPRC anchor Amy Davis as emcee, the runway came alive with delightful themes. Models glided to the sounds of “Snow,” showcasing dreamy cream and gold ensembles. The mood shifted to playful as the Disney collection hit the catwalk with a surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse himself, grooving to “Hey, Mickey.” A tribute to Wicked brought a touch of Broadway sass, featuring looks inspired by Glinda and Elphaba set to the inspirational anthem “Defying Gravity.”

The tables were adorned with pristine white roses courtesy of H-E-B. Special honoree Cheryl Zane received a heartfelt acknowledgment for her contributions. Post-show, attendees immersed themselves in the Nutcracker Market’s array of shops, fueled by the excitement from the runway.

Seen were Michelle Barrett, Michelle Jeffery, Cheryl Zane, Amy Davis, Gary Hudgins, Melissa Reihle, Renee Humphrey, Gaylon Gullquist, Cynthia Christ, and Michelle Maresh.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brianna Maggi and Heidi Turney.

fundraisers nutcracker market nutcracker market fashion