Shelby's Social Diary

Swimming with major celebs at Cannes: Bruce Willis, Bill Murray & Sean Penn inthe scene with Houston duo

Diane Lokey Farb, escorted by Mark Sullivan, made all the party rounds at theCannes Film Festival.
Photo by V&D Pictures
Diane Lokey Farb stepped out in stunning Chanel gown and beaded Valentino shawl.
Sean Penn, center, speaks to the audience at the Haiti Benefit Dinner at theCannes Film Festival. Also on hand were screenwriter Paul Haggis, right, andmodel Petra Nemcova, second from left.
Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/WireImage for Electrolux
The paparazzi were all over the scene at the Cannes Film Festival where DianeLokey Farb and Mark Sullivan were in the limelight.

Pinch me, please. How else could Diane Lokey Farb, escorted by PR whiz Mark Sullivan, react to the sea of megastars in which she found herself swimming during the Cannes Film Festival?

Just back from their days hobnobbing with Hollywood elite, thanks to their host European jewelry house Chopard, Lokey Farb and Sullivan continue to have stars in their eyes. From the opening night film premiere of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kindgom to the charity dinner chaired by Sean Penn, theirs was a stargazer's paradise.

"It's quite a surreal experience really. I was just on my way home with photos in hand and stopped in the corner store, turned around and Alec Baldwin was standing behind me waiting in line."

For Anderson's screening, the Houston duo sat right behind festival judges Ewan McGregor, Tim Roth and Jean-Paul Gaultier and were seated in the middle of the action at the dinner that followed in a party tent erected next to the theater. Of course, all the film's star were in the mix — Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Jason Schwartzman and Tilda Swinton.

The following night, Lokey Farb and Sullivan were front and center at the Chopard Trophy Awards ceremony with Penn presenting honors to up-and-coming film stars.

Sullivan e-mailed from Cannes, "We later went to Chopard's open-air rooftop party at Hotel Martinez where we were treated to a private concert by it-girl Lana del Rey . . . Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard made quite a splash, and we ended up sitting with Harvey Weinstein, model Eva Herzigova and 'Diddy,' who joined in an impromptu sing along led by the adorable mop-head Beatles-esque group The Gypsy Queens. Sooooo much fun! "

The following night, Lokey Farb and Sullivan attended Sean Penn's charity dinner, benefiting Haitian relief efforts. The ton of A-listers chipping in close to $2 million for the cause included Diane Kruger, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, Ewan McGregor, Giorgio Armani and Petra Nemcova. Performing for the chic crowd was Lyle Lovett, happy to see friendly faces from Texas. Lovett was accompanied by his wife, April.

The film festival days were filled with close encounters with various stars as Sullivan reported from the scene. "It's quite a surreal experience really. I was just on my way home with photos in hand and stopped in the corner store, turned around and Alec Baldwin was standing behind me waiting in line."

"It's those kinds of things that make it feel like you're walking on some kind of alternative planet!"

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction

Shelby's Social Diary

Swimming with major celebs at Cannes: Bruce Willis, Bill Murray & Sean Penn inthe scene with Houston duo

Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

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