Shelby's Social Diary
Lucinda Loya ratchets up the Versace/Vogue party for an evening of rockin'fashion play
When Versace and Vogue reached out to stylish interior designerLucinda Loya and her handsome husband, Choice Energy CEO Javier, to host an evening of champagne, shopping and fashion, the New York entities should have fastened their seat belts. The Loyas had some really big ideas and there was no holding this creative duo back.
Vogue had envisioned two models strolling through the couple's hip modern home in Stablewood, spins by a DJ and catering by Jackson & Co.
Nah, not enough.
Try a total of eight models (six more hired by the Loyas) showcasing Versace fall and winter 2011 fashions, presented on a multi-level stage that Lucinda designed and had built at her own expense. That was in the backyard where pscychedelic light projections whirled against white stucco walls while the 250 guests grooved to the sounds a hipster DJ who spun tunes in the outdoor living area.
"Javier and I really wanted to take this party up a notch," Lucinda said. "And with Fashion Houston being involved, it was very important for us to take it over the top."
Inside, where the open floor plan makes partying a breeze, Versace displayed its wares (for sale) in various areas. Handbags were proffered in the dining room, shoes and other accessories in the vast kitchen/family room, dresses throughout the ground floor and menswear beneath the newly-installed glass staircase (finished just that afternoon). And the bubbly flowed and flowed thanks to jeweler Franco Valobra.
"Javier and I really wanted to take this party up a notch," Lucinda said. "And with Fashion Houston being involved, it was very important for us to take it over the top."
The party actually served several purposes: a salute to Fashion Houston Presented by Audi, a splash for Versace and Vogue and a benefit for Child Advocates. A percentage of sales from the alluring Versace merchandise went directly to the non-profit. It was a very good night for the house of Versace and for Child Advocates, which enjoyed a commendable windfall. (Lucinda and Stephanie Perkins chair the Dec. 6 Child Advocates luncheon.)
Add to that the fact that Javier raided the Versace shop for his wardrobe that night and picked up Versace scarves for their daughters. Ana Luca, 8, wore her scarf as a dress while 6-year-old Elena wore hers as a halter. Lucinda was in head-to-toe Versace as well. And both the Loyas wore Versace fragrances. Talk about brand loyalty.
Vogue style expert Anne Vincent was in from New York for the evening. She and long-time friend Neal Hamil spent a good part of the evening as a mini-receiving line at the front door. Among the fashionable crowd were designers Chloe Dao, Jerri Moore and Aries Milan and Times Two founder Greggory Fourticq.
Jewelry designer Katie Decker made the scene with her mom, Liz Decker. Also in the mix was Becca Cason Thrash, who spoke before the group, to whom it was announced that she will be the Fashion Houston 2011 Style Icon.
Fashion Houston honchos Jared Lang and Cara Morales led the pack that included Tonya Riner, Amy Lee, Dr. Cecil Yeung, Diane Lokey Farb, Mark Sullivan, Sue and Lester Smith, Terry Berry, Kimberly and Frank DeLape, Libby Cagle, Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose, Rob Thomas, Nick Florescu and as one oberserver noted the "triple glam slam" of news anchors — Dominique Sachse, Sharron Melton and Gina Gaston.