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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Masterpiece artworks vie for attention with designer gowns at MFAH ball, artworkwins

    Shelby Hodge
    Oct 4, 2010 | 12:34 pm
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain
    • Photo by Gary Fountain

    When pitted against a Frank Stella or a Hans Hofmann, even the most spectacular Oscar de la Renta gown simply must take a backseat. So it was at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball where millions of dollars worth of contemporary paintings were pulled from storage to line the walls of Cullinan Hall and the Upper Brown Pavilion.

    In a break with tradition, gala chairs Carol and Mike Linn eschewed a froufrou decorative theme in lieu of the evening that saluted the museum's collection. They also mixed things up. Guests arrived at the original entrance to the Caroline Weiss Law Building and moved to the spacious Cullinan Hall for the pre-dinner schmoozing and preening. All agreed that it was a much better fit for the 500 guests than the traditional sardine squish of the museum lobby where the reception is typically held.

    For "A Celebration of American Art," the MFAH spotlighted Stella's Damascus Gate (Stretch Variation III) and other monumental works by the innovator of avant-garde art in America. The artist was in attendance as guest of MFAH board chair Cornelia Long and Meredith Long. Joining them at the table was MFAH curator Alison de Lima Greene, close friend of the artist. It was Stella's second Grand Gala Ball. The artist created decorative murals for the 1982 "Stella Under the Stars" evening, a soirée that Ann and Charles Duncan recalled with relish while praising Friday night's art-filled setting.

     The fashion

    Of course, while some would like to think that all eyes were on the amazing artworks, the designer gowns did command a certain amount of attention, undeniable at the premiere social event of the fall season. And, yes, Oscar was at the forefront. Sheridan Williams and Pat Breen arrived in identical billowing, beaded gowns. (Dancie Ware had purchased the same, also from Neiman Marcus, but returned it when she learned that others had the gown planned for the MFAH gala.) Diane Lokey Farb wore a similar frothy Oscar confection, though more elaborately detailed. Her astonishing necklace was a show-stopper.

    Carol Linn selected a navy blue jacketed gown by Rene Ruiz from Tootsies. Also on the Oscar team was Elizabeth Petersen in a stunning beaded, column gown. Cynthia Petrello chose a Bottega Veneta in mocha-hued satin and Kelli Blanton a shimmering water color blue gown by Carlos Miele. Vivian Wise was the belle of the ball in a dramatic burgundy gown by Monique Lhuillier.

     The bottom line

    The national economic slump was not evident on this successful night. Final tally for the black-tie gala surpassed $1.2 million.

    "Not a bad number for a little night of dance," said museum director Peter Marzio. In his brief remarks, Marzio pointed out that the art riches on display that evening represented only one-half of one percent of the museum's modern and contemporary collection. (Could there be a new building in MFAH's future? Those swooning over the art on this night would think so.)

    The museum's collection of American art is detailed in the new book American Arts & Philanthropy: Twenty Years of Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, introduced that evening and presented as party favors for attendees. MFAH patron Charles Butt, H-E-B chairman and CEO, funded that generous gesture. Joining Butt at his table were Susie and Sanford Criner and their family.

     The scenario

    With more room to work in and gala chairs with open minds, Richard Flowers of The Events Co. created a contemporary environment in Cullinan Hall where white leather, kidney-shaped sofas provided seating around the central bar. Upstairs in the dining area, sturdy acrylic chairs and tables, centered with geometrically-configured florals, offered a different perspective on the black-tie gala.

    In yet another break with tradition, Tony's, the Linn's favorite, provided the sumptuous multi-course dinner that had guests praising the change. Highlight was the creative appetizer course presented with tiny recreations of Stella's Damascus Gate in corners of the plate.

    Saving pennies for museum coffers and providing just as much musical entertainment as big-name out-of-town talent was Yvonne Washington & the Mix featuring Tru Soul.

     The cast

    Collectors and MFAH patrons Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs (who chair the 2011 Grand Gala Ball) led the heady contingent that included artist James Surls (in blue jeans, black T-shirt and tux jacket), Laura and John Arnold, Courtney and Bo Hopson, Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Phillip Sarofim, Martha Long, Rose and Harry Cullen, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forrester, Jeanie Kilroy and Kathy and Marty Goossen, Alice and Philip Burgieres Debbie and John Daugherty, and Soraya and Scott McClelland.

    Also in the mix were Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and wife Janice and Melissa and Jamey Rootes, Houston Texans president, who could have only been dreaming of the team's 3-1 record two days before kickoff of the Raiders' game.

    unspecified
    news/society

    Silk and Sequins

    Cultural fashion takes center stage at Runway to Asia in Houston

    Joel Luks
    Jul 10, 2025 | 12:30 pm
    Asia Society Runway to Asia fashion show 2025
    Photo by Annie Mulligan
    Rekha Muddaraj, Shazia Sultan, Danny Nguyen, Zang Toi, Bonna Kol, Phoebe Tudor, and Leigh Smith.

    If fashion is a language, Runway to Asia spoke it fabulously fluently.

    The ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel shimmered with silk, sequins, and sartorial splendor as Asia Society Texas debuted its first-ever Runway to Asia style-studded affair — a glamorous gala-meets-catwalk moment where heritage was hand-stitched into haute couture.

    More than 300 guests filled the swanky venue for the event, greeted by models perched like living mannequins in Danny Nguyen’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, each ensemble a fabric-forward love letter to cultural identity and avant-garde vision. This was a glamnifesto on what it means to wear your roots with pride and purpose.

    Leading the stylish charge were co-chairs Leigh Smith, Shazia Sultan, and Phoebe Tudor, who curated the afternoon like seasoned couturiers. Attendees noshed on a three-course lunch before the real feast began: a full-throttle catwalk presentation honoring two design dynamos — Danny Nguyen, Houston’s own silhouettist supreme, and international fashion luminary Zang Toi.

    Rekha Muddaraj, former KHOU 11 anchor turned emcee extraordinaire, welcomed the crowd with poise, passing the mic to Asia Society Texas president Bonna Kol, who framed the gathering as more than just fashion, but part of the nonprofit’s mission to celebrate cultural diversity through art.

    The applause crescendoed when Michael Buening, the organization’s director of performing arts and culture, announced the event had raised more than $300,000 to fund more than 20 annual programs.

    Pro tip: philanthropy always looks better in couture.

    Then came the honors. Nguyen was honored with the Texas Trendsetter Award, praised by Shazia Sultan for blending traditional elegance with avant-glam silhouettes. Meanwhile, Tudor crowned Toi with the Global Icon Award, charting his runway rise from Malaysia to Manhattan.

    Toi’s “Opulence of the Orient Express” collection brought the house down with 37 jaw-dropping looks: Ottoman-inspired caftans, midnight velvet suits, pearl-dusted evening gowns, and coat-dress hybrids that defied the laws of layering. Each ensemble whispered luxury and screamed craftsmanship.

    The raffle added a thrill of retail roulette with prizes including a luxe Hill Country escape, personal styling sessions with the honorees, and golden tickets to Zang Toi’s Fall 2026 New York show.

    Soaking in the scene were Sushila Agrawal, Nancy Allen, Fady Armanious, Kristy Bradshaw, Divya Brown, Tripp Carter, Theresa Chang, Anne Chao, Molly Crownover, Kari Dagley, Chloe Dao, Debbie Festari, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Brigitte Kalai, Mandy Kao, Sippi Khurana, Karen Kwok, Teri Lee, Kelley Lubanko, Christy Lynn, Petra Martinez, Sneha Merchant, Duyen Nguyen, Cabrina Owsley, Akemi Saitoh, Miya Shay, Sue and Randy Sim, Shawn Stephens, Y. Ping Sun, Ileana Trevino, Janae Tsai, Stephanie Tsuru, Heidi Turney, and Asha Virani.

    Asia Society Runway to Asia fashion show 2025
      

    Photo by Annie Mulligan

    Rekha Muddaraj, Shazia Sultan, Danny Nguyen, Zang Toi, Bonna Kol, Phoebe Tudor, and Leigh Smith.

    fundraisersasia society texas centerfashion show
    news/society
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