Shelby's Social Diary

All of lunch's a stage: Fashionable femmes rule as a famous author entertainswith revealing tales

Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson
Photo by © Priscilla Dickson

The stage of Jones Hall seldom glows more elegantly than it does each October for the annual Society for the Performing Arts fall luncheon. Wednesday was no exception as the performance space was packed to sell-out capacity with fashionable femmes and a sprinkling of gents.

Leading the stylish ensemble were luncheon chair Lucinda Loya, on the arm of hubby Javier Loya, and honorary chair Karen Pulaski, escorted by her young daughter, Leila.

Headlining the day was Kathryn Stockett, author of the best-selling book The Help, who entertained the rapt audience with tales of her Mississippi heritage, of the adjustment between life in the magnolia state and living in Manhattan and of her troubles in meeting deadlines for her next book.

It was a special day for artist Mariquita Masterson, who received the Ann Sakowitz Performing Arts Advocate Award. Liz Glanville of DeVille Fine Jewelry designed the award — a one of a kind brooch in gold with rubies, the design based on the SPA logo.

Applauding Masterson, Stockett and the luncheon chairs were SPA executive director June Christensen, Phoebe Tudor, Melanie Gray, Sharon Adams, Ginni Mithoff, Stewart Masterson, Libbie Masterson, Soraya McClelland, Stephanie Cockrell, Estela Cockrell, Vanessa Sendukas and Becca Cason Thrash, who hosted the underwriter cocktail party honoring Stockett at her home the night before.

unspecified

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

All of lunch's a stage: Fashionable femmes rule as a famous author entertainswith revealing tales

Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

Stylish new lounge shakes up Houston with art-inspired drinks and caviar

These are the 6 most affordable ZIP codes for Houston renters

Bank of America closes branches across U.S., including 1 in Houston