Memorable Meals

Memorable evening for UH College of Architecture showcases unique home with standout dinner

With development directors and non-profits always looking for a fresh means of fundraising and friend-raising, we have to applaud the University of Houston College of Architecture for its brilliant, fresh approach to garnering some of that much sought-after attention.

Dean Patricia Oliver, a gourmet chef in addition to leading the internationally award-winning college, hosted the school's first in a series of "Memorable Meals in Memorable Places" in the award-winning home of UH architecture grad Karen Lantz and Dr. Andrew Farkas. Chefs from Uchi were in the kitchen, preparing an endless stream of the restaurant's popular dishes.

"The idea is to bring new people to the college that are getting to know us, new friends," Oliver said. "Bring our close friends, our ambassadors and introduce them to an alum or faculty member who has designed a significant piece of architecture — in this case a young alum who has won a state award for this project, this house."

Oliver was joined in hosting the event by Jim Furr, managing partner emeritus at Gensler. He and his wife, Jo, were among those touring the three-level, sustainable dwelling that features an underground family room and wine cellar. Lantz is co-founder of Houston MOD and the impressive home gives a serious architectural nod to mid-century esthetics.

Oliver allowed that the goal of these evenings is to introduce guests to "what the graduates of our college are doing and to get to see the projects and have a wonderful mea. The point is just to bring everyone together in a good spirit and let them know, get the word out that the students and graduates of our college are doing amazing things and there is no better way to get the word out than to show them."

Among those on hand were architectural historian Stephen Fox, Donna Kacmar, David Kaplan, Bart Truxillo, Bryan Malarkey, Ryan Gordon, Edie Archer and Lauri Lampson.

Shelby Hodge is married to UH Architecture professor Shafik Rifaat.

Karen Lantz's award-winning home was setting for the University of Houston College of Architecture's first "Memorable Meals in Memorable Places."

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Photo Courtesy Karen Lantz

Karen Lantz's award-winning home was setting for the University of Houston College of Architecture's first "Memorable Meals in Memorable Places."

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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