How the ladies love "Another Great Night in November," that dressy girl's night out that enriches the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Founded as a femme counterpart to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's wildly successful men's smoker "One Great Night in November," the dinner is one of the most popular events of the fall social season, particularly among a sophisticated, art-minded set.
Wednesday night's event was true to form, only on this evening, the ladies really kicked it up a notch by stepping out in the chicest of cocktail attire in response to the invitation's call for "contemporary cocktail" dressing. Headlining the art-minded party were chairs Karol Barnhart and Carson Seeligson, who took bows for the record event with more than 325 women attending and proceeds topping $245,000.
So visually stunning was the collection of femmes that they almost out-shone the artwork in the home of hostess Janet Hobby. And the artwork was all important for that was the centerpiece of the treasure hunt that featured a list of art-related questions and included enough pop culture subjects to make the treasure quiz a challenge.
Once again, the winning table (that group of brainiacs who got the most answers correct on the treasure hunt/quiz) belonged to Sissy Kempner, her group having taken home the coveted fashion prizes more than a few times over the years. Joining Sissy in walking out with fab Dior clutches were Susie, Criner, Liz Crowell, Marita Fairbanks, Cece Fowler, Marley Lott, Evelyn Nolen, Jessica Phifer, Beverly Robinson and Lauren Rottet.
Christian Dior executive vice president of North America
Karen Watkins flew in from New York for the evening and she did the honors announcing the winning table.
Among the fashionables sitting down to dinner by City Kitchen in a feminine setting created by Rebekah Johnson were Lynn Wyatt, Tricia Dewhurst, Kelli Blanton, Phoebe Tudor, Marcy Taub, Cabrina Owsley, Lisa Holthouse, Paige Rockecharlie, Sarah Pesikoff, Jo Furr and Erin Furr Stimming.