No, this was not your typical store opening party. In fact, don't even think of calling the dynamite new Restoration Hardware emporium a "store." The Gallery, please, opened its 14-foot gates Thursday night revealing to the invitation-only crowd of 1,200 a magnificent mansion setting that could have been relocated from Tuscany or the South of France.
The launch of this signature Restoration Hardware in Highland Village was so important to the brand that the San Francisco-based company flew in 10 of its board members and a number of top execs including chairman and co-CEO Gary Friedman and co-CEO Carlos Alberini. All were on hand for the bash that featured entertainment byLykke Li, wines from Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, taste sensations by Michael Chiarello of Bottega in Napa (handled locally by Elizabeth Swift's Swift + Co.) and fresh bellinis a la Cipriani in New York.
As he lapped up the endless praise for the new Restoration Hardware and explained the gallery, Friedman said, "This is kind of a personal reflection of the esthetic and sensibillities and style that we love. I love it. We were involved in designing every detail of it."
The launch of this signature Restoration Hardware was so important to the brand that the company flew in 10 of its board members and a number of top execs.
The five-star host committee of social heavyweights, design leaders and bon vivants arrived early to prowl the home-like spaces, peruse the furniture and accessories collections and to ascend the three-story double staircase to the stunning rooftop garden that, if RH acquiesces, could easily become the hottest party destination in the city. Even before this evening heated up, Gregory Fourticq and Diane Lokey Farb bantered over who would throw the first private fete there.
Think olive trees, sculpted boxwoods in planters, trickling fountains, dramatic lighting, fab outdoor furnishings and panoramic skyline views.
Interior designers Randy Powers and Lauren Rottet, both on the committee as well, gave all floors of the gallery a thumbs up. Janet Gurwitch, Allie Fields and Sheridan Williams had their eyes on the banks of white flowers and greenery created by floral designer David Brown, who will offer prepared and custom arrangements from the top-floor perch.
Another amenity not often found in any retail establishment was the Bellocq Tea Atelier, where tea company co-founder Michael Shannon helped dispense samples of flavored brews.
In the swell crowd were Highland Village owner Haidar Barbouti with Maryam Afshari, Hines' George Lancaster, interior designer and author Bill Stubbs, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance's Ramona Davis, interior designer Rene Abbott and Houston Creative Flooring's Greg Manteris, Jackson & Co.'s Milton Townsend and notables including John and Becca Cason Thrash, Kara and Ray Childress, Lucinda and Javier Loya, Kathi Mosbacher and Mike Wheeler, Ursaline Hamilton and Luvi and Carlos Wheelock.
