Wendy Davis Rocks Houston

It's a Wendy Davis lovefest in Houston with major lawyers eager for photos, autographs

Enthusiastic Democrats vied to have their photo taken with State Sen. Wendy Davis Monday night at Hughes Hanger as she received the Harris County Democratic Lawyers' Association 2013 Clarence Darrow Award. The presumptive Democratic nominee for governor also signed pink running shoes (like the ones she wore when she gained national attention in filibustering a strict anti-abortion law in the Texas legislature) and name tags of recipients who wanted a memento.

Previous recipients of the award, which recognizes a lawyer, public official or advocate who embodies the principles of famed attorney Clarence Darrow, include Frances "Sissy" Farenthold, who was at the gathering, Jim Mac Perdue, Sr., Richard Mithoff, George Parnham, Anthony Griffin, Frumencio Reyes and David Dow of the Texas Innocence Project.

The award presentation was scheduled for this summer, but had to be rescheduled when Davis' father, Jerry Russell, was hospitalized from complications that arose after abdominal surgery in Fort Worth. He died in early September.

In a campaign-style speech, Davis told the enthusiastic crowd that the award had special meaning to her because her father, an actor and director who started the nonprofit North Texas theater company Stage West, was preparing to portray Darrow in a play before his death.

"It's particularly poignant for me to here be with you tonight because at the time I had envisioned inviting my dad to be part of watching me receiving this incredible award because for him particularly, he would know why it is special," she said.

Among the Dems on hand were former Texas Gov. Mark White, State Rep. Harold V. Dutton, Houston city controller Ron Green, State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Judge Mike Engelhart, Judge Jaclanel McFarland, Judge Alexandra Smoots-Hogan, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, Justice Jim Sharp, and State Rep. Gene Wu. Joining in the excitement wereHCDLA president Tim Riley, Barbara Radnofsky, Dr. Bud Frazier, Barbara Gardner and Gerry Birnberg.

Wendy Davis signs a pink sneaker like the one she wore during her famous filibuster.

Wendy Davis signing tennis shoe Houston November 2013

Photo by Dalton DeHart

Wendy Davis signs a pink sneaker like the one she wore during her famous filibuster.

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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