This ice was very nice

Verdura's Houston splash has jewelry lovers dreaming of a dazzling Christmas

Greggory Burk tries on the dazzling diamond necklace that once belonged to BabePaley. It was the hit of the Verdura party.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Denny Kempner, from left, Marcy Taub Wessel and Heidi Gerger
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Verdura president Nico Landrigan and Lynn Wyatt viewing his iPhone photos.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Verdura vice president Jim Haag, left, discusses the jewels with Will and MinnieBaird.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Windi Grimes, left, and Meredith Barineau were among those admiring the Verdurawares.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Verdura's Richard Miner with Terry and Tommy Smith.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Elyse Lanier, left, and Courtney Sarofim were among the window-shoppers.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford this chain of seriousdiamonds from the Babe Paley collection.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Stormy Hull tries on one of the Verdura cuffs with jeweled Maltese cross.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
The ballroom in the private River Oaks home was filled with tables of jewels,more than 180 pieces.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Jeanie Kilroy, left, and Lynn Wyatt
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Russell and Julia Frankel
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
This is the largest Verdura collection to be seen outside of New York.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson
Vintage pieces were mixed with new, copies of originals worn by the stars.
Photo by © Richard J. Carson

Any lingering doubts about this city's robust economy were soundly put to rest earlier this week when Verdura, hailed by the New York Times as "America's crown jeweler," dropped in for a few days of appointments and one brilliant shopping party. On the first day, within just a few hours, 10 pieces from the collection, ranging from $7,000 to $2 million, had been sold.

Verdura vice president Jim Haag presided over the Tuesday night cocktail party, held in the ballroom of a River Oaks home, where a select group were invited to view and, the hope was, to buy. Verdura president Nico Landrigan came in from New York as well and visited with long-time friends such as Lynn Wyatt, stunning in her Verdura cuffs and earrings.

On the first day, within just a few hours, 10 pieces from the collection, ranging from $7,000 to $2 million, had been sold.

The options among the 183 pieces, both vintage and current, ranged from cuff links and rings to earrings, brooches and necklaces — offerings in turquoise, coral and diamonds, loads of diamonds. The most eye-catching item in the collection was the serious seven-figure diamond necklace that CBS CEO Bill Paley presented to his wife, Babe, on their 10th wedding anniversary.

Laura Wheless, Stormy Hull and Greggory Burk were among those admiring their images draped in the necklace comprised of massive diamonds.

Others admiring the magnificent collection included Alexandra Knight, Meredith Barineaux, Elyse Lanier (who has her own Verdura collection), Courtney Sarofim, Diane Lokey Farb, Minnie and Will Baird, Judith Oudt, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Jeanie Kilroy and Tony and Isaac Arnold, long-time friends of Verdura chairman and CEO Ward Landrigan.

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UNIFORM UTOPIA

Luxury scrubs brand FIGS opens first Texas location in Rice Village

Photo courtesy of FIGS

FIGS will open its new Rice Village Community Hub on December 6.

Healthcare apparel company FIGS is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Texas with a new Community Hub in Rice Village. The retail space is designed to serve both as a store and a gathering spot for the city's healthcare community.

The Rice Village location opens this Saturday, December 6, with a public grand opening event on December 13 from 6 to 8 pm featuring giveaways, music, food, and drinks from local vendors. Joining outposts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Houston location is the fourth Community Hub for the company and the only location in the South.

The store will carry the full range of FIGS products, including scrubwear, loungewear, and accessories. It will also host events and programming focused on healthcare topics, offering visitors opportunities to meet and share experiences.

At the new FIGS boutique, shoppers will find the Color Clinic, offering scrubwear in core colors with rotating seasonal options. The store also has a Customization Station, which provides embroidery for names, titles, practice or hospital logos, and local icon options available only at Community Hubs. Personalization is also available for scrub caps, outerwear, and accessories.

FiGS The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram

The brand, founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, is known for fashion-forward medical uniforms made from a proprietary fabric with four-way stretch, antimicrobial technology, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. Hasson and Spear began selling directly to healthcare workers in Los Angeles-area hospital parking lots before growing their presence as an online retailer.

CEO and co-founder Trina Spear believes Rice Village was the perfect choice due to its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. She said the company wanted a space that supports Houston healthcare professionals and gives them a place to shop and connect.

"Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, and we are honored to bring a FIGS Community Hub to this city. This space is designed to serve and celebrate Houston healthcare professionals," said Spear. "Our Community Hubs create opportunities for customers to not only shop in a way that never previously existed, but to connect with each other and with FIGS on a deeper level."

FIGS Community Hub, 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite 130, 77005

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