style with purpose

Houston fashionistas smile with purpose at Valentino-fueled fundraiser

Say cheese? Sometimes, all it takes is the word Valentino to bring a wide grin to the face of a fashion enthusiast, especially for those who frequently refresh their closets with the latest releases from notable designers. With fall-winter pre-collections hitting the racks, a sneak peek from the Italian maison de couture is just what the doctor ordered to entice Houston’s A-listers to grab attention-grabbing outfits, hit the stores, and give their Amex cards a healthy workout.

Especially when a portion of the proceeds supports a nonprofit that makes its clients — and the philanthropists who stand behind it — quite happy.

This exclusive show-and-tell on May 8, 2024, backed the global nonprofit Operation Smile, thanks to loyal allies Sneha Merchant and Viet Hoang. Since 1982, the organization has offered cleft lip and palate repair surgeries in more than 60 countries.

Yes, there were plenty of graphic V's on view, a practice that began with the designer’s 1968 Sala Bianca show. This unveiling continued the tradition of Valentino's contemporary and timeless flair, complemented with opulent embroidery, flowing profiles, and tailored accents. The color palette was awash with sophisticated hues of navy and ivory.

Adding to the fundraising prowess were social scene stalwarts Stacey and Al Lindseth and Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl. With Merchant and Hoang, this sextet is set to chair the Eighth Annual Houston Smile Gala on Sept. 14 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. This fashion party also served to announce 2024 ball honorees Roslyn Bazzelle and Derrick Mitchell with the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, Dr. Katie To and Dr. Bar Nguyen with the Medical Visionary Award, and Melissa Holman Juneau with the John Connor Humanitarian Award.

Catering by A Fare Extraordinaire and florals from Thriving Botanicals for each guest enhanced the allure of the evening.

On the scene were Henri Merceron, Tiffany Lee, Donae Charmosta, Nick Merchant, Ceron, Zeb Mamsa, Dr. Hoda Sana, Beth Muecke, Kendra Smith, Hannah Swiggard, Elizabeth Waggett, Vicsandra Jones, Naureen and Ahmad Malik, Leisa Holland Nelson, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, and Vy and Nathan Robertson.

Operation Smile honoree announcement 2024

Courtesy of Operation Smile

Liz Sanders, Sarah Ebrahimi, Fara Ebrahimy, Minh Deckerd, and Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl.

fashion fundraisers

remembering richard flowers

Richard Flowers, mastermind behind Houston's $1 million galas, has died

Houston Ballet Ball Richard Flowers Lynn Wyatt

Photo by Michelle Watson

Richard Flowers with Lynn Wyatt ah the 2026 Houston Ballet Ball.

The man who planned some of Houston’s most fabulous parties has died. Richard Flowers, founder of The Events Company, passed away over the weekend. He was 75.

Part of Fertitta Entertainment, The Events Company executes a wide array celebrations, galas, fundraisers, corporate events, and other experiences. Flowers provided the vision for noteworthy happenings in Houston and beyond, such as the annual San Luis Salute and The Texas Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.

“We relied on and appreciated Richard’s incredible creative talent across our entire portfolio from hotels to casinos and every special event the company staged for decades,” said Tilman Fertitta, the Houston billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment and current U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, in a statement. “His masterful décor and production left an imprint on every signature event hosted at The Post Oak Hotel from unforgettable weddings to the grandest of galas.”

A native of San Antonio and an alumnus of the University of Texas, Flowers entered the energy business prior to founding The Events Company. He partnered with Fertitta Entertainment in 2003, which led to executing events across the United States, Europe, and Mexico.

Among his many achievements, Flowers created events for the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alley Theatre, and Houston Ballet, which honored him at its 2026 gala. Overall, he’s helped Houston nonprofits raise millions.

“I’ve lost track of how many events I’ve attended shaped by Richard’s unmistakable touch,” CultureMap society contributor Joel Luks shares. “He saw the world as a canvas, one he transformed into moments of wonder, surprise, and joy. Philanthropy in Houston is stronger because of his generosity, creativity, and vision. And if you walked into a room and felt transported, chances are, it was because of him.”

Flowers also planned a destination wedding for Hallie Vanderhider, his friend and a member of the Houston Ballet board of trustees executive committee, to Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Bobby Dees in 2024. "Richard was truly one of a kind. His creativity and ingenuity could only be eclipsed by his humble kindness. We will miss him dearly but hold him close in our hearts forever," Vanderhider recalls.

Flowers earned a number of accolades during his career, including being named the “Ultimate Event Planner in Houston” by the Houston Chronicle and serving on Town & Country magazine’s Wedding Advisory Board. He served on numerous boards for local nonprofits, including the Houston Grand Opera. He is survived by his husband, Angel Rios.

Fertitta Entertainment shares that The Events Company will continue, guided by Flowers’ “creative legacy built on imagination, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.”

deaths obituary richard flowers anderson