On a picture-perfect spring afternoon, Houston’s haute families traded their city stilettos for stylish wedges and sun hats at Hope Farms, where fashion met philanthropy at the Seventh Annual Fashion in the Fields Brunch and Fashion Show. With Japanese umbrellas dancing in the breeze and the scent of ranunculus and rose wafting from centerpiece watering cans, the event proved once again that cultivating health and style are not mutually exclusive.
The star of the show — aside from the petal-perfect runway looks — was the event’s uniquely multi-generational leadership. Elizabeth Phillips chaired the event alongside daughters Ariel Lopez and Brittany Faulk, with granddaughters Finley Lopez, Hallie Faulk, and Rose Faulk making it a family affair to remember. Sheree Frede, Sarah Phillips, and Sara DeJay Willis served as co-chairs, reinforcing the event’s legacy-minded ethos.
And legacy was the buzzword of the day.
“To see the next generation picking up the torch is deeply inspiring,” said Recipe for Success founder Gracie Cavnar, who’s spent 19 years growing the organization’s mission to inspire children to eat fresh, nutritious food. That mission took center stage — quite literally — when a pack of pint-sized models dressed by Itsy Bitsy Boutique (and some dapper dads in M Penner) pranced down the runway to collective awws and camera flashes.
Photo by Michelle Watson
Founder Gracie Cavnar, center, with the participating chefs.
The main event unfolded with spring collections from presenting sponsors Mason’s Daughter, Sachin and Babi, and City Boots, punctuated by sustainable style highlights from Magpies and Peacocks. ABC13 Houston anchor and style savant Miya Shay emceed with flair, serving commentary as vibrant as the garments.
Of course, no fashion fête is complete without a fitting feast.
Guests noshed on a Michelin-pedigree brunch courtesy of a chef dream team: Tommy Laczynski (Barcelona Wine Bar), Barbara McKnight (Culinaire), JC Ricks (Dandelion Café), Drake Leonards (Eunice), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), and Patti Delgado (The Original Ninfa’s). Glasses clinked over Down the Rabbit Hole cocktails, a botanical blend with carrot juice from Hope Farms and wines courtesy of 55 Seventy Private Member’s Club.
The day’s emotional high came during Paddles Up, raising scholarships for Hope Farms’ summer camps. Cynthia and Tony Petrello led the charge with a $5,000 gift to fund a dozen weeklong experiences for local kids. Raffle winners walked away with floral subscriptions, design consults, private cocktail classes, and fresh produce deliveries. The Foundation also honored Chef Kevin Bryant as Chef of the Year and Samuel Jackson as Volunteer of the Year for their unwavering commitment to sustainable food education.
Looking ahead, Lyndsey Zorich, a Foundation Advisory Board member and fashion entrepreneur, is already at work assembling next year’s dream team of stylish moms to chair the 2026 event.
Among the stylish crowd were Beth Harp, Gayla Gardner, Celina Hellmund, Anita and David Garten, Rudy Guerra, Veronica Neal, Sara Morgan and Oscar Brown, Laura and Etai Funk, and Gina Gaston Elie.
