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    not just a 'solo' exhibition

    Must-see Star Wars exhibition of ultra-rare artifacts, costumes, and more lands at River Oaks luxury jewelry boutique

    Steven Devadanam
    May 4, 2023 | 7:45 pm

    To rephrase a wildly popular line from the Star Wars trilogy: we've got a good feeling about this.

    River Oaks luxury jeweler Franco Valobra — owner of the esteemed Valobra Master Jewelers — has unearthed a treasure trove of Star Wars memorabilia and artifacts that may have every bounty hunter in the galaxy setting coordinates to his chic boutique.

    Just in time for May the Fourth Day (which is somehow isn't a federal holiday), Valobra is unveiling a vast collection of what he calls “museum quality,” never-seen-by-the-public, original props, costumes, and artifacts.

    Star Wars diehards wont' have to travel to a galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars showcase of trilogy-era (1977 to 1983 pieces) will be on view at his elegant store ((2150 Westheimer Rd.) from May 10 to May 13.

    For artisan, curator, tastemaker Valobra, the exhibition is as much artistic as it is feel-good for lifelong fans. “My personal connection and commitment is through the artistry of fine jewelry and the experience it gives others,” he tells CultureMap. “George Lucas and other industry geniuses revolutionized the artistry of film. Lucas especially through the creation of the original Star Wars trilogy starting in 1977.”

    Darth Vader and Leia's bikini in the house

    Valobra's collection boasts what he says is one of the world’s greatest — outside of Star Wars creator George Lucas’ own collection. Viewers and fans can expect original costumes and props of the main characters in the original trilogy.

    That means what he calls the oldest, original, surviving Darth Vader costume and the Princess Leia’s metal bikini “slave costume” — which caused a galactic gasp when star Carrie Fisher donned it in 1983's Return of the Jedi. (Many a young fan grew immediately upon seeing the princess in that revealing getup forced on her by big blob Jabba the Hutt.)

    More must-view memorabilia includes a Luke Skywalker X-Wing helmet (worn by the star Mark Hamill), among many other rare and one-of-a-kind pieces. The unforgettable Mos Eisley cantina from the 1977 Star Wars film comes alive thanks to original alien masks made for especially for the scene.

    Would-be rebel pilots can check out a rare X-Wing model used in the first movie, while Imperial types can gaze upon extremely rare Storm Troopers’ uniforms, armors, and even weapons.

    “Movies are experienced by viewing, as jewelry is experienced by wearing,” Valobra says of the connection with film craft and jewelry. “I personally have great passion and admiration for movies showcasing great art and brilliance, as I do for handcrafted, custom jewelry, as well and antique and heirloom jewelry which create an emotion. A comparison of the two is jewelry is a wearable masterpiece, as Star Wars is a viewable masterpiece.”

    Speaking of masterpieces, Valobra's show will also feature a total must-see for diehard fans: extremely rare and never-before-seen documents and artwork Lucas crafted and used to illustrate and pitch his groundbreaking concepts to 20th Century Fox executives and other film studios.

    The art of Star Wars

    A household name for serious fans, noted illustrator Ralph McQuarrie gets his own exhibition with his first character drawings and mockups. Aficionados can also see Carrier Fisher's original personal script that reveals handwritten notes showcasing the development and final selection of the film’s most iconic dialogues.

    Adding a bit of immersive fun to the show, the original C-3PO and R2-D2 droids will greet visitors (no word if R2 will serve drinks, as he did in Return of the Jedi) via actors and animatronics. Resist the urge to take off down Westheimer — as Luke Skywalker's original land speeder — used to promote the 1977 Star Wars film — will be parked outside.

    Dazzling and dark lord diamonds

    Fittingly for a master jeweler, Valobra will present the Skywalker Diamond, what Valobra calls “exceptionally rare and flawless,” and the Sith-worthy Darth Vader Black Diamond.

    “Jewelry is art. Art is culture. Culture is movies,” Valobra reflects of why he's bringing the show to Houston. “My history, family, and legacy values the importance and the appreciation for our culture and how we experience it.”

    Clearly, The Force is strong with this one.

    -----

    The Star Wars memorabilia showcase runs from Wednesday, May 10 through Saturday, May 13 at Valobra Master Jewelers (2150 Westheimer Rd.).

    star wars c3PO concept art ralph mcquarrie
      

    Photo courtesy of Valobra Master Jewelers

    Legendary illustrator Ralph McQuarrie's original concept art — used to pitch to studios — will be on view.

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    Blush and Bubbles

    A pink takeover brings hope and funds for American Cancer Society luncheon

    Joel Luks
    Jun 27, 2025 | 4:00 pm
    American Cancer Society Tickled Pink Luncheon 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Leila Perrin, Brandi Sikes, Rick Smith, Myrtle Jones, and Gaye Lynn Zarrow.

    The Post Oak Hotel was awash in shades of blush, rose, and fuchsia as more than 650 supporters turned out for the American Cancer Society Quantum Capital Tickled Pink Luncheon presented by HEB. Chair Sippi Khurana and honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson-Bowman, Donna Lewis, and Beth Wolff proudly steered the record-breaking affair, which raised an impressive $700,000 for breast cancer research, education, and patient support.

    The scene inside the ballroom was a pink dreamscape, with blooms cascading across a floral photo wall where guests lined up for snapshots. Tables dressed in soft pink linens and shimmering accents set a cheerful yet poignant mood.

    Fittingly, bottomless champagne glasses kept spirits bubbly, and a sweepstakes featuring seven enviable prizes sold out quickly, stoking the crowd's philanthropic energy.

    ABC13's Gina Gaston emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through moments of reflection and celebration. A particularly moving segment came when everyone in the ballroom was asked to stand if they had been personally impacted by cancer, whether as a survivor, caregiver, or supporter. In a striking visual, nearly every guest rose, underscoring the luncheon’s deep personal meaning.

    Honorees Myrtle Jones, Leila Perrin, Brandi Sikes, Rick Smith, and Gaye Lynn Zarrow each had a favorite inspirational quote read aloud in their honor, while past honoree Janette Marx captivated the room with her powerful testimony of resilience during her breast cancer journey. The atmosphere shifted from misty-eyed emotion to energetic generosity during a lively paddle raise and auction, led by entertainer Johnny Bravo, where a Jared Lehr-designed jewel-studded necklace alone sparked a $36,000 bidding frenzy.

    The event closed on a high note with keynote speaker and Olympic legend Shannon Miller, who spoke candidly about overcoming her own battle with cancer, leaving the crowd uplifted and inspired.

    Among those in the crowd were Jennifer Allison, Nancy Almodovar, Ann Ayre, Alice Mao Brahms, Anna Bryant, Juliet Breeze, Sue Burnett, Cheryl Byington, Tripp Carter, Allison Lewis Cattan, Yvonne Cormier, Laura Davenport, Suzan Deison, Kathy De La Mora, Nancy Dinerstein, Lesha Elsenbrook, Donya Gardner, Gayla Gardner, Marilu Garza, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Maritza Gonzales, Lisa Graham-Garza, Sheri Gross, Winell Herron, Mady Kades, Brigitte Kalai, Mandy Kao, Evelyn Leightman, Stacey Lindseth, Julie Longoria Chen, Vicki Luna, Tama Lundquist, DeeDee Marsh, Janette Masten Gardner, Shawntell McWilliams, Jan Mendenhall, Sneha Merchant, Kim Moody, Patti Murphy, Roz Pactor, David Peck, Amy Pierce, Sandra Porter, Lauren Randle, Heidi Rockecharlie, Rosemary Schatzman, Elizabeth Stein, Marguerite Swartz, Katie Tsuru, Kim Tutcher, Phoebe Tudor, Betty Tutor, Merele Yarborough, Stuart Zarrow, and Jenny Todd. And many, many others.

    American Cancer Society Tickled Pink Luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Leila Perrin, Brandi Sikes, Rick Smith, Myrtle Jones, and Gaye Lynn Zarrow.

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