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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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    remembering richard flowers

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

    Eric Sandler
    Apr 21, 2026 | 1:00 pm
    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.

    Richard Flowers and Angel Rios Richard Flowers is survived by his husband Angel Rios.Courtesy of Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl

    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.”

    deathsobituaryrichard flowersanderson
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