TOP-TIER SOCIALITES and VIPs gathered at the River Oaks District’s newest elite boutique, at the invitation Courtney and Christopher Sarofim.

“Houston ladies came out in droves to toast NY-based designer Adam Lippes’s first boutique outside of New York,” gushed a rep for the shop, adding, “2024 is a breakthrough year for the designer, who got his start at Oscar de la Renta, as he is slated to open new doors on Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue and a private salon up 5th Avenue later this year.”

Indeed, the guest list was a who’s who. Faces in the crowd included Natalie Steen, Jim and Whitney Crane, Jessica Phifer, Hilda Curran, Olivia Persia, Kelly and Karol Barnhart, Tiffany Masterson, Elyse Lanier, Christopher Sarofim, Gillian and Fayez Sarofim, Andrew and Mona Sarofim, Nicole Katz and CityBook Executive Publisher Lisa Holthouse.

Adam Lippes produces Resort, Spring/Summer, Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter collections each year. Current retailers, per the brand rep, include Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Lippes opening is just one piece of high-end retails news at River Oaks District since news broke that local billionaire Tilman Fertitta had bought the post shopping enclave. Luxury men’s clothiers Brioni and Stefan Ricci are set to bow later this summer.

Alecia Harris, Courtney Garson

Alex Farnsworth, Sara Robbins

Lisa Holthouse, Greggory Fields

Hilda Curran, Tiffany Masterson

Lauren Fertitta, Lindsey Leigh Hohlt

Anna Irion, Donae Chramosta

Carey Kirkpatrick, Roz Pactor, Joel Luks

Ceron, Louisa Sarofim

Chris Goins, Josh Pazda

Courtney Sarofim, Adam Lippes, Elyse Lanier

Divya Brown, Jessica Phifer, Michelle Avina

George Johnston, George Lancaster

Maria Bassa, Beth Muecke

Natalie Steen, Olivia Persia

Vanessa Ames, Jordan Seff