Aussie Furniture Brand Marks Its Texas Debut with a Stylish VIP Soiree

Alex Montoya
Aussie Furniture Brand Marks Its Texas Debut with a Stylish VIP Soiree

Benny Ballarin, Nicholas Condos, James Whitley, Harrison Condos, Fay Whitley

DESIGN AFICIONADOS GATHERED at the Decorative Center of Houston to welcome its latest tenant, Harbour, an Australian company specializing in modern coastal furniture that will be able to withstand Houston's heat.


Speaking of, it doesn't hurt that Harbour cofounders, brothers Nicholas and Harrison Condos are incredibly good-looking. The guests, including interior designers, real estate mavens and other VIPs, rubbed shoulders with the Condos bros while perusing Harbour's chic offerings and enjoying the evening's signature cocktail, the aperol-fueled Bondi Beach Spritz.

“From spending time here in Houston, we feel a deep link between the way Houstonians treat one another — and visitors such as ourselves — and how we were raised in Australia to be kind and generous to anyone we encountered,” said Nicholas. “Our father taught us how to work hard and prioritized dedication to one’s craft, and I hope that is borne out in the pieces that you all see here this evening. We are very proud of Harbour and feel that it is worthy of being a part of this exceptional community.”

Harbour was initially known as Tecno Furniture, launched by their father Jim Condos in the 1970s.

Linda Sheldon, Peta Rubinstein

Kenya Ocampo, Paola Leoz

Cara Panyard, Nicole Graf, Morgan Peters

Adam Koch, Rajani Alvarado

Anna McGrath, Kate Weldon, Kate Jackson

Benny Ballarin, Renee Lewis, Susan Gray, Nicholas Condos

Samantha Mansur, Eloisa Talarico

Carrie Evans, Steve Summers

Shelia and Adya Roy

Parties
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less