Fun Crowd Gathers at Neiman Marcus To Kick Off Fall’s Chic Italy Event

Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group
Fun Crowd Gathers at Neiman Marcus To Kick Off Fall’s Chic Italy Event

Zinat Ahmed, Amy Bruegging and Bethany Buchanan

KICKOFF EVENTS ARE underway for some of fall's more anticipated social affairs — like the Italian Cultural & Community Center's (ICCC) second annual Fashion Show and Luncheon set for October 12. The prelude took place at Neiman Marcus.


"Italian-inspired products and brands filled the entire second floor of Neiman Marcus for the themed cocktail reception," explained a rep for organizers of the event. "Highlights included Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, and light bites by Neiman Marcus; models showcasing Italian designs, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Brunello Cucinelli; chocolate samples from legendary chocolatiers Baratti & Milano; Giorgio Armani Beauty make-up touch-ups and gifts for each guest; fine jewelry trunk show with visiting designer Gretchen Ventura; and violin and cello performances by Divisi Strings."

Guests included Donae Chromosta, Cynthia Craft, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Roz Pactor, Edward Sanchez, Jeanne Ruberti, Debra Laws, Harriet Gertner, Mary Milloy, Bethany Buchanan, Tara Martin, Christina Milligan, Zinat Ahmed, Amy Bruegging, Lori Freese, Tobin Hellums, and Neiman Marcus honcho Chris Hendel.

Funds raised from the annual Fashion Show and Luncheon will go towards a scholarship program for students currently enrolled at a college or university in the greater Houston area and are participating in a study abroad program in Italy.

ICCC La Dolce Vita Event Chairs Patti Imbrogno Murphy and Cheryl Arolfo Byington

Italian Cultural & Community Center representatives Brissa Ramos, Executive Director Erika Myers, Alessandra Pistone and Ray Miller

Monta Que and Coach Maston

Lety de Leon and Mauricio Cruz

Tara Martin, Lauren Abbott and Heather Almond

Roz Pactor and Leisa Holland-Nelson

Debra Laws and Harriet Gertner

A model having a ball — or a lemon!

Lori Freese, Patricia Cooper, Tobin Hellums, Kate Gabriele and Marguerite Gabriele

Parties
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

Keep Reading Show less

The pool at Zen

THE MANAGER OF Grand Velas Riviera Maya says a funny thing as she tours a writer around the 206-acre all-inclusive between Cancun and Tulum. “I still get lost sometimes. If I forget what I’m doing and stop looking at the signs, I wind up in the parking lot.”

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places