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
Exclusive Furniture’s Sam Zavary Credits Luck, Hard Work and ‘Mom’s Prayers’ for His Success

How did you get to where you are today? I am a firm believer that hard work and having dreams that you strive to achieve will motivate and inspire people to achieve their potential. Working hard, dreaming, and making sure to take advantage of every opportunity is something I learned at a young age. I credit God and God’s grace firstly, but I know that success is a direct result of hard work. I tell my podcast subscribers and followers to continue setting goals, evolving, improving, and planning, and I practice what I preach. I am proud to have started my business in the fastest growing major city in the United States, and I attribute a lot of the success of Exclusive Furniture to the family culture we create in the best city — Houston’s diversity, philanthropy, and innovation have helped me achieve a lot of the milestones in the furniture business (and the “low prices”) you see today!

Keep Reading Show less

SINCE OPENING IN 2019, it’s been hard to get a reservation at Traveler’s Table, the global-cuisine eatery on Westheimer. Now, a more accessible version of the popular resto — yet, still stylish and modern with environs designed by Gin Braverman — is opening this week on Montrose Boulevard at West Gray.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Firefighter and "Mr. February" on the runway at Red Hot

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL ball benefitting Houston firefighters lived up to its rep as one the most fun — and revealing — galas going.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People