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

East River 9 and Riverhouse Houston

IMAGINE EVERY RESIDENT being able to get most everything via a 15-minute-or-less walk, in a neighborhood convenient to major employment areas of Houston. That’s the vision for the fast-emerging East End district’s new multiuse development called The Plant/Second Ward, created by Concept Neighborhood, a Houston real estate investment, development and management company. Concept Neighborhood is focused on creating walkable communities combining accessible housing with innovative retail and creative maker space.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

AS WE PRODUCE our second annual “Cool 100” list, we’re reminded of our thoughts as we debuted this feature last year. We acknowledged that deciding who and what is cool is not only a moving target but also entirely subjective. And that attempting to “rank” the coolest people in Houston is a fool’s errand, one that will leave us immediately open to criticism. “You think she is cooler than him? You included this person?! You left off that one!?"

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places