Thousands Turn Up to Kick Off the Nutcracker Market at a Pair of Fab Fashion-Show Fetes

Daniel Ortiz
Thousands Turn Up to Kick Off the Nutcracker Market at a Pair of Fab Fashion-Show Fetes

A model on the runway at the Saks show kicking of the Nutcracker Market

A PAIR OF fashion-show events kicked off the annual Nutcracker Market in support of the Houston Ballet.


The Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon hit the runway at NRG Center first, with Ileana Treviño and Beth Zdeblick as chairs and TV’s Deborah Duncan as emcee, raising more than $450,000. Nearly 1,500 guests turned up for the stylish affair.

“Amidst a dreamy backdrop of whites and cream, guests dined stage-side while models donning Sachin & Babi designs — courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue — dazzled on the runway,” noted a rep for event organizers. “Contemporary yet classic pieces set an idyllic backdrop as a solo violinist executed a series of effervescent tunes, delivering a mix of spirited pop.”

The following day, Macy’s took center stage, for another fashionista fest drawing nearly 1,500 and raising about $375,000. Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson and Michelle Jeffery served as chair, with another Houston TV personality, Amy Davis, stepping in as emcee.

“Models glided down the runway in a blur of cream and gold to the holiday classic ‘Snow,’ which was followed by the contrasting bright and vibrant ensembles from the Disney collection,” said a rep. “Mickey Mouse even joined in on the fun, dancing down the catwalk to ‘Hey, Mickey!’ Another delight was the tribute to ‘Wicked,’ where models showcased their best Glinda- and Elphaba-inspired looks.”

The Nutcracker Market provides support for Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship programs. Since its inception in 1981, Nutcracker Market has raised more than $90.5 million for the Ballet.

Saks guests included Tracey Williford, Megan Kessler, Beth Zdeblick, Ileana Treviño, Sharon Erskine, Heidi Turney, Kristy Bradshaw, Lindsey Brown, Julie Kent, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Martha Finger, Mignon Gill, Shawn Stephens, Blair Kessler, Jo Furr, C.C. Conner, Chita Kraft and Ann Bean. Macy’s welcomed Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson, Michelle Jeffery, Cheryl Zane, Amy Davis, Gary Hudgins, Susan Binney, Melissa Reihle, Jennifer Kushner and Tina Raham Stewart.

Allison Chavez, Devorah Rose and Chea Kelly at Saks show

Debbie Christ, Renee Humphrey, Katrina Anrim and Tina Raham-Stewart at Saks show

Sarah Lane and Lisa Sharp at the Macy's show

Models at the Macy's show

Deborah Elias, Laurette Veres and Jessica Rossman at Saks

Megan Kessler, Sarah Davidson and Camille Wieprecht at Macy's show

Wendy Burks, Renee Humphrey and Anne Graham at the Macy's show

Fashion+Home
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties