Two Posh Purveyors Bling in the Season with a Series of Sizzling VIP Soirees

Daniel Ortiz and Alex Montoya
Two Posh Purveyors Bling in the Season with a Series of Sizzling VIP Soirees

Abigail Henningsen, Antonio Cortez, Blake Kilgore and Ally Ondarza

LIKE THE SOCIAL scene, the art scene may slow down in the summer — but that’s no excuse for two Upper Kirby businesses, who teamed up to throw a truly hot bash.

Valobra Master Jewelers and Christopher Martin Gallery plan to host a series of VIP events throughout the season, and the first two were smashing successes. One benefited Dress for Success, and the second was a Father’s Day-themed party from which proceeds went to Urban Harvest.

At the latter, guests ventured into the still-new outpost of the Aspen-based gallery, peeping Bentley and Ferrari and Porsche cars on display. (Christopher Martin parked his own Porsche Boxster, wrapped in one of his own art pieces, out front!)

Once inside, patrons snagged cocktails from Gentle Ben and hefty bites from Steak 48 and browsed a cool collection of vintage watches and accessories like cufflinks from Valobra. Men’s clothier Lucho also popped up with a selection of seasonal items. Solar-powered turntables, spun by DJ Chris Zane, provided a chill soundtrack to the night, which featured an art exhibition called The Whale Tail Project, in which artist Johans Lamic — who was in attendance at the party — reimagined a number of Porsche spoilers.

Teresa Henderson, Danielle Deleon and Cheryl Byington

Amanda Mills and Roland Maldonado

​Roz and Alan Pastor

Bryan Caswell and Erin Hicks

Page Parkes model Sophie Johnson wearing Valobra jewels

Bahara Anna and Lana Page and Albina Kond and Hector Villarreal

Johans Lamic and Susan Frania

David Victor and Bryce Bell

Liz Sian, Chanelle Rebiere and Marxli Mettauer

The scene at Christopher Martin Gallery

Parties
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Summer with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt

ONE OF THE most feel-good fetes of the year, the 2025 Make-A-Wish Gala once again broke records, raising a whopping $1.8 million for the Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the organization.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston organization BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary at a beautiful River Oaks home. BRASS president Elsie Eckert and a former BRASS scholar Sharon Bright were among those who welcomed everyone to the event.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties