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
With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.

Keep ReadingShow less

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 ReadingShow less
People + Places

Summer oysters at Little's Oyster Bar (photo by Garrett Smith)

WITH THIS WEEK'S heat index, and a flip of the calendar, summer has officially arrived in every sense here in H-Town. But not to worry! There are plenty of cool things to eat, drink and do all over town this summer. Here's where to chill!
Keep ReadingShow less