If you ever wondered what it looks like when Houston mixes garden-party chic with fine art and fabulous fashion, look no further than Bayou Bend Weekend 2025. Hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, this picture-perfect three-day affair lifted the spirits—from runway looks under the oaks to twinkling twilight cocktails in one of the city’s most historic gardens.
Fashion Show Friday
The weekend kicked off in style on Friday, March 28, with the eighth annual Bayou Bend Fashion Show. With The Galleria as Principal Underwriter and the effortlessly elegant Gillian Sarofim as chair, the event brought fashionistas and museum patrons together for a front-row seat to Lela Rose’s Spring/Summer collection, presented by Neiman Marcus. The Texas-born designer delivered 37 looks of soft silhouettes, feminine florals, and sophisticated whimsy that felt right at home in the River Oaks garden setting.
Tables dressed in olive green were topped with dreamy pink and coral peony arrangements (courtesy of The Events Company), setting the tone for a menu just as refined. Guests dined on dishes like tuna tiradito with yuzu and micro wasabi, tenderloin tagliatta, and the most divine vanilla panna cotta topped with melon sorbet. Yes, please!
Phoebe Tudor
Children’s Party Saturday
Saturday morning was for the little ones (and let’s be honest, the young at heart), as Bayou Bend transformed into The Secret Garden for its annual Children’s Party. Co-chaired by Carrie Compton and Jill Wright, this day was packed with whimsical fun—from face painting and garden creatures to bubble magic and hands-on art activities. It was a sweet reminder of the estate’s enchanting pull for all ages.
Sunday Evening Cocktail Party
The weekend wrapped in spectacular fashion on Sunday evening with the always-glamorous Bayou Bend Garden Party, which hit a record turnout this year. Lugano sparkled as the Principal Underwriter, and the gardens absolutely glowed in lavender and spring green. Guests sipped on a centuries-old Fish House Punch (Miss Ima Hogg’s favorite!) and mingled to the smooth tunes of Jazz Revisited before hitting the dance floor with Manhattan.
Dinner by City Kitchen brought out the Southern charm—think fried chicken with cream gravy, squash casserole, and a heavenly hummingbird cake drizzled with praline caramel sauce. It was decadent, divine, and the perfect way to toast a weekend that raised over $1.275 million for Bayou Bend’s operating budget.
As always, the guest list read like a who’s who of Houston—names like Irma Castor, Jill and Andrew Wright, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Franci Neely, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, and so many more filled the tent with sparkle, style, and incredible support for one of the city’s cultural gems.
Whitney and Jim Crane
Bayou Bend Weekend reminded us that spring in Houston isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration. And this one was chic, charitable, and absolutely unforgettable.
Photography by Jenny Antill; Wilson Parrish
