Recently, I had the delight of attending the sixth annual Bayou Bend Fashion Show & Luncheon, part of the 2023 Bayou Bend Weekend. It was a day to remember! A pristine River Oaks estate, an elegant garden tent on the lawn, and the most beautiful light pink and peach garden roses you’ve ever seen were the setting for an unforgettable afternoon of fashion, food, and fabulous company.
Our fashion feast was courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, with Martha Long Wade at the helm and the ever-stylish Marzi Petris curating 41 runway looks that had the entire crowd buzzing. The runway was framed with stunning flower walls! Every detail felt so cohesive, from the table arrangements by Stems Custom Floral to the elegant food from City Kitchen.
Speaking of food, the menu did not disappoint. We started with a chilled carrot and fennel soup, which was as refreshing as it sounds. My main was the verjus poached salmon with sauce verte; it was divine! The orzo salad with corn, sweet peppers, Castelvetrano olives, and basil was a delightful side. And the dessert! A raspberry sorbet with mixed berries and brown butter shortbread cookies was the perfect sweet note to end our luncheon.
While I was only able to attend the luncheon, the Bayou Bend Weekend carried on with more fabulous events. The weekend included a Children’s Party full of family fun and a Garden Party featuring live music, delicious food, and enchanting garden settings. It was a weekend that encapsulated the spirit of Houston, all while raising over $911,000 for the Bayou Bend operating budget.
The weekend also marked a poignant moment, as a toast was made to Director Bonnie Campbell, who will retire from Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens this September. Bonnie has been a guiding force since 2004, and her influence on this institution will undoubtedly be missed.
So there you have it! The 2023 Bayou Bend Weekend was a smashing success, and I’m already eagerly anticipating next year’s event. See some more pics below!
Duyen Huynh; Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Adriana Enciso, Jessica Bustillos; Photo by Daniel Ortiz
