Editor’s Note: I’ve been proud to be a part of the Italian Cultural & Community Center and its Inaugural luncheon last year as well as this second annual fashion show and luncheon. Each of these have been special but this second one for me held great meaning as we showcased the best of looking back at hometown fashion icon, Victor Costa, and then forward to our fall fashion show partner, Neiman Marcus, and their representation of current fashions…..both a tribute to Italian designers in fashion. A special thanks to Fashion Show Producer, Jeanne Ruberti, my friend and fashion show partner each year, for making each a memorable event for the Italian Cultural & Community Center and for all lovers of all-things Italian!
On Tuesday, October 12, Italians and supporters of the Italian Cultural & Community Center gathered for a fun-filled “La Dolce Vita” fashion show and luncheon in the ballroom of River Oaks Country Club. Guests were greeted in the foyer with mannequins dressed in vintage couture by the designer and Guest of Honor Victor Costa. Several of the gowns on display were donated by Houston families, and one that was worn by Kristen Davis in the hit movie Sex and the City 2. The prosecco pull offered guests an opportunity to win incredible gifts up to $1,200 in value while admiring displays and pop up shops from Neiman Marcus, Valobra Master Jeweler, Giorgio Armani Beauty, and more.
An opening Opera performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro” by student, Alexandra Gorman from University of Houston encouraged guests to take their seats at the start of the luncheon. KPRC Channel 2 Morning News Anchor Owen Conflenti led the program which included an invocation from Fr. Nesti of St. Thomas University, heartfelt gratitude by “La Dolce Vita” chairs Patti Imbrogno Murphy and Cheryl Arolfo Byington, a warm welcome from lead sponsor of the luncheon Neiman Marcus‘ General Manager Chris Hendel who also spoke to the importance of Italian culture in his life as an Italian whose Mom was an artist from Sienna, a favorite Italian village loved by many and an introduction by yours truly of my lifelong friend and inspiration, Guest of Honor Victor Costa. Costa kicked off the fashion show by singing two show stopping Italian arias on stage that received standing ovations from the crowd.
The overall theme of the ICCC tribute to Victor Costa was “a thank you to Victor for the memories he helped create”, as we featured just a sampling of so many special garments on loan for the fashion show from many of Victor’s lifelong family, friends and clientele, each with a great memory to share. The fashions started filing out immediately featuring notable Houstonians showcasing remarkable Victor Costa creations paired with exquisite jewels on loan from Valobra Master Jewelers.
Among the 10 runway models wearing Costa originals were Katie Cullen, Patti Murphy, Cheryl Byington, Renee Broussard Jongebloed, Monica Ercolani, Joyce Frassanito, Jenee Bobbora, Gina Gusemano Leck wearing one of her many Victor Costa originals, Nicole Pactor Graham wearing my very own wedding gown, and Lauren Leck wearing her mother, Gina’s wedding gown.
Our models…..
The group of mostly non-professional models, all wearing custom Victor Costa vintage from the closets of close family and friends of theirs and of the designer. All worn with love and respect for the man in the middle there!!
Topping off an afternoon of fashions, the crowd were treated to a second runway show of current fashions for fall and winter from Neiman Marcus‘ selections from well-known Italian designers such as Brunello Cucinelli, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Fendi to name a few. Eleven models were elegantly dressed in lace, knits winter florals and embellished dresses, tops and suits to highlight top trends for fall and winter. A NM pop-up was available post-fashion show for shopping in the River Oaks rotunda area!
A live auction for a weekend in the new Ferrari Roma offered by Ferrari of Houston as well as fabulous raffle items from Neiman Marcus, Valobra Master Jewelers, and more were a fabulous end to a wonderful luncheon.
VIP guests who joined the Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC) for the 2nd annual fashion show and luncheon included: Guest of Honor Victor Costa and Jerry Ann Woodfin Costa, Neiman Marcus General Manager, Chris Hendel and Neiman’s Heather Almond, ICCC Executive Director Erika Myers, event chairs Cheryl Arolfo Byington and Patti Imbrogno Murphy, Rose Cullen, Beth Wolff, Susan and Denis DeBakey, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Philamena Baird, Betty Tutor, Renee Broussard Jongebloed, Vicki Rizzo, Mary Milloy, Monica Ercolani, Jill Faucetta-King, Crystin Pactor, Nicole and Michael Graham, Ann Ayre, Kristina Somerville, Tara Martin, Brian McCulloch, Lauren Abbott, Jacquie Baly, Beth Muecke, Harriet Gertner, Karina Barbieri, Carol Nguyen and Anna Lenzi of Ferrari of Houston,
Our guests…..
Special moment for me at the luncheon/fashion show when my daughter Nicole Pactor Graham modeled my wedding dress custom designed by Victor 44 years ago……..scroll down below and you will see it as I wore it back then…….do I dare ask…..WHO WORE IT BETTER!!??
ABOUT THE I.C.C.C. Founded in 1976, the Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC Houston) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and advancing Italian culture in Houston. The ICCC offers an array of programs, including language classes, educational lectures, culinary and wine classes, films, and special events.
Since 2000, the ICCC has granted over $240,000 in scholarships to college students. Funds raised from the annual fashion show and luncheon will go directly towards a scholarship program for students to advance their studies in Italy. To learn more about the ICCC or to join their Italian Community, please visit their website here, http://www.iccchouston.come