September 2016

Three decades is a long time.

In honor of the Junior League of Houston‘s 30th year in its current Briar Oaks Lane location, the organization celebrated the milestone with not one, but two “Opening Style Show” soirees.

Team Room special events chairmen Shelby Damiani was on hostess duty for both installments. Two packed crowds filed into the black and fuchsia packed ballroom for the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”-themed festivities.

Since 1983, 11 agencies including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have supported the Junior League of Houston’s mission of promoting volunteerism and improving the community. This year alone, the local branch will contribute more than $2 million in service hours and direct financial support to 37 neighborhood projects and initiatives.

Dressed head-to-toe in purple hues, Tootsies’ creative director, Fady Armanious, presented fall’s biggest fashion trends from center stage. Velvet, Victorian, menswear, ruffled, brocade and of course, 80s, looks are popular projections for the upcoming season.

Above all, Armanious said, chokers will be huge.

Afterwards, Junior League of Houston volunteers hit the catwalk and modeled haute ensembles from the likes of Milly, Nicole Miller, Alice + Olivia, and more.

Beef filets and crème brulee circulated while Damiani returned to the runway to reveal which tables won swag from Tootsies, Beautique, and Beauty Counter.

No one went home went home empty, however; each guest walked away with a goodie bag and (what else?) wayfarer sunnies.

Source: September 9, 2016, Houston Chronicle Junior League toasts building anniversary with big 80s party by Amber Elliott