Museum of Fine Arts Houston Bayou Bend Weekend Dazzles Audiences With A Fashion Show, Children’s Party & Garden Event

The Three-Day Affair For 800 Attendees Will Long Be Remembered For Its Festive Flair

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Jenny Antill and Wilson Parish

THE SCENE: Over three days in Houston, a trio of events captivated the Houston social and artistic scenes. Nearly 800 of the area’s top art patrons, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Bayou Bend weekend. One of the city’s most fun event weekends, the three days included an epic fashion show, a dazzling children’s party, and a show-stopping garden party. All three events were held at the iconic Bayou Bend property, which is a part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

THE VIBE: The garden chic attire accompanying all three events seamlessly tied together the trio. People donned their favorite bold prints, bright colors, pastels, and other garden-inspired attire, giving each event a welcoming, happy, and festive vibe.

The festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with the Bayou Bend Fashion Show & Luncheon. Approximately 200 of Houston’s best and brightest fashionistas headed to the iconic estate for an afternoon of fashion, fun, and philanthropy.

Underneath a stunning tent designed by The Events Company, guests sat at olive green tables adorned with pink and coral peony centerpieces. While guests dined on a delectable lunch courtesy of City Kitchen Catering, they were treated to a stunning 37-piece collection by iconic Texas-based designer Lela Rose in a fashion show hosted by Neiman Marcus and The Galleria™.

On Saturday morning, 250 men, women, and children of all ages returned to Bayou Bend for an annual children’s party. During the afternoon, guests enjoyed various family-friendly activities, including Mary’s Magic Bubbles, Face Paint Petals, and Gentle Garden Creatures. The most fun for the guests was at The Enchanted Workshop, where the whole family participated in making art that spoke to them.

The trio of events concluded on Sunday night with the Garden Party. More than 325 of the city’s most notable art patrons gathered for an epic fun evening at twilight. The festivities began with twilight cocktails in the gardens of Ima Hogg’s historic estate, where guests sipped a 293-year-old Fish House Punch recipe while admiring the stunning grounds.

Revelers then took their seats for dinner and the main program. The Events Company returned, giving a new and, if even possible, elevated take from Friday’s event, elegantly covering the garden tent with an array of florals in spring pastels. City Kitchen Catering also returned, providing a delectable, multi-course meal. The night and weekend were capped off with dancing as guests cut a rug to the tunes of Manhattan, putting an exclamation point on a triumphant three days of fundraising.

THE NON-PROFIT: Gillian Sarofim co-chaired the Bayou Bend Fashion Show & Luncheon, Carrie Compton and Jill Wright co-chaired The Children’s Party, and The Garden Party was underwritten by Lugano. The trio of events raised over $1.275 million for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens. Proceeds raised from the event will fund the Bayou Bend operating budget.