Museum patrons hold court
Houston, we’ve caught royal fever. To the degree that Museum of Fine Arts, Houston re-christened its Grand Gala Ball the “Courtly Ball.” “Have you seen the exhibit?” was the conversation topic of choice. Whether or not they’d experienced “Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits From Holbein to Warhol ” prior to the big night, the 270 black-tie guests nailed the imperial theme. Tiaras, gloves and ruffled collars painted a regal picture against the Events Company’s crimson backdrops. Becca Cason Thrash dusted off a favorite Alexander McQueen gown, one of the late British designer’s last couture pieces, for the occasion. All eyes were on Meredith and Alanna Flores — their mother, Cherie Flores, secured the Oscar de la Renta team for last year’s festivities — who stunned in Victorian-era chokers and cuffs. “The girls got those in Paris,” said Chris Goins, MFAH retail director. The regal motif extended far beyond fashion. From trumpets announcing the arrival of each patron, to gin-based Brambles, the evening’s signature cocktail that originated in London circa the 1980s, chair Franci Neely’s vision celebrated four dynasties: the Houses of Tudor, Stuart, Hanover and present-day Windsor. Artworks displayed on the Caroline Wiess Law Building’s walls included portraits of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, King George I, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Prince William. Video footage of the weddings of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, streamed overhead during City Kitchen’s very English meal, which included a Stilton soufflé, pheasant two ways, and trifle with sherry and Chantilly cream. For Lynn Wyatt, the soireé doubled as a dry-run for another royal “I do.” “I’m headed to London soon for Princess Eugenie’s wedding,” Wyatt said. “Her mother, Fergie, the Duchess of York, is a dear, dear friend of mine.” Here, on Houston soil, supporters commended Neely’s $2 million raised the Texas way: on the dance floor. The night ended with coffee mugs filled with English candies. A wise move. We’re more of a sweet tea state, anyway.