Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/609354
CRIMSON TIDE A GLITTERING SOIRÉE FOR CARTIER ANNE LEE PHILLIPS TOASTS THE JEWELER OF KINGS. PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON. A lways ahead of its time, celebrated French jeweler Cartier was the first to open in River Oaks District, setting the luxurious tone for the still-under-construction retail Mecca. The stunning boutique was also the first to throw a grand-opening soirée, placing the bar extremely high for those to follow. Cartier North America president/ CEO Mercedes Abramo (in from New York), Cartier Houston director Kari Gonzales, and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston director Gary Tinterow welcomed internationals, style stars and the one and only Lynn Wyatt to the 6,000-square-foot space for cocktails and a night of surprises. The platinum evening served as a prelude to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Black & White Ball chaired by Wyatt the following evening, as Cartier is the exclusive sponsor for the MFAH Leadership Circle. Loyal clients wearing Tanks and Love bracelets swooned over the new Paris Nouvelle Vague collection, which is inspired by the city of light, as well as the breathtaking new boutique itself, which reflects the aesthetic of architect Bruno Moinard's worldwide Cartier concept. With a double-height façade and a majestic chandelier over the jewelry salon, the boutique is a worthy home for the brand, which has had a presence in Houston for 36 years. Next, the surprise: The stylish assemblage followed a red carpet rolled out on the streets of the District to a massive unfinished storefront, which was transformed into a Parisian discotheque awash in white and red, designed by Richard Flowers and The Events Company. Gorgeous model/DJ MAAD*Moiselle, in from New York, wore the newest Panthère de Cartier necklace as she spun beats for revelers who took turns on the crimson dance floor. In yet another surprise, the white curtains lifted to reveal Brooklyn-based songstress Grace Weber and her band, who delivered a dynamic performance. Weber looked striking — and rather apropos — in a red jumpsuit, and necklace from the Amulette de Cartier collection. Closing out the over-the-top evening, Cartier gifted striking stationery emblazoned with French and Texas flags. Admiring the Panthères: Oliver McMillan's Dene Oliver and wife Elizabeth; MFAH's Amy Purvis; and Princess Maria Anna Galitzine and Prince Piotr Galitzine, Pat Breen, Saba Jawda, Sarah Jawda, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Bailey and Pete McCarthy, Valerie McFarland, Rania Daniel, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Aliyya Stude, Marvin Lummis, Gracie Cavnar, and Laura Max Rose and Ben Rose. DECEMBER | PAGE 14 | 2015 Amy Purvis Ceron Francine Ballard Westy Ballard Todd Fiscus Amy Johnston Cartier page presenting a birthday cake to Lynn Wyatt The one-night-only Cartier Parisian discotheque The majestic chandelier over the jewelry salon Laurie Morian Andrew Cordes Grace Weber Issa Chou Fifi Phi DJ MAAD*Moiselle Brian H. Teichman Barbara Gros Tom Gros Marty Goossen Kathy Goossen Rania Daniel Sima Ladjevardian Maxi Ettehadieh Christopher Gardner Saba Jawda Sarah Jawda Ben Rose Laura Max Rose Tommy Reckling Judy Margolis Rodney Margolis Maria Anna Galitzine Piotr Galitzine Parting gifts Molly Miller Pete McCarthy Valerie McFarland Aliyya Stude Mercedes Abramo Gary Tinterow Kari Gonzales Pat Breen Marvin Lummis Panthère de Cartier necklace worn by DJ MAAD*Moiselle Isla Reckling Bailey McCarthy