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MARCH | PAGE 22 | 2016 BY MATTHEW RAMIREZ. PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON, GIOVANNI PARRA. A DUO OF PHILANTHROPIC PARTIES AT J. MCLAUGHLIN Chris Pitts Gayle Pitts Cecille Shannon Natalia Blachuta Justina Vail Evans Jeff Evans Jenny Hull Stacey Kayem Holly Kuhn Brian Thomas Candace Thomas Cheryl Byington Mark Hanson Farrell Lawo Jackie Dunlop Amy Zapletal Nancy Gordon Brenda Sauls David McKeithan Mary Ann McKeithan Scotty Arnoldy Elise Glattier- Hollingsworth Denzil Hollingsworth Sarah Aden Elina Htun Hannah Kayem Bill Arning Emmelie Kopp James Bell Jana Arnoldy MATTHEW RAMIREZ HANGS WITH THE GENTS. PHOTOGRAPHY SHAU LIN HON. BONOBOS GRAND OPENING FÊTE W hat started as a web-only trousers company has grown into the largest men's clothing store of its kind online, emerging from its start-up cocoon as a retail phenomenon shaped by Silicon Valley ideals. Bonobos opened its first location in Houston at the freshly debuted River Oaks District. The transition of the retail giant from clicks to bricks wasn't boilerplate — Bonobos labels its retail stores guideshops where customers can be fitted and try on the clothing they loved online, with a helpful customer service rep (dubbed a "ninja") to guide them through the process. The company then ships their purchases to them. A crowd of dapper gents and stylish ladies turned out in force for an old-fashioned grand-opening bash, which spilled into the festive streets of ROD. Host committee Harrison Cullen, Kenady Davis, Rob Davis, George Dodd, Greg Mendez, Gregory D. Patrinely, and Connor Tamlyn welcomed chic guests to the PaperCity-sponsored bubbly event, which counted Bonobos CEO and founder Andy Dunn as its man of the hour. Randy Rucker of Bramble restaurant prepared blue crab rolls and heirloom grits with dried beef and pimento cheese, paired with Deep Eddy Vodka's Texas Mules and John Daly's. Fresh-dressed: Helena Mendez, Rachel Patrinely, Lilly Lewis, stylish sisters Saba and Sarah Jawda, Alton LaDay and Jonathon Glus, Dominique McGhee, Hannah Parker, Erica Dixon, Campbell Eifler, Will Connor, and Jarrod Klawinsky. Amy Johnston Hannah Parker Erica Dixon Lilly Lewis Helena Mendez Matt Johns The new Bonobos store in River Oaks District Andy Dunn Maryam Afshari Olivia Reagan Emily Brlansky Tamlyn Connor Tamlyn Saba Jawda Will Dittner Valerie Dittner Grant Cook Jonathon Glus Alton LaDay Victoria Turek Will Conner Campbell Eifler Sarah Jawda Host committee, back row: Gregory D. Patrinely, Harrison Cullen, Connor Tamlyn, Greg Mendez, Rob Davis, Kenady Davis, Front: George Dodd. P reppy paradise J. McLaughlin was the hot spot for a pair of chic cocktail parties. First up, Houston Symphony Ball auction chairs Mary Ann and David McKeithan and Elise Glattier-Hollingsworth toasted the upcoming Ball with 130 friends and supporters, including Symphony violinist Ferenc Illenyi and guitarist Barry Roberts, who dazzled the crowd with an electric performance. Neighbor Brasserie 19 passed bites, while Traubenaus wines and Macallan Fine Oak Single Malt Scotch Whiskey fueled the crowd as they shopped, with a percentage of purchases benefitting the upcoming auction. Save the date: The Houston Symphony Ball is Saturday, May 14, at Jones Hall. In the crowd: manager Jana Houston; Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Denzil Hollingsworth, Marie Taylor Bosarge, Susan and Dick Hansen, Robert Sakowitz, and Candace and Brian Thomas. A few weeks later, a spirited Sip & Shop event — hosted at J. McLaughlin by Robin Hancock, Carol and Curtis Kayem, Hannah and Chris Kayem, and Gayle Pitts — raised funds for The Children's Grand Adventure, which helps Texas Children's Cancer Center patients experience the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Once more, a percentage of the night's purchases went to the cause. Seen: Chrissy DeCuir, Cecille Shannon, Sarah Aden, Amy Zapletal, and Janita Griggs.