Celebrating Diversity in Houston
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America, and its residents come together to celebrate various heritage months, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The city recognizes the creative individuals who make it unique and often parties with a purpose.
Sips & Saddles: A Night to Remember
Certified sommelier Monica Jones hosted the Sips & Saddles Supperclub Dinner at Hotel King David, a memorable night that celebrated Women’s History Month. Renowned distiller Marlene Holmes, a recent inductee into the Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame, brought a special touch with her masterful whiskey choices from her own distillery, Marlene & Greene. Jones worked closely with acclaimed Houston chef Dominick Lee to pair each dish of a three-course menu with an exceptional bottle of wine.
The evening began with a memorable amuse-bouche, followed by smoked turkey necks and lima beans for the first course. The second course consisted of grilled viel chop, and for dessert, Chef Lee served whiskey-infused bananas foster – a nod to Marlene Holmes and her distillery. Jones shared insights on each glass of wine, offering notes that added to the special meal. Guests in attendance included Tiffany Riggs, Kristal Howard, Brianna Mills, Stephanie Franklin, Crystal Fisher, Tonia Labbe, Kaylon Beck, Julia Watson, Mariah Bingham, Lauren Beamon, Jade Waddy, and Corniche Jones.
Sneha Merchant Art Exhibition
Houston artist Sneha Merchant displayed her remarkable artwork at an exhibition hosted by Neiman Marcus, commemorating Women’s History Month. Through her signature kinetic works and detailed mandalas, as well as portraits of empowering female icons, Merchant drove home the importance of celebrating women’s history. The exhibition featured 14 distinct pieces, including "Taylor- Girl Power," "Anna Wintour: Vogue," "Mona Lisa & Madonna: My Body My Choice," "Marilyn Monroe: Marilyn Smile," and "Dolly Parton." Each artwork included an inspiring quote alongside each portrait.
Sixty-five lucky art lovers experienced this special night at Neiman Marcus, and five of Merchant’s pieces sold, making the night even more meaningful for this Houston creative. Some pieces from the Sneha Merchant exhibition are still available for purchase online. Guests in attendance included Nick Merchant, Heather Almond, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Laura Ward, Sippi, Ajay Khurana, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Alice Brams, Ruchi Mukherjee, Anna Reger, Paul and Tamatha Caldwell, Ally Shell, Beth Muecke, Ahmad Malik, Doug Harris, Linda and Patrick Magil, Kent and Shara Schaffer, Farah Nasser, Maheen Dhanani, Michele Bell Till, Sandra Cooper, Perri Palermo, and Naureen Malik.
Kimono Zulu Exhibition at Neiman Marcus
Nearly 50 people gathered on the first floor of Houston’s Neiman Marcus to celebrate the second exhibition for founder Tina Zulu’s Kimono Zulu. The opening reception commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with many attendees dressed in kimono-inspired looks. The event applauded Zulu’s innovative take on Japanese craftsmanship. The evening focused on the role fashion plays in the community, with Zulu calling her kimonos "wearable art with soul," highlighting how fashion serves as an outlet for self-expression and authenticity.
The exhibition offered a unique look at how fashion and art go hand-in-hand, with distinctive embellishments such as hand-painted and mixed-media components. Neiman Marcus’ visual merchandising team hand-picked each unique piece displayed during the event. Fashion devotees perused through the kimonos, each depicting various collaborations with local artists. Guests in attendance included Rene Garza, Michael Mandola, Danny Nguyen, Josh Zulu, Sarah Aramburo, Stacy Riddle, Roe and Brian Manaveese, Thanh Nguyen, Adrienne Feinberg, and Karla Modesto. The kimono collection can be shopped online or in person through Kimono Zulu’s by-appointment showroom.
Conclusion
Houston’s diversity is something to be celebrated, and the city’s residents come together to honor various heritage months. From the Sips & Saddles Supperclub Dinner to the Sneha Merchant Art Exhibition and the Kimono Zulu Exhibition at Neiman Marcus, Houstonians know how to party with a purpose. These events not only celebrate diversity but also showcase the city’s vibrant cultural scene, highlighting the importance of self-expression, authenticity, and community. As Houston continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that its diversity will remain one of its strongest assets, and events like these will continue to bring people together in celebration of what makes the city unique.
