Location: Omni Hotel~Houston

As usual, the Una Notte in Italia party was the funnest of the year! The annual Una Notte in Italia “celebrity” men’s fashion show and gala was a fabulous, fun-filled evening of all things Italian! This year’s event was record-breaking, raising over $400,000. The much anticipated event, which sold out well in advance, benefited the Houston Area Women’s Center helping families affected by domestic violence. It was held at the newly renovated Omni Hotel – Riverway  started with a cocktail reception which included a silent auction and premiere tequilas provided by sponsor Riazul Tequila!  The crowd of over six hundred entered an elegant ballroom following the Italian theme complete with images of Michelangelo’s David.  Once again, the fashion show did not disappoint!  Gorgeous Emcee KPRC Channel 2’s Dominique Sachse and Honorary Chair Debbie Festari introduced the fabulous Co-chairs of the night Rachel Bagwell and Sneha Merchant.  Then the fun began as the philanthropic businessmen and athletes took to the runway for a great cause!  Johnny Bravo served as the live auctioneer. The private dinner with Jeff Bagwell, purchased by Gary Peterson,  was the highest seller of the evening. The handsome group included well known jewelers Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black, Ben Berg, Mike Mahlstedt, Drs. Matthew Harbison and Kota Reddy, Rick Perez, Steve Johnson, Danny Brown, James Lassiter, Bill Baldwin, Steve Johnson, Kent Schaffer and Nick Merchant to name a few.  And athletes who walked the catwalk included Texans Justin Reid, DJ Reader and Dylan Cole along with Astros Lance McCullers and Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell!  The party continued with the crowd heading downstairs to the infamous Black Swan to dance with night away and celebrate the record breaking success!  Beautiful people in the crowd included Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Brigitte Kalai and Courtney Hopson, Gary Petersen, Nina and Karun Magon, Duyen and Marc Nguyen, Dr. Roland Maldonado and Jessica Rossman, Lauren Ross and Josh Weinstein and many more!

Photos/Assistance by Ally Totah