Oh, to be in Capri! Well… River Oaks Country Club was a lovely substitute on October 20, when the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston welcomed 350 guests for its annual fashion show and luncheon.
This year’s theme, La Dolce Vita in Capri: The Art of Italian Style – Then and Now, brought Italian fashion, food, music, and dance to the table… and a little Italian flair to a Houston afternoon!
Saks Fifth Avenue curated the fashion show featuring Italian designers, with Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Klosz producing the runway presentation. Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston was our emcee, and Uptown Dance Centre added to the festivities with a performance inspired by Italian movement.
But the afternoon wasn’t just about looking fabulous. Chaired by Donae Cangelosi Chramosta and Rachel Regan, the sold-out luncheon raised $215,000 for scholarships and support for Italian culture. As a member of the ICCC board, that is a number I love seeing… the center has now awarded more than $355,000 in study-abroad scholarships! The Center offers
This year’s honorees brought a wonderful mix of Houston history to the celebration as the younger generations saluted these iconic Houston Italian families and their founders with pledges to keep these names alive in our city for years to come.
Chris Canetti has certainly had a busy year! As president of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee, he has helped put our city on the world stage. His previous leadership with the Houston Dynamo and Dash has already made him a familiar name in Houston sports.
The Maida family is a reminder that some things really do get better with time. It all began in 1906, when Sicilian immigrant John Laureto Maida opened a shoe repair shop, which became the Houston Shoe Hospital. Six generations later, the family continues its craft through, Maida’s Bespoke Boots & Shoes, and Maida’s Belts & Buckles.
And the Mandola family… where would Houston dining be without them? Dominic and Michael Mandola were recognized for the family’s Cajun restaurant legacy through Ragin’ Cajun, founded by their father Luke B. Mandola, 56 years ago. Johnny Mandola, son of the late Frankie B. Mandola, was honored for his stewardship of Damian’s Cucina Italiana and Mandola Catering. Add Nino’s, Vincent’s, Tony Mandola’s, Mandola’s Deli, Ciro’s, and Carrabba’s to the family story, and you have quite a menu of Houston memories!
The afternoon also featured a silent auction, helping support the ICCC’s educational mission. Among those enjoying the luncheon were Kim Moody, Anne Carl, Stephanie Perkins, Zinat Ahmed, Amy Pierce, Ann Ayre, Valerie Dietrich, Pam Lovett, Debbie Festari, Laura Davenport, Paulina Padilla, Katie Tsuru, Chris Goins, Sandra Porter, Sidney Faust, Beth Wolff, Sippi Khurana, Anita Seggal, Beth Muecke, Elsie Eckert, Leisha Elsenbrook, Leisa Holland Nelson, Saula Valente, Brittany Ros Wetterer, Chiara Casiraghi Brody, Sheree Frede, Candace Thomas, Lauren Fisher, Julie Mastrioni, Joni Verdina,Claudia Sims and Julie Nix
Zinat Ahmed, Brittany Rose Wetterer, Donae Chramosta, Heidi Turney, Heather Almond
Italian style has a way of making everything feel a little more special… but when you add a room full of wonderful people, a celebration of our roots, and $215,000 going toward scholarships, that is la dolce vita indeed ❣️
Margaret Bannon, Kimberly Gattis, Allison Gattis, Diane DiPuma, Rosalyn Ingenthron, Camille Mosior, Emily DiPuma, Deann Decker
The perfect ending to a perfect La Dolce Vita Day……a toast of Limoncello! A Celebration of the heritage we all cherish!!
Grazie mille to Jill Faucetta King for this gift of Limoncello to us all!!
All photos courtesy of Daniel Ortiz.
