Not even the rain could dampen the mood at the cocktail gathering to celebrate the opening of Blu in Town Square. Although open for a few months, the internationally inspired restaurant has been hosting a bevy of small gatherings to familiarize Sugar Land-ites as well as inner-loopers to the fabulous “street fare” style cuisine. The beautiful restaurant boasts huge glass doors leading to the front patio, opening up the space to the outdoors. Thursday-Saturday, the restaurant turns into the perfect place to dance post-dinner when they clear out tables. Porsche was on hand with their new 911 for guests to gawk at from the perfect patio view.

Elizabeth Miranda for lastnightpics.com

More than 700 of Houston’s tastemakers, influencers, pro athletes and society mavens gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Katsuya by S+ARCK. The grand affair included a special performance by Japanese Taiko Drummers leading into a traditional Japanese sake cask ritual. Guests sipped on free-flowing Katsuya signature cocktails and enjoyed taste sensations by world-renowned master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. Celebrity DJ Connor Cruise (son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman) set the tone for the night spinning from the DJ booth in the ultra-glam Dragon Room.

Photography by Phyllis Hand and Eric Hester

Fashionistas and philanthropists descended upon the chic art gallery not only to celebrate Houston photographer Omar Mejia’s birthday but to also spread a little love to two amazing organizations. The illustrious Deborah Colton Gallery opened its doors for this fantastic event in tandem with displaying some of the top picks from FotoFest. Models strutted down the runway wearing fab finds from 5 Stack Vintage. Guests munched on light bites by Bombay Brasserie and Mi Luna, along with cocktails by Red Bull and Stoli Vodka. For those with a sweet tooth, Icing Cupcakes was on hand to ease the cravings.

Photography by Claire Learned for lastnightpics.com

Celebrating the grand opening of their new location in the First Ward Arts District, Lewis and Maese Antiques & Auction held a Fat Tuesday bash & mini-auction. The soiree’s proceeds benefited the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, producers of the 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade. Among the fabulous pieces up for auction were two large-scale metal sculptures by Houston-based artist and art car aficionado Mark “Scrapdaddy” Bradford. Guests dressed for the occasion with beads and masks, while the booze flowed and they noshed on King Cakes courtesy of Whole Foods.

Photography by Jeremy Kaeas

WHY To unite Houston’s International

WHERE Mercer Lounge

WHEN March 3

More than 300 of Houston’s International crowd attended the White Carnaval Soiree- a night of Rio inspired fun. Attendees were surprised with a traditional carnaval themed show. The Dancers looked amazing dressed in original costumes by designer Flavia Dos Santos. Guests noshed on Latin treats courtesy of Theo’s Restaurant and sipped on refreshing Riazul Tequila signature cocktails. Adding to the festivities was face painter Christian Navarrete and DJ Gary who blasted some international party tunes with enough punch to keep everyone dancing the night away. Rendez-Vous International, organized by Katia Condette, consists of one soiree and one International networking cocktail every month. Next event will be a Swedish Night held on April 5th at Avenue on Washington. For more information, visit www.the-rendez-vous.com.

Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

WHY   To benefit the Rally for Kids with Cancer

WHERE  Porsche West Houston

WHEN  February 22

Hundreds of Porsche aficionados raced over to Porsche West Houston to celebrate the unveiling of the new generation 911. The racing style fete was a complete success. A line up of 911s gave attendees a detailed perspective on the car’s amazing evolution. Light bites by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, signature cocktails by Atlantico Rum and ice-cold Stella Beer provided the perfect refreshments while live ice carving by DLG Ice Factory kept the secene cool. DJ Little Martin set the mood while guests made a pit stop to check out the pop-up stores by IW Marks Jewelers and DUO Clothing Company. Special thanks to Evamore Water, Buzz Buddy, Treat, Taft McWhorter, Al’s Shoes, In Motion Marketing Group and 002houston magazine for their support.

Photography by Claire Learned for lastnightpics.com

Why To celebrate the Houston art scene

Where Winter Street Studios

When January 28

Hundreds of Houstonians poured into Winter Street to celebrate a night of music, food, fashion and art. Guests sampled light bites from BB’s Cafe, Bibas Kitbar, The Counter, Jamaica House, Kona Grill, Nabi Neighborhood Restaurant and Zelko Bistro. Attendees enjoyed art from over 20 local artists, displaying works from various mediums including paint, photography, glass art, and street art.  Over the course of the evening eventgoers enjoyed three fashion shows, live performance art provided by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Talento Bilingue de Houston and Cuadro La Tempestad Flamenco, as well as live musical performances by Finnegan, Folk Family Revival and Young Mammals.

Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

WHY To benefit War’Hous Foundation

WHERE Villains Houston

WHEN January 13

Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com

Why To benefit It’s My Heart

Where BMW West

When February 10

Why    To benefit War’Hous Foundation
Where    Villains Houston
When     January 13

More than 800 art supporters gathered at Villains during the anticipated Dandee Warhol’s Ridiculously 80’s show not only to have fun, but to help raise funds for War’Hous Foundation, a newly found nonprofit organization that supports the Houston art scene. Guests strolled throughout the underground-style, graffiti-covered venue admiring perfectly lit 80’s-inspired art by 30 local artists. The scene was buzzing thanks to Grrrl Parts, Disco Daddies, DJ Dan-Knee, Glasnost DJs, who spun 80’s classic tunes giving guests a bit of déjà vu. A fashion show showcasing retro fashions and a break-dancing contest were huge crowd pleasers.

Photography by Omar Mejia