Mio Lovers Support Agha Khan Foundation Partnership Walk

Cristal Castellano De Ordonez

An elegant and fashionable evening was held by some of Houston’s most charitable hearts at the stunning Mio Boutique. Fashionistas gathered in the newly renovated store to look at the season’s latest arrivals. Indian origin Houston based Bela Thacker, of Zayver Jewels had set up shop in the boutique with a wide selection of chunky jeweled necklaces, earrings and bracelets, which guests were encouraged to try on and purchase. Both Mio and Zayver very generously agreed to donate 15% of all their sales that evening to benefit the Aga Khan Foundation Emissary Dr. Huma Nawab for the Partnership Walk to fight global poverty.

Houston’s locals are coming together for a this important cause. The 2014 Partnership Walk season is in full swing and will be held this Saturday November 15. In an effort to get locals involved the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Houston team launched the AKF Emissary Awards Campaign. Eight nominated AKF Emissaries are Katya Glockner Dow, Dr. Monira Hamid–Kundi, Misti Pace-Krahl, Teresa Cox Reading, Rick Pal, Dr. Huma Nawab Haider, Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry and Dr. Lily Zhang.

The new Mio store is everything you would expect of the owner, Claudia Ayala. The store has grown up for the colder weather and their new apparel reflects that. Gone are the lace shorts and tribal print tanks, in with gorgeous Nissa dresses and upscale slacks. This is the store for every professional woman, to meet both her needs at the office and after hours. All who came to the charity event were also able try out make up and fall hair styles provided by Posh Aveda Salon. Guests were pampered with tasty bites, fun raffle gifts and with lots of shopping.

The event was filled with surprises as models walked around showcasing fall fashion trends. “It’s definitely a place with a fun relaxing vibe that’s exactly what you want when dress shopping… no pressure and plenty to choose from,” says Rita Garcia, FOX 26 who came out to support the cause. Raffle winners walked away with gifts from Zayver Jewels, Mio Boutique, Children’s book ‘Lord Fancy Pants’, Portraits BY Lesle Shone Photography, Massage gift certificates by Posh Salon, and Box of Chocolates By Araya Artisan Chocolates.

Attending the fundraiser included: Chiara Casiraghi, Ashia Johnson, Darian Ward, Mandy Kao, Kathleen McCarter, Sneha Merchant, Sippi Khurana, Savreet Singh, Arefa Merchant, Leslie Wall Hassen, Lulu Sejari, Cristal Castellano De Ordonez, and others.

Photos by Sandeep Khandelwal