Stylishly Generous | Brigitte Kalai & Dr. Sippi Khurana Women of Substance

All Photos By Cindy Cheng Photography (Unless otherwise noted)

“There are so many amazing charities, and so much help is needed. If there is anyway I am able to support, it is my privilege.”

2018 will be quite busy for our Cover ladies. Brigitte is Co-Chairing the 2018 LCAHouston International Mothers Day Soirée, with Rania Mankarious, followed by the UNICEF Ball. She is also chairing the 2018 Una Notte in Italia Gala and Crime Stoppers of Houston 2018 Gala with Dr. Sippi Khurana.

When it comes to fashion Brigitte’s style is impeccable and classic. Heels, heels, and more heels, she lives in her Christian Louboutins. A Roland Mouret dress, Cartier love bracelets, Chanel bag, brazalian blow out hair with slight flips, and she is out the door. When asked, how many pairs of Louboutins do you own? “I have no idea”, replied Mrs. Kalai. “But they are so comfortable, the high chunky heels,” she says.

Brigitte’s neatly color-coordinated walk in closet is a sea of sky-high heels, carefully curated with her favorite Tom Ford black skinny leather pants, a red V-neck Cavalli sweater, and super high CL boots. If asked to pick few of her favorites, she quickly states “the black Roland Mouret dress, red Dolce & Gabbana dress with black and red studded peep toes, a Hermes Medor clutch, and Van Cleef jewelry. “My favorite evening dress is a black Gucci dress with crystals off the runway that Margot Robbie wore to the Oscars. That makes me feel like the brunette version. In my own mind I felt like a star”, she laughs.

Do you follow trends?

“No, I really wish people wouldn’t just follow trends because not all trends suit all body types or ages. I think people should be loyal to their own individual style, but add some of the latest trendy pieces accordingly.”

Martin B. Cominsky, President and CEO of Interfaith Ministries (IM), informed LCAHouston about the magnanimous gift, a $1 Million commitment from you Brigitte and Bashar, that allows IM to break new ground on a wonderful symbolic representation of ‘respect for thy neighbor’ in the Greater Houston area. WOW, that’s incredible! Tell us more.

“The Plaza of Respect will be a stunning outdoor space in the heart of Midtown, which will offer the community a gathering place, inspiring artwork, and an educational component about the many faiths of Houston but most importantly help IM’s Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston which delivers more than one million meals each year to seniors in Harris and Galveston counties, the refugee services which, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, resettles hundreds of refugees in Houston each year,” explains Brigitte. “We believe in you, the international media, and its importance in this country. I am half Egyptian and half American and so blessed to grow up in a diverse city like Houston.”

“Yes, this was a big commitment for us, but we believe in peace and harmony,” she says. Brigitte’s generosity is not calculative, she is simply and genuinely a loving and giving person. She is fully aware of the potential danger of too much exposure. Regardless, she manages to remain below the radar and still support and help local charities and Houston businesses. “It’s important. We all have a responsibility.”

In spite of their extremely busy schedules, Brigitte and Bashar manage to successfully instill in their children the values of hard work, and that the concept of serving the community is the highest privilege.

What’s a typical day for Mrs. Kalai?

“Oh boy! It starts very early. Someone better bring me my Starbucks so I get started,” she jokes. “I have been a stay at home mom for few years now, but being involved with various charities, whether on the board or chairing it, is a full time job. I think it’s important that a woman finds her passion. I feel happy supporting the community as it sets a positive example for my children.”

After the interview, I find Brigitte has slipped into her off-the-runway burgundy satin gown by Rubin Singer for our photo-shoot. With a team of photographers, make up artists and assistants, and extreme rush-rush schedule, Brigitte stops to attend to everyone’s needs, and we admire her for that.

How do you feel about “colored” furs for the winter?

“Is it a hit or a miss? I love them, just as long as they are faux fur.”

Being a native Houstonian, she is incredibly proud of this great city, and is dedicated to improving issues at home by giving back to the local community and worldwide. Whether it’s as the Founding Member and Contributor to the Swadesh Khurana Endowed Fellowship benefitting Stroke Care at The Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, a fellowship that was established in loving memory of her Mother-in-law, or as a member of the Board of Directors for The Houston Symphony, UNICEF Southwest Region, Pratham USA, American India Foundation, the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, Sippi is fully engaged with the community.

Alongside Brigitte Kalai, she is chairing the 2018 Audrey Hepburn Society Ball for UNICEF, and the Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala. Amongst numerous awards and accolades, I think Houstonians loved her in the role of an emcee at our very own International Mothers Day Soirée, with KPRC Channel 2 Anchorman Andy Cerota.

Would you be a TV Anchor if given the chance?

“In a heartbeat! I have always loved public speaking and feel the job of a journalist is such a vital one. It is at the very heart of democracy.”

This year has been incredible. It started with ABC 13’s Woman of Distinction Award and will end with the prestigious Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame Gala. The event will honor women who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women, and improved the quality of life for future generations.

She hopes to combine her knowledge and love for family, medicine, and philanthropy to make a difference in the lives of fellow Houstonians and those suffering worldwide. “Life is short and what matters most is our best effort in furthering humanity. We must be people for others first,” explains Sippi.