Adorable Story #63: Lynn Wyatt

Houston's Glamorous Socialite and Philanthropist

“My theory is, when you do something for the first time, you have to hit it out of the park. Otherwise, they don’t come back.”

— Lynn Wyatt

American socialite Lynn Wyatt by a swimming pool in Cap Ferrat, France, 1991 — Photo by Slim Aarons / Getty Images

Lynn (née Sakowitz) Wyatt, is a socialite, philanthropist, and style icon whose influence spans across both her local community and international circles.

In 1963 she married to oil tycoon Oscar Wyatt Jr., she raised four sons and has been a pivotal figure in the Houston art’s scene, supporting institutions like the Houston Grand Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Known for her glamorous style and close friendships with celebrities and royalty, Lynn Wyatt has carved a lasting legacy in the realms of culture and philanthropy.

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Early Beginnings: the Sakowitz

Lynn was born on July 16, 1935 to Bernard Sakowitz and Ann Baum. Her father was a prominent figure in the Houston retail scene: he was the son of one of the founders of the famous Sakowitz department stores.

The Sakowitz stores began with two brothers of Jewish-Ukrainian descends, Tobias and Simon Sakowitz, who emigrated from Ukraine to the United States in the late 19th century.

Settling in Galveston, Texas, they initially worked as peddlers. Their hard work and keen business acumen led them to establish their first store in Galveston in 1902.

As the business grew, the Sakowitz brothers decided to expand beyond Galveston and in 1911, they opened a store in Houston, which would soon grow into a flagship location.

The timing was perfect, as Houston was rapidly expanding and transforming into a bustling urban center fueled by the oil boom.

The Sakowitz Stores capitalized on this growth, catering to the burgeoning class of wealthy oil barons and business moguls who demanded quality and stylish products.

Under the leadership of Tobias’s son, Bernard Sakowitz, the store transformed into a high-end department store known for its luxurious goods and impeccable customer service.

The Sakowitz Department Stores in the 20s

Bernard, who took over in the 1930s, had a vision to make Sakowitz a symbol of fashion and elegance. He introduced Houston to international fashion trends and often traveled to Europe to bring exclusive couture collections to Texas. Sakowitz became known not just for selling clothes but for selling a lifestyle of elegance and opulence.

Education

Lynn attended Kinkaid School, a private school in Houston with a long history of educating many of Houston’s prominent figures.

After finishing her education at Kinkaid, Lynn briefly attended University of Texas at Austin but did not finish her studies there.