Lucy on the Fly with Diamonds!

Actress, painter and UNICEF ambassador Lucy Liu, 41, spent one night in Houston—last night. The petite powerhouse floated into the $1,000-a-plate, sold-out UNICEF benefit bash at John and Becca Cason Thrash’s home like an angel in a strapless gown glistening with paillettes. Before the party, Liu spoke with Houston magazine, a co-sponsor of the event, about her first visit to the city, and what’s next on her agenda. Get more exclusive coverage of the party in Houston magazine's February issue.

Your dress is stunning. Who designed it? Thank you. It’s very travel-friendly. It’s Carolina Herrera. She’s very good at what she does.

And your clutch [a silver exotic skin bag with sparkling, diamond-encrusted closure]? Lana Marks. This is a highly guarded bag. I think these are [real] diamonds.

This is your first time to Houston. Is it what you expected? It’s beautiful. [The Memorial area] is gorgeous. Obviously Becca has gone out of her way to host this event, and her staff is incredible.

Will you have a chance to check out any museums? I actually don’t have time. We leave tonight, flying out. [Liu hopped on a plane to India immediately following dinner.] It’s a little bit crazy. But I’m glad I could make it.

Speaking of art, you paint in your spare time. I have a book coming out. Actually, it will be out this year, in a few months. It’s a series of 72 paintings.

A woman of many talents! Is it true you play the accordion too? Oh, that was ages ago! Ages!

In terms of music, two different pop songs mention you [“Hey Ya” by Outkast and Destiny’s Child's “Independent Women”]. If you had to pick an artist to give you a shout-out, who would it be? That’s hard. I don’t know that artists I like are going to do any shout-outs. I love Radiohead. But I don’t see [Thom Yorke] doing a shout-out any time soon!

You truly defy your age. What’s your secret? I don’t drink coffee—ever—and I think that eating well helps. But mainly I spend time with great people, and try not to inhibit myself. I try to live a full life as much as possible.

Tell me about your involvement with UNICEF, and why it’s so important to you. I’ve been working with them since 2004. I wanted to be involved with a children’s organization, and I wanted it to be something global. And those two things were a perfect fit with UNICEF—so I started traveling with them and working on different areas of their programs. It was very eye-opening. It’s been like a second career for me, being a part of their team and understanding their mission to try and bring as much attention and care as we can to children around the world, especially in difficult times. Not just economically, but also in emergency situations like the tsunami or the earthquake in Haiti. [Donate through UNICEF for Haiti relief by clicking here.] It’s incredible. [This event] is great timing because you can never do too much for children.

What’s next for you? I’m going to be doing a show on Broadway. I did something last year—an independent movie called Nomad. So maybe that’ll come out at some festivals this year. I’m working on another movie in the spring when I finish with the play. So there are lot of exciting things going on!

Sorry you couldn’t stay in Houston longer! Oh, I’ll be back!