A FAIRY TALE GALA FOR ALL

A FAIRY TALE GALA FOR ALL

Ballet Austin’s Cinderella Themed Fête & fête*ish Dazzle

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by John Pesina

THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for a night of great fun and fundraising. During the evening, over 550 of the Capital City’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and art patrons were on hand to celebrate Ballet Austin’s annual Fête & fête*ish. This year’s Cinderella theme, which celebrated the recent Mother’s Day production of the beloved fairytale, created a magical experience that those fortunate enough to each live their own happily ever after.

THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd felt the magic of the evening the moment they stepped off the escalator and entered the ballroom foyer of the venue. Upon arrival, guests were treated to champagne and the opportunity to pose for a photo in front of a step and repeat to commemorate the evening. Patrons then made their way further into the ballroom foyer for a lively cocktail hour where they were treated to jazz music in the background, courtesy of Parker Jazz Club, as well as the opportunity to spot “little mice” running in unison to add to the magical, storybook theme of the evening. These adorable characters were comprised by the youthful participants of Ballet Austin.

The action then moved to the main ballroom for the main program. As guests took to their seats and began eating their delectable multi-course meals, they were interrupted by a very special guest, Cinderella herself. During the program, Cinderella emcee Cassandra King effortlessly kept the audience engaged as partygoers were treated to words from organization leaders as well as emotional testimonials of how Ballet Austin has positively impacted the Central Texas community. Next came a spirited live auction with the top items including a trip to San Miguel, the opportunity to star as a Mother Ginger in this year’s annual Ballet Austin Nutcracker performances over the holidays, and a luxury kitchen remodel donated by Build 512.

Next came one of the most anticipated moments of the Austin social season. The moment where the ballroom doors to the 350 attendees of Ballet Austin Fête to reveal one an additional 200 patrons at the fête*ish after party that was already in full swing. From there, two audiences combined as one where revelers danced the night away until the clock stuck midnight to the tunes of DJ Cassandra.

THE NON PROFIT: The event raised over $500,000 for Ballet Austin, which is one of the 15 largest classical ballet companies in the United States. Funds raised from this year’s Fête & fête*ish will go towards Ballet Austin programs to fulfill their mission of providing exceptional arts education and artistic programming to Central Texans.

THE WOW FACTOR

THE WOW FACTOR

What a year for both giving and receiving during the holiday season. No matter what, the show must go on… and all year long, we’ve been searching the globe for the most unique, interesting, practical, and dazzling offerings for everyone in your life. Join our style seekers Alexandra del Lago, Jake Gaines, Lance Avery Morgan, and Leanne Raesener for these inspiringly glamorous ideas. 

SEA TO SHINING SEA

Respecting the delicate flavor of caviar and other species of delicious roe, Larusmiani’s ultra-fine 5-piece caviar set includes two knives with mother-of-pearl handles, two small spoons, and a spoon made entirely of mother-of-pearl. Go ahead, take a dip. $1835. At TheRake.com.

STAYING THE COURSE

The Southern Tide x Star E.V. Collaboration to create an environmentally astute V.I.P. golf cart has our vote as the best way to get from the clubhouse to the 18th hole. Price upon request. At SouthernTide.com.

RESORT-ING TO NEW IDEAS

Bora Bora is where you’ll want to go as your next five-star destination…to flee the everyday world. The recently renovated Four Seasons Bora Bora, with its tropical splendor and amenities, is like no other in the world. From ocean-topped villas to the best activities on the planet, you’ll feel like you’ve really escaped. Price upon request. At FourSeasons.com.

CHIC CHAPEAU

From the neighborhood park to the French Riviera, this raffia straw hat will tell many stories. The dramatic brim provides plenty of shade, and the laced grosgrain on the crown  is inspired by the ribbon ties (chose black or navy) of traditional Basque espadrilles. $300. At LolaHats.com.  

FRENCH TIPS

With its recently refurbished interior, you’ll feel perfectly at home in the new world-meets-old world style at the Plaza Athénée in Paris. The sleek chrome-laden restaurant, Alain Ducasse, will welcome you back to the City of Lights with open arms.  At DorchesterCollection.com.

SEE YOURSELF IN A NEW LIGHT

With technology that mimics actual true sunlight, this Simple Human Sensor Mirror Pro Wide View mirror is perfect for the vanity or, yes, selfies, with its real-life settings of office, restaurant, and candlelight. $400. At SimpleHuman.com.

SUCH BRIGHT, GRAY DAYS AHEAD

Feel like you’re on holiday every day…with a clever Slim Aarons-esque print from photographer Gray Malin. With a bevy of beachy keen images to choose from, having one is never enough to capture that mid-century lifestyle finesse. Unframed prints start at $299. At GrayMalin.com.  

DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS

The luxury of putting on a dress by Esme Vie is unparalleled. Part of a capsule collection, and exclusive to The SIL, an online boutique created by Vernon, Texas native Natalie Bond Bloomingdale, this St. Tropez dress in lilac dream, with an accent of rose floral buttons, is a terrific choice for a dramatic entrance. $1095. At ShopTheSIL.com.

TURN ON AND DROP-IN

Combining creativity with craftsmanship, Cassandra Collections, by designer San Antonio-bred Austin resident Cassandra King Polidori, features unique jewelry to be worn as everyday essentials…or for formal occasions. How about a cadre of them? Price upon request. At CassandraCollections.com.

BEAUTY-FULL AND SO HELPFUL

With The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign to support the Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, as you beautify, you’ll be helping those in need, too. We recommend the Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede scent, $142. At JoMalone.com, Darphin INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum, $90. At BlueMercury.com, and LA MER Crème de la Mer’s The Moisturizing Cream, $190. At CremeDeLaMer.com.

BEAUTY-FULL AND SO HELPFUL

With Estee Lauder’s Pink Ribbon Products campaign to support the Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, as you beautify, you’ll be helping those in need, too. We recommend the Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede scent, $142. At JoMalone.com, Darphin INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum, $90. At BlueMercury.com, and LA MER Crème de la Mer’s The Moisturizing Cream, $190. At CremeDeLaMer.com.

FLYIN’ HIGHER THAN EVER

How better to try something new? Feel the rush in a safe, contained environment with an indoor skydiving experience. For skydiving simulators and wind tunnel skydiving in Texas, there are a variety of locations near you. Price upon request. At Cloud9Living.com.

CORRESPONDING IDEAS

Welcome to the ultimate paper lover’s indulgence. Here’s a selection of jotters, stationery, gift tags, and coasters–all with a beloved Bell’INVITO signature touch of detail. The Pucker. $455. At BellINVITO.com.

CAFTAN CHIC

Want to live an eternal Palm Beach lifestyle? All that it takes is donning an Ala Von Auersperg Kathe caftan in her signature bright, festive colors and timeless silhouettes. No matter what the occasion, from entertaining at home to attending a wedding, it’s always right. $650. At AlavonAuersperg.com.

HELLO, YOUR LADYSHIP

Why not make it official? The world of The Crown beckons you. Actually, the manor of Alconbury, UK, welcomes you. Once you fill out the paperwork, you’ll be titled. A Lordship is offered, too, for the gents. Tiaras and septors not included. $30. At UncommonGoods.com.

OUI, LE CAFÉ

Need your morning java as fresh as possible? Look no further than this easy-to-use Chambord French Press coffee maker. In four minutes flat, the job is done, and you’ll be on your way. Plus, this will look so very sleek on your counter. $50. At Amazon.com.

CAPTIVATING CLUTCHES

Who can decide on just one perfect purse? Very few can. So why not ask for a wardrobe of them to refresh your style? Kathy Fielder and her eponymous store in Dallas have scads to choose from, and these are just a few of  our favorites. Prices upon request. At KathyFielderBoutique.com.

ARTFUL SPORT

Be the hit on your mountain with these Keith Haring Tribal 78 skis that boast an excellent  edge grip on the ice and are very stable throughout each aspect of the turn. Adds more color to your outfit on the black run, don’t you think? $2500. At BomberSki.com.

GO, GO GADGET

Electronics can be customized to your every need. We recommend the coolest new products from JLab Audio that will have you on the go with the most innovative wireless sound quality on the planet. We suggest the Epic Air ANC–truly wireless smart active noise-canceling earbuds with a companion  JLab Air ANC App. We also dig the Talk Microphone–a USB microphone great for video conference calls and podcasting, the Studio Pro wireless headset and the Buddies Studio Wireless kids headphones are important with virtual/online learning, and these can be both wired and wireless. Prices vary. At JLabAudio.com.

POCKET LISTING

Interesting art can and should, surround you at all times. So, why not choose a pocket square that tells a story, too? This L’Envie silk number is one of the dozens of designs by London’s esteemed clothier, Rampley & Co. $85. At TheRake.com.

FIND YOUR EXPERT SPIRIT ANIMAL

Masterclass, with its online courses taught by experts, will help you learn to cook from Gordon Ramsey, write a book from James Patterson, or learn about conservation from Dr. Jane Goodall, to name a few  examples of the world-class masters. Subscription is $15 a month. At Masterclass.com.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

This aerial photographer’s drone dream has a 20-megapixel camera that captures super sharp images and video and is extremely easy to navigate. It will make your family’s next vacation a lot more exciting (at least for you, dad). The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Version 2.0 Quadcopter utilizes the Flight Autonomy system for a total of five directions of obstacle sensing and four directions of obstacle avoidance. $1599. At B&H Photo Video.com.

SWIM & SLIM

The new slim swimsuit silhouette will take off visual pounds when you visit your favorite resort again soon. The always-right Vilebrequin trunks continue to be a classic and comes in father-son sets that are memory-making and perfectly Instagram-able. From $260. At Vilebrequin.com.

YES, I SEE THAT

Whether you are channeling your inner 007, or just want to have the latest style in shades, there are plenty of designs to choose from, thanks to Houston-based designer Margot Hogan, founder of Transparent Sunglasses. Her horn-rimmed shades for men, like those presented here, will have you seeing a rosy future. Prices vary. At TransparentSunglasses.com.

YOUR TABLE IS READY

We relish an everyday object that can become extraordinary, don’t you? Like these billiard balls, for instance, that will refine any pool table and game room. In the signature Tiffany & Co. blue, of course. $1750. At Tiffany & Co.

THE ORIGINAL ZOOM

If you could have any classic car of your choice, wouldn’t you choose a vintage 1957 Chevrolet Corvette? At 63 years old, and entering its golden years, it’s as gorgeous as ever and still rides like an adventure-filled dream. Price upon request. At Hemmings.com.

MEET YOU AT THE 19th HOLE

Born to reclaim the lost legacy of great American irons, Texas-based P53 is the only bespoke golf irons company in the world to commit from day one to 100% U.S. forging and hand-made production in over two decades. P53’s head of design and customization has worked with over sixty of golf’s major champions. The time, care, skill, and effort invested into every set of P53 irons is peerless. Created by founder Christopher Griffin. Price upon request. At P53Irons.com.

ROBOTIC SYNERGY

Take a break and let A.I. do the mowing with this Automower by Husqvarna. It will have your neighbors scratching their heads as they watch it cut the lawn on its own, even when it’s drizzling. From $1599. At Lowes.com.

LET’S TABLE THAT FOR NOW

With Table Topics, you can be sure there’s never a lull at a dinner party. Try these questions to start great conversations that range in many themes, including Past Present Future, and our favorite, Not Your Mom’s Dinner Party. $25 per box. At TableTopics.com.

PUMP UP THE JAM

Leave it to Hermès to create a portable turntable. You can now spin your favorite vinyl records anywhere, and look cooler than ever while doing so. Price upon request. At Hermès.com.

BLANKET CLAUSE

For the wintery nights, how about cuddling up in these luxe Equadorian-made blankets by QISU, a company founded by Austinites Fernando Gonzaga and Mark Erwin? Offered in a selection of vibrant colors with contrasting fringe, these alpaca wool throws will liven up any space, especially since they are so ultra-soft,  hypoallergenic, and waterproof. Prices and sizes vary from $249. At QISUme.com.

COCKTAILS, EVERYONE?

Austinite Kate Hersch, founder of August Morgan, is popular with the home entertaining crowd for many reasons. Her quirky and quippy linen cocktail napkins are the hostess gift to give and receive. $40 for a set of four. At AugustMorgan.com.

TIME TO TOWEL OFF

A towel that expresses who you are by the pool, or at the surf, is a treasure. We love these 100% cotton velour, oversized ones by Texas-raised stylist-to-the-stars Stefan Beckman, founder of Lateral Objects in New York. Each towel can come with its own dive mesh pouch. $120. At LateralObjects.com.

FRAGRANTLY ATMOSPHERIC

Home fragrance has been completely redefined with the introduction of Home Cologne eau de toilette by San Antonio-based Soular Therapy. This luxury ambiance spray offers an elevated, boutique experience in scents like The Study No. 629, The Library No. 721 (shown), and Hacienda No. 117. It’s inspired by nature and architecture to instantly transform any room, office or vehicle…while also sanitizing linens and cotton fabric with its 70% ethanol alcohol, skin-safe formulation. $39-65. At SoularTherapy.com.

AS SHARP AS EVER

Hand-crafted in Japan, we love that these extremely sharp stainless steel knives have durable birch Pakkawood handles and blades with a hornet’s nest pattern on each side. The seven-piece set, for the chef in your life, includes five knives, a birch block display, and honing steel. $1199. At WilliamsSonama.com.

JEWELRY FOR THE HOME

A custom pillow can change the face and feel of any room. Treat yourself and your spaces, with peacock feathers, vintage fabrics, and jewelry for a one-of-a-kind look, created by The Pillow Goddess founder Deborah Main, an Austin-based artisan. Prices vary. Shown, $1217 and $1395. At DeborahMainDesigns.com.

TREASURE CHEST

Enhance any occasion with the Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest, crafted by artisans to the highest standard of elegance and luxury. This curated creation includes a removable serving tray, a champagne bottle thermal flask, two thermal caviar bowls, and four hand-blown champagne flutes, all with a leather carrying sleeve. $47,000. At Rolls-RoyceMotorcars.com.

MOVIE NIGHT IS EVERY NIGHT

From the patio and backyard to the family room, turn up the fun with the Nebula Capsule II, the 1 ½ pound device that projects up to 100 feet wide with a 270-degree angle. And just think, you can introduce your kids to classic films in a new way. $580. At Anker.com.